Education Advisor

Overview

The Education Advisor is a strategic role that acts as a senior advisor to the Mayor, focusing specifically on education systems and initiatives within the City as well as policy and related efforts at the state level. This role involves researching issues, developing the Mayor's education agenda, serving as a liaison to key stakeholders (including the St. Louis Public School board, Charter and private schools, early educational institutions, workforce training, academic institutions, public/private sector, and community groups), and coordinating city-wide educational improvement strategies and efforts.

Position Vision

The vision for the Education Advisor is to create a city where every student, regardless of background, has access to equitable, high-quality education and lifelong learning opportunities, ultimately ensuring all young people are prepared for college, career, and active, responsible citizenship. This requires the Education Advisor to act as a strategic leader, education policy expert, and collaborative force within City government and across the community.

This position will center a strong commitment to equity and justice, with decisions and actions centered on removing systemic barriers to educational equity, ensuring all students and families have fair and just access to quality options. It will also strengthen pathways to lifelong learning, upholding through its work that education is a continuum from early childhood through adulthood. The position will operate with a mandate to support a strong and healthy learning system that supports individuals at all educational stages of life.

The position will foster strong partnerships between City Hall, school districts, charter public schools, private schools, community-based organizations, local businesses, and families to support and create smart and holistic solutions that meet the specific needs of the community. It will also center student agency and empowerment, working to build a stronger educational environment designed to empower area students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to determine their own futures and succeed in a changing world.

Position Description

The Education Advisor serves as the primary bridge between the Mayor's Office and City government, local traditional public, public charter, and private schools, universities, technical schools, families, and community organizations to ensure effective communication, identify community needs, and advocate for high-quality educational services and resources for all students. This role requires building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders to support student success and well-being, and aligning city initiatives with educational goals. Critically, it requires providing the Mayor and Senior Staff with strategic, actionable guidance on the City’s educational landscape and how the City can serve as a force multiplier to improve educational outcomes for all our students and for our entire community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Communication & Collaboration: Act as the City’s primary point of contact for educational stakeholders, including school administrators, parent-teacher associations, and community partners, facilitating clear and consistent information flow between these groups and city leadership.
• Program Development & Coordination: Partner with city departments (e.g., Parks & Recreation, Library Services, Health Department) to develop and implement educational and recreational programs, services, and events for children, youth, and families.
• Advocacy & Resource Acquisition: Research, identify, obtain, and advocate for resources, including grant funding, that will improve access to high-quality education and support services citywide.
• Policy and Legislative Knowledge: Stay informed on relevant local statutes, state education codes, regulations, and legislative changes impacting public education, and inform city management and partners accordingly.
• Community Engagement: Organize and support community engagement activities, meetings, and workshops to gather feedback, address concerns, and inform families about a range of educational matters.
• Problem Solving & Mediation: Assist in the mediation of school-related disputes (e.g., enrollment issues, disciplinary actions) and work with stakeholders to resolve problems and concerns, serving as a neutral party to ensure students' needs are met.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: A Master's degree in Education, Public Administration, Educational Leadership, or a related field is highly desirable. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is the minimum requirement.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in an education, policy development, school administration, or community engagement role, preferably within a government or educational setting.
• Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the organization and operation of public schools, relevant state and federal education laws, policies, and current educational trends and best practices.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, including city staff, parents, students, elected officials, and community leaders; prepare reports, policy papers, legislative proposals, presentations, and talking points for the Mayor; represent the Mayor's office at meetings, workshops, and events; and respond to public inquiries and concerns.
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Soft Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, adaptability, sound judgment, and analytical problem-solving abilities.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related discipline is required.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work a variable schedule, including evenings and weekends for meetings and events.
• Bilingual language skills are a plus.

Salary Range

$85,000 - $95,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive resume, a compelling cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the role, and three professional references, to Chief of Staff, Casey Millburg, at millburgc@stlouis-mo.gov by 5PM on Friday, January 30th.

EOC

The City of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of St. Louis will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the City.