Chief Executive Officer

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), a national political organization, seeks a dynamic, passionate, politically savvy, and strategic leader to serve as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DFER and its partner/affiliate entities. This is a rare, exciting, and significant opportunity to lead an established, nationally impactful organization committed to advocating for policies that will ensure equitable access to education and student success during a time of tremendous opportunity for education reform. 

DFER’s mission is to cultivate and support progressive leaders who champion America’s public school children and are committed to its vision for a public education system that empowers all students—particularly students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and other historically underserved students—to reach their limitless potential. To advance its mission of promoting educational equity, DFER works in tandem with Education Reform Now, a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) entity and national think tank organization, and Education Reform Now Advocacy, a 501(c)(4) advocacy and influencing organization.

The successful CEO will tirelessly and effectively champion DFER’s education reform policies, including its core values of school choice and accountability, and represent DFER’s unique role in pushing for bold ideas within the Democratic party. To this end, the CEO will develop a strategic and ambitious road map for success that galvanizes DFER’s board, state and national staff, and partners. Additionally, the CEO will grow DFER’s visibility by increasing the number of progressive education reform champions at the federal, state, and local level and through increasing media engagement. The CEO will bring together and leverage DFER’s many mission-critical components, including state chapters, the Leaders of Color program, the nonprofit policy think tank, and the political advocacy arm, to achieve DFER’s collective goals. The CEO will set and meet ambitious fundraising goals, including nonprofit and political fundraising from a variety of regional and national donors. In line with DFER’s values, the CEO will model and create an organizational culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the organization and in their work, and foster an internal culture focused on best-in-class execution of the organization’s most important priorities.

The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of and commitment to education reform policies and politics; an unwavering passion for the work and the stamina, drive, and political savvy to engage in the politics of education reform; a diplomatic and decisive leadership style; a track record of cultivating relationships with and raising funds from a variety of foundations and donors; the emotional intelligence to lead in a supportive manner that builds trust with and motivates team members; demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; exceptional communication and advocacy skills; experience managing and developing staff; and pre-existing relationships and partnerships in the education reform space. 

All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged. 

Katie Rockman is leading this search with Janette Martinez.