Senior Policy Advisor for Education

As a member of the New York Executive Chamber, the Senior Policy Advisor for Education serves under the Deputy Secretary for Education and develops, implements, and governs statewide higher education, early childhood education and P-12 education effectors. This role focuses on translating high-level administration goals into actionable, scalable policy and regulation across the New York State Department of Education (NYSED), State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), and Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). Key portfolio priorities include driving K–12 "Back to Basics" standards (evidence-based literacy and math implementation) and advancing postsecondary affordability and innovation, including career-connected learning models, dual enrollment, and completion efforts. This role assists in developing legislative priorities, negotiating key policy proposals, and coordinating with the budget process for the Deputy Secretary's portfolio. As a key advisor to the Deputy Secretary for Education, agency leadership, the Governor, and senior staff, the Senior Policy Advisor works in close coordination with counsel, communications, state agency leadership (including NYSED, SUNY, CUNY, HESC, and NYSDOL), fellow deputy secretaries, and legislative affairs staff. Duties: Executive Strategy & Governance: Reports directly to the Deputy Secretary for Education to drive the Governor's strategic education agenda across state entities and external partner networks. K–12 "Back to Basics" Implementation: Drives policy oversight and implementation efforts focused on foundational K–12 academic strategy, with emphasis on evidence-based literacy instruction (e.g., Science of Reading), math standards alignment, and high-impact tutoring strategies across school districts statewide. Higher Education & Postsecondary Innovation: Advises on key postsecondary policy initiatives that modernize degree pathways, support non-degree credentialing, and drive completion and affordability. State Longitudinal Data System: Supports the development of the state longitudinal data system to drive improved educational outcomes for students. Budget & Legislative Coordination: Collaborates with the Division of the Budget (DOB) on aligned grant and budgeting, and legislative negotiations during the annual budget process. Stakeholder Engagement: Consults with key education and community stakeholders, including school board associations, superintendent groups, teacher unions, higher education leadership, employer associations, workforce development boards, and student advocacy organizations. Policy Analysis & Data Mapping: Conducts data analysis, tracks student achievement and postsecondary outcome metrics and reviews educational materials. Executive Materials Preparation: Prepares position papers, testimony, legislative proposals, policy memos, rule reviews, briefing books, budget language, and executive speeches. Special Projects: Coordinates summits, inter-agency working groups, site visits, and special policy initiatives as directed by the Deputy Secretary. Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree is required. The preferred candidate should have 5+ years of relevant work experience. OR an advanced degree related to education, public policy, management, or public administration with 1+ years of relevant work experience. Demonstrated commitment to public service. Experience in creating and executing strategic plans. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working directly on state-level or large district-level literacy/math instructional strategy, postsecondary innovation, or career-connected learning pathways. Familiarity with New York State’s education policy ecosystem (including NYSED, the Board of Regents, SUNY, CUNY, and HESC) and relevant federal funding streams (Workforce Pell, Perkins V, Title I/II). Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, high-stakes, and confidential environment under tight deadlines. Strong project management and organizational skills. Exceptional written, oral, and analytical communication skills. Proficiency with the Google Workspace suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gemini) and data visualization tools. NYS Executive Chamber is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability status, arrest record or criminal conviction history, or any other category protected by law. We are happy to consider reasonable and religious accommodations during the hiring process, please send your request to View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr New York State Executive Chamber