Public Policy and Partnerships Associate

WHO WE ARE

The Alliance for Decision Education (the Alliance) is a national nonprofit and field builder with the mission of improving lives by empowering students with essential skills and dispositions for making better decisions. Founded in 2014 and backed by experts in decision sciences, business, and education—including several Nobel laureates—the Alliance believes that better decisions lead to better lives and a better society.

As a field builder, the Alliance partners with teachers, academic and business leaders, families, and community members to raise awareness and lead the growing call to have Decision Education taught in schools across the country.

The Alliance is committed to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative culture. Our diverse team is made up of educators, researchers, subject matter experts, and other professionals dedicated to our mission. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WHAT WE OFFER

The Alliance offers a comprehensive total rewards package inclusive of competitive compensation commensurate with experience, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Employees may also contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), as well as a 401(k) plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%.*

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

The Alliance operates on a hybrid work schedule in which local employees are expected to work from the office every Tuesday and Thursday during standard work hours. Local employees generally have the flexibility to work remotely or from the office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. All employees, both local and remote, receive equipment, supplies, and additional resources to help them do their best work.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Public Policy and Partnerships (Senior) Associate is responsible for managing relationships with the members of the Alliance Councils and other external partners and networks, facilitating their engagement, and ensuring the smooth execution of activities and events. This role includes administrative, organizational, and strategic tasks to support meetings and events,  foster relationships, and drive engagement with both current and prospective partners.

The Public Policy and Partnerships (Senior) Associate will report to the Deputy Director of Public Policy and Partnerships as a part of the Public Policy and Partnerships (PPP) Department. This position may be an Associate or Senior Associate, depending on a candidate’s experience and qualifications.

We expect local employees to adhere to the Alliance’s hybrid work schedule, working both remotely and from our office in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

External Engagement Support:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all external partners managed by the PPP  department, addressing inquiries, concerns, and requests, and connecting to other team members as needed.
• Track and document communications, interactions, and activities with external partners using a Client/Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or other tools.
• Keep up to date on Council members’ professional achievements and interests, and use this information to personalize engagement.
• Prepare and distribute materials, including meeting agendas, minutes, and follow-up documents.

Engagement Strategy:

• Assist in developing and executing engagement strategies to foster strong relationships with current external partners.
• Coordinate outreach efforts—including emails, phone calls, and 1:1 meetings—to maintain consistent communication with current and prospective partners.
• Plan and manage virtual and in-person Council meetings and events, ensuring logistics are seamless and members feel engaged and valued.
• Facilitate Council member participation in key organizational activities and initiatives.
• Support the development and maintenance of a database for prospecting, recruiting, and onboarding new external partners.

Internal Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments to align Council and partner activities with broader organizational goals and initiatives.
• Liaise with teams to share insights on external partners’ needs and interests, ensuring alignment and collaboration across departments.
• Provide regular reports on Council and partner activities, engagement levels, and feedback to leadership.
• These responsibilities may change or expand over time consistent with the organization’s needs and initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Requirements
  • 1+ years of relevant experience such as member relations, engagement, community management, project coordination, or event planning.
  • Experience using a Client/Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
  • Experience in coordinating logistics for meetings and events, both virtual and in-person.
  • Experience or interest in education/nonprofit is a plus.
  • Experience in Decision Science, or an interest in this area, is a plus.
• Skills, Characteristics, and Attributes
  • Strong communication skills, including excellent written and verbal communication, especially in engaging with diverse stakeholders
  • Responsible, diligent, and conscientious with outstanding organizational skills
  • Detail-oriented and able to handle a fast-paced work environment
  • Ability to work efficiently with a high level of independence and initiative; self-motivated
  • Have excellent time management skills and a commitment to meeting tight deadlines
  • Reflects the Alliance’s core values and standards:
    • Humanism: valuing others as human beings
    • Rationality: thinking and skills to help answer “what is true?” and “what to do?”
    • Education: growth mindset; dedication to developing knowledge and skills
    • Conscientiousness: diligent work ethic; professionalism; high-quality work
    • Initiative: owner’s and founder’s mentality; leadership skills
    • Mission Alignment: dedication to the organization’s mission and goals
• Successful completion of the pre-employment screening process.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Understand and demonstrate safe work practices at all times to ensure a safe work environment.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned by management.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Sitting: most of the time is spent sitting at a desk or work station
• Occasional walking or standing
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 10 lbs
• Hand and Finger Dexterity: Constant use of hands for tasks such as typing, writing or handling small objects.
• Visual and auditory requirements: Good vision and hearing are often necessary for tasks such as reading documents, working on a computer, or communicating with colleagues or external parties.

The position is based in the United States.

* Any posted benefits and/or salary range for this position reflects our good faith estimate of what ideal candidates for this position are likely to expect. We will tailor any offer based on the selected candidate’s relevant experience, knowledge, and skills as well as any other factors that may prove relevant. Salary and benefits mentioned may be revised at the discretion of the company.

The Alliance for Decision Education is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Employment at Alliance for Decision Education is on an at-will basis. This means that either the employee or the company can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Keywords

Public PolicyPartnershipsExternal EngagementEngagement StrategyInternal CollaborationCommunication SkillsOrganizational SkillsTime ManagementCRM SystemEvent PlanningCommunity ManagementProject Coordination