President and Chief Executive Officer

The Learning Policy Institute (LPI), a national nonprofit and nonpartisan education research and policy institute, seeks an equity-focused, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (President/CEO). This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead a nationally impactful institute committed to advancing evidence-based policy solutions in support of equitable and empowering learning opportunities for all students.

Since its founding in 2015, LPI’s unique mission has been to provide the timely, accessible education research necessary to inform policy decisions and to work with policymakers to incorporate evidence into policy. LPI conducts, translates, and communicates independent, high-quality research to advance evidence-based policies that will improve learning for each and every child. The Institute prioritizes its efforts around four research and policy areas with deep inequities that also present high-level opportunities for policy-driven solutions: early care and education, educator quality, deeper learning and whole child education, and equitable resources and access. LPI is known for its wide-ranging impact and influence across political lines, working with policymakers, researchers, educators, community groups, and additional stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels and connecting them with the evidence, ideas, and actions needed to strengthen the education system from preschool through college and career readiness.

LPI has developed a positive organizational culture that attracts and retains incredible talent. The Institute draws in equity-driven professionals and comprises 67 talented researchers, educators, policy experts, communicators, and administrators who possess a passion for ensuring that all children receive an empowering and equitable education, especially historically underserved students. The Institute also has 60 senior research fellows representing leading universities and research organizations across the United States and abroad. The President/CEO reports to a governing board of directors that is made up of distinguished leaders in education, civil rights, business, public policy, and philanthropy. The Institute has an annual revenue of approximately $16 million and is supported by over 35 generous funders who have invested in LPI’s work through general operating support, research project support, and additional funding. In 2022, LPI was the recipient of a substantial $16 million gift from MacKenzie Scott to help it further its mission and impact. 

The next President/CEO will lead LPI through a critical period of transition as its founding President and CEO, Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, moves into a new role as LPI’s Chief Knowledge Officer. Under Dr. Darling-Hammond’s noteworthy tenure and leadership, LPI has become the influential education research and policy institute it is today, working to achieve equity and excellence in education for all children. In setting LPI’s strategic direction for the next several years, the President/CEO must uphold LPI’s unique position within the education research and policy landscapes and its steadfast commitment to producing and disseminating nonpartisan research of the highest caliber that is also policy-relevant and timely. In addition, the President/CEO must champion LPI’s mission and the importance of evidence-based policies in a dynamic political and educational context; manage external relationships with key stakeholders, including practitioners, partners, and funders; support a talented and diverse staff of professionals; help guide internal enhancements to the organization’s systems, processes, and policies to ensure long-term organizational efficiency and sustainability; and commit to advancing equity across all aspects of the Institute. 

The right leader for this critical moment in LPI’s history will be wholly committed to LPI’s mission and will bring the experience and gravitas necessary to lead an institute that works with respected leaders in the education space across research, policy, and practice. The ideal candidate will bring a deep knowledge of education and an equity mindset and will prioritize, first and foremost, preserving LPI’s impact and its position as a trusted and valued resource that supports policymakers in bringing about equitable systemic change in education. 

The anticipated salary range for this position is $375,000-$450,000 annually. The specific base compensation offered to a candidate may depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, special qualifications, and other factors the board may consider in formulating an offer of employment. The board’s objective is to attract the ideal leader for LPI. 

LPI has offices in Palo Alto, CA and Washington DC. Location in one of these offices would be ideal. However, the position may be managed remotely with some presence and travel required to LPI’s Palo Alto, CA and Washington, DC offices.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Submit confidential inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications (resumes and letters of interest) below. 

Katie Rockman and Ericka Miller are leading this search with Jaime Morgen, Leslie Lemus, and Maria Connor. 

LPI is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations in order to work onsite in the office.