Michigan Manager of Policy and Programs

About Teach Plus

Teach Plus is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to empowering skilled, experienced, and diverse educators to take leadership roles in shaping key policy and practice issues aimed at promoting equity, opportunity, and student success. Central to our mission is fostering teacher leadership and voice to enhance student outcomes. We invest in our top teachers by developing them into knowledgeable and persuasive leaders, enabling them to address critical education challenges and advance opportunities for all students.

Position Overview

We seek a Manager of Policy and Programs for Michigan who will lead efforts to ensure that every student can access and actively participate in postsecondary-focused courses such as Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Early Middle College, International Baccalaureate, and Career and Technical Education. This role aims to close gaps in access caused by racial and socioeconomic disparities to improve postsecondary readiness and success for students across Michigan.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Michigan Policy Fellowship by customizing and managing comprehensive learning experiences like monthly trainings and retreats to empower fellows with leadership and policy skills, resulting in tangible accomplishments such as policy proposals and measurable adoption or influence at school district or state levels.
• Ensure an equitable and rigorous recruitment and selection process to assemble a diverse and capable cohort of fellows aligned with Teach Plus Michigan objectives.
• Continuously improve programs by gathering and analyzing data regarding teacher experiences and efficacy, providing actionable recommendations that strengthen effectiveness yearly.
• Set and monitor clear milestones for fellows’ projects to guarantee progress and successful outcomes, partnering closely with the Executive Director and team to maintain accountability.
• Identify key policy issues and opportunities that align with Teach Plus Michigan’s strategic goals and future planning.
• In collaboration with leadership, plan expanded programming such as Alumni Fellowships and Teach Plus-led coalitions with clear agendas and structured sequencing.
• Support teacher leaders in strengthening skills, deepening knowledge of policy issues, and utilizing research and data to advocate effectively within schools and communities.
• Coach and support teacher advocacy efforts including writing op-eds, engaging policymakers, delivering testimony, and organizing community efforts at various government levels.
• Ensure all fellows develop advocacy plans focused on a select number of high-impact policy priorities and assist them in executing these plans.
• Maintain active alumni engagement through leadership opportunities, advocacy programming, targeted communications, and event coordination to maximize ongoing impact.
• Foster and sustain strategic relationships with policymakers, district officials, coalition members, and education organizations to expand Teach Plus Michigan’s policy influence.
• Represent Teach Plus Michigan at various public forums and events to promote organizational mission with clear measurable engagement outcomes.
• Support fundraising efforts by linking program success insights to stakeholder and funder priorities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Between 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in education, policy, advocacy, or related sectors, with classroom teaching background highly favored.
• Prior experience in education policy, legislative advocacy, and systemic change initiatives preferred.
• Familiarity with Michigan’s college and career readiness systems, pathways, and related policies.
• Demonstrated ability to design, manage, and scale programs that produce measurable positive impacts.
• Proven success in building and maintaining relationships with teachers, policymakers, and coalition partners.
• Strong organizational skills capable of juggling multiple priorities and cross-functional projects within a dynamic work environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with capability to represent Teach Plus persuasively to diverse external audiences including educators, policymakers, and funders.
• Expertise in adult education methods, professional development, facilitation, and coaching.
• A committed dedication to improving educational outcomes for students, especially those from historically underrepresented groups.

Location, Travel, and Work Schedule

This is a remote position based in Michigan; preference is for candidates residing in or near Lansing or Detroit areas who can commute as needed. The role requires flexible hours including around 3-5 evening commitments a month and 2-3 weekends annually to support policy sessions and stakeholder meetings. The anticipated start timeframe is late August or early September 2026.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $87,000 to $106,000 annually, with most new hires earning between the starting range up to $93,525, depending on experience and qualifications. Salary offers follow structured criteria promoting internal equity and consistency without negotiation.

Teach Plus values comprehensive support for its team, providing competitive pay alongside benefits that promote well-being and career growth. Benefits include generous paid time off, shared summer and winter breaks, half-day Fridays during summer, comprehensive healthcare plans, retirement contributions with immediate vesting, paid parental leave for all caregivers, and a four-week paid sabbatical after five years of service.