New Mexico Manager of Policy and Programs

New Mexico Manager of Policy and Programs 

(Geo-flexible in NM- Albuquerque/Santa Fe area preferred)

What We Do

Teach Plus New Mexico develops teacher leaders and advances educator-informed policies that improve student outcomes and economic mobility. Working alongside educators, policymakers, school leaders, and community partners, we strengthen public education by building educator leadership, conducting policy research, and advancing practical, evidence-based solutions that improve implementation, accountability, and student success across New Mexico.

Our work is guided by a long-term vision focused on strengthening data-driven decision-making, expanding access to high-quality educators and schools, increasing college and career readiness, and ensuring every student graduates prepared for postsecondary success and economic mobility.

What You’ll Do  

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Policy and Programs leads Teach Plus New Mexico's Policy Fellowship and educator leadership initiatives while helping advance the organization's statewide policy agenda.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about developing leaders, translating research into action, building partnerships, and helping educators shape policies that improve outcomes for students. As a coach, facilitator, and policy strategist, you will support teacher leaders in transforming their classroom expertise into evidence-based recommendations that influence education policy and practice across New Mexico.

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Manager will also support strategic partnerships, coalition engagement, policy initiatives, and cross-sector collaborations that advance Teach Plus New Mexico's long-term vision for student success and economic mobility.

Teacher Leadership and Program Management 

Lead and continuously improve Teach Plus New Mexico's educator leadership programming, including the Policy Fellowship. 

• Lead and continuously improve Teach Plus New Mexico's educator leadership programming, including the Policy Fellowship and other educator engagement initiatives.
• Coach and develop teacher leaders through individualized support, training, and feedback.
• Design and facilitate engaging learning experiences focused on policy, advocacy, leadership, and systems change.
• Support educators in developing policy recommendations, testimony, op-eds, presentations, and other public-facing products.
• Build strong relationships with participants and foster a high-quality leadership experience.
• Manage program implementation, timelines, deliverables, communications, and logistics.
• Monitor participant growth, project quality, and program outcomes to ensure impact.

Policy Research and Advocacy 

Support educator-led policy development and advance Teach Plus New Mexico's policy priorities.

• Conduct and synthesize policy research, data, and best practices related to key education issues.
• Support teacher leaders in developing evidence-based policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Contribute to policy briefs, presentations, legislative materials, and other policy communications.
• Advance educator-informed policy solutions that improve implementation, accountability, and measurable student outcomes across New Mexico.
• Track emerging policy developments and provide updates for a variety of audiences.

Partnerships, Coalition Engagement and Communications

Build relationships and partnerships that strengthen educator voice and policy impact across New Mexico

• Create meaningful opportunities for educators to engage directly with decision-makers through meetings, legislative activities, public presentations, research initiatives, and statewide events.
• Represent Teach Plus New Mexico in coalitions, advisory groups, legislative meetings, conferences, and statewide convenings.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to advance strategic initiatives, organizational priorities, and cross-sector partnerships.
• Partner with internal communications staff to elevate educator voice through policy briefs, newsletters, public presentations, social media, media opportunities, and other public-facing communications.
• Support organizational learning by documenting lessons learned, sharing promising practices, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Who You Are

You are a relationship-builder, facilitator, and strategic thinker who believes educators should play a leading role in shaping education policy. To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• 5+ years of experience in education policy, advocacy, coalition building, educator leadership, community organizing, or a related field.
• Experience conducting research, analyzing data, and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, and facilitation skills.
• Experience coaching, developing, or facilitating adult learners.
• Demonstrated success building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• A commitment to educational opportunity, educator leadership, and systems-level change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of New Mexico's education landscape and policy environment.
• Classroom teaching experience.
• Experience working directly with educators, policymakers, or advocacy coalitions.
• Experience supporting legislative, policy, or systems-change initiatives.

Location, Travel, and Commitment

Candidates must reside in New Mexico and be willing to travel throughout the state as needed. This role requires regular evening and occasional weekend work to support educator programming, legislative activities, coalition meetings, and events with teachers, policymakers, and partners.

Total Rewards

The salary range for this position is $87,000–$106,000. New hires should expect placement between the starting point and the second quartile of the range, up to $93,525, based on experience, skills, and internal equity. To promote equity and consistency, Teach Plus does not negotiate starting salaries. All offers are determined based on job-related criteria and alignment with our established salary structure.

At Teach Plus, we believe the people advancing our mission deserve meaningful support in their work and in their lives. We offer competitive salaries and a strong benefits package designed to support well-being, professional growth, and long-term sustainability. Our benefits include generous paid time off, shared summer and winter breaks, Summer Half-Day Fridays, comprehensive health coverage, retirement contributions with immediate vesting, paid parental leave for all caregivers, and a four-week paid sabbatical after five years of service. See Teach Plus’ Benefit Summary for more information.