Think Tanks: Shakeup At The Center On Education Policy [updated]

Word from the CEP is that they're looking for a new president / CEO, which could be is a replacement for Jack Jennings, long rumored to be thinking about retirement, or part of a reorganization.  I've got a call in to find out and will let you know as soon as I hear back.  CEP has been one of the most reliable, trusted think tanks in town since Jennings founded it after a long stint on the Hill.  Though I have had issues with their reliance on self-reported education responses, the think tank's annual reports on NCLB were the closest we got to a regular report on how the law was being implemented.  See below for the job position announcement.

Center on Education Policy

Invitation to Apply for President/Chief Executive Officer

 

The Center on Education Policy, a private nonprofit organization that advocates for improved public schools, is seeking candidates for the position of President/Chief Executive Officer.  The three major attributes that a person should have to be considered for this position are the ability to lead the organization, the ability to deal with the news media and others externally, and the ability to raise funds.

 

Leadership of CEP involves having a vision for the organization, having knowledge of education policy issues (especially of federal issues), and being able to inspire staff members and consultants to do their best.

 

News media and other external outreach efforts are important to make known the work of CEP, to enhance the reputation of the organization for fund-raising, and to encourage others to work with CEP.

 

Fund-raising is obviously important since CEP depends for nearly all its revenue on grants from charitable foundations.

 

As such, candidates should be strong supporters of public schools, knowledgeable about federal and state education policy, and be able to demonstrate an understanding of research methods and procedures.  Significant national policy experience preferred.  Ideally, candidates should be able to show strong fund-raising success and significant experience dealing with the news media.   A demonstrated ability to manage budgets, staffers, and outside consultants is a must.

 

There are no formal advanced degree requirements, but a doctorate or law degree would be advantageous.  Salary would be negotiable.

 

Please send a resume as well as a letter or e-mail (cep-dc@cep-dc.org) to CEP explaining your interest and qualifications by February 19, 2010.  Tell us how you found out about the opening.  All inquiries will be acknowledged; after an initial screening, prospective candidates will be contacted.

 

CEP’S MISSION AND ROLE

The Center on Education Policy is a national, independent advocate for public education and for more effective public schools.  The Center, with a current annual budget of about $2.1million, helps Americans better understand the role of public education in a democracy and the need to improve the academic quality of public schools.  We do not represent any special interests.  Instead, we try to help citizens make sense of the conflicting opinions and perceptions about public education and create the conditions that will lead to better public schools.

 

In working to promote public education, the Center acts as a unique communicator with educators and the general public on the most serious issues in education; as a catalyst to improve the academic quality of public education through working with states, school districts, and others; and as a convener of people with differing points of view about public education to foster a reasoned debate on the schools.