Vice President of US Policy and Evangelism

COMPANY PROFILE

Code.org is an education innovation nonprofit dedicated to the vision that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn about artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science (CS) as part of their core K-12 education. We increase participation in AI+CS education by reaching students of all backgrounds where they are — at their skill level, in their schools, and in ways that inspire them to keep learning, with a focus on increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups. The leading provider of K-12 AI+CS education curriculum across the globe, Code.org also organizes the annual Hour of AI campaign, building on the legacy of the Hour of Code, which has engaged more than 15% of all students in the world!

A unifying approach in a divided world

Code.org's global role in the K-12 computer science movement is only possible because we use a unifying approach across diverse and often divided stakeholders. At a time of increasing polarization, the idea of increasing opportunity for students unites people from across the political spectrum. Code.org's team members, students, teachers, and supporters have diverse and diverging view points, and they are all welcome in our mission. Read more.

JOB SUMMARY

Code.org is seeking a Vice President of US Policy and Evangelism with 10+ years of experience to join our Executive Team and lead national policy and advocacy agenda, and serve as the convener-in-chief for the AI+CS education community – setting ideas and driving coherence on what is needed to accelerate the movement. You will grow one of the nation’s most effective 50-state education movements – driving the next wave of policy adoption and implementation for computer science and AI education. The ideal candidate is a seasoned systems leader with a record of statewide or national education reform, combining political savvy, policy acumen, public storytelling, and coalition-building to accelerate our mission of universal CS and AI education.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role you will:

Strategic Leadership, Vision & Influence

• Set and drive Code.org’s national and state strategy for AI and computer science education, building bipartisan coalitions, shaping legislation, and navigating state adoption processes to achieve Code.org’s 2030 goals:

• 32 states with CS+AI graduation requirements

• 40 states with new AI plans and standards

• 70% of U.S. high schools offering foundational CS/AI

• Tell the story of why this work matters: Inspire educators, policymakers, and the public through compelling narratives, media engagement, and national events.

• Advance thought leadership and coherence across AI and CS, publishing best practices, op-eds, and policy briefs that guide district and state adoption.

Coalition Building & Ecosystem Engagement

• Build, convene, and lead the national AI+CS community, bringing together state leaders, educators, NGOs, researchers, higher-ed, and industry partners to establish shared frameworks and norms that align policy, practice, and public understanding.

• Strengthen Code.org’s influence and partnerships, deepening relationships with governors, state chiefs, education departments, and community organizations.

• Build strategic alliances with national associations (e.g., NGA, CCSSO, ECS) and major education organizations to expand reach and adoption.

Executive Leadership & Team Oversight

• Shape organizational strategy and culture as a member of the Executive Team, contributing to decisions on structure, budget, priorities, and partnerships while modeling Code.org’s cultural principles.

• Lead and develop two high-impact teams (~11 people):

• Advocacy Team: Expands AI+CS opportunities through legislation, lobbying, grassroots organizing, and policy thought leadership.

• Evangelism Team: Drives Hour of AI and community activation, builds national networks of partners and educators, and develops scalable resources and playbooks for grassroots use.

Collaboration & Representation

• Align advocacy and policy efforts with Code.org’s programmatic, curriculum, and outreach initiatives, ensuring cohesion across the organization’s 2030 goals.

• Serve as a visible national leader and spokesperson, representing Code.org at conferences, forums, and across media and social platforms to elevate the national conversation on AI+CS education.

• Support fundraising and partnerships, participating in philanthropic and corporate engagement opportunities that advance Code.org’s U.S. strategy.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

We seek candidates who have:

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience driving large-scale education policy change across multiple states and/or at the federal level (state experience greatly preferred).

• Proven ability to build and engage bipartisan coalitions and sustain partnerships that endure political cycles.

• Track record of strategic vision and execution excellence: Translating national goals into differentiated state strategies that reflect political, local, and implementation realities.

• Deep understanding of the U.S. K–16 education landscape (required) and of computer science and AI education (highly desirable), including how standards and policy shape classroom practice.

• Community convening track record: Demonstrated success bringing ideologically diverse stakeholders together around shared policies and practices.

• Public thought leadership: Visible author/speaker with a credible voice in K-12 policy, AI/CS education, or adjacent fields; able to help drive coherence in the field.

• Systems thinking and strategic integration skills: Able to connect policy, advocacy, and implementation levers into a cohesive national strategy that advances Code.org’s mission.

• Exceptional communication and storytelling ability: Able to translate technical concepts into compelling narratives that inspire action among educators, policymakers, and funders.

• Strong executive presence and demonstrated success influencing high-level decision-makers, including Code.org’s Board of Directors

• Leadership excellence: Experience managing multiple teams, leading change management, growing top talent, developing effective managers, and holding teams accountable for ambitious results.

• Bias toward innovation and scale: a dissatisfaction with incremental progress and a drive to find breakthrough solutions.

• Resilience and adaptability: thrives amid ambiguity and motivates others to do the same.

• Data fluency: uses evidence and metrics to inform decisions and assess progress toward goals.

• Commitment to accountable execution: models follow-through, attention to detail, and ownership of outcomes.

• Extensive network of education decision-makers at the federal, state, and district levels.

• Technical literacy: familiarity with web technologies, CRMs, analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau), and team/project management tools.

In addition, candidates must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

• Work within the United States

• Pass a pre-employment background check

• Be willing to travel for team events

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Builder’s mindset. We’re looking for adaptable, result-driven team members who thrive in dynamic environments and can navigate shifting priorities with ease. In this role, you’ll embrace change, pivot strategies as needed, and drive impactful solutions that align with evolving business needs. If you excel in fast-paced settings and enjoy turning challenges into opportunities, we’d love to have you on our team!

• We are hard on problems and kind to each other. We stay focused on the challenge of bringing computer science to students and teachers globally. We recognize that each of us brings the best of our intentions to support our mission and give grace when we make mistakes.

• A growth mindset fuels us. We approach each challenge with curiosity. We give feedback kindly and candidly; we receive feedback openly. We learn from our mistakes and look for ways to increase the reach and impact of our work.

• Player-coach Managers. We seek hands-on managers with player-coach mindsets who can strategize, execute, mentor, and contribute. As a manager, you balance leadership with direct involvement, guiding your team while rolling up your sleeves to drive results.

WHAT IS THE INTERVIEW PROCESS LIKE?

Step 1: Informational Interview - learn more about the role and share your experience (60 minutes)
Step 2: Take-Home Assignment (~3 hours)
Step 3: Interviews with members of the Code.org (~3 hours)
Step 4: Additional interviews with Code.org’s executive team (~4.5 hours)
Step 5: Team Meet & Greets (~2 hours)
Step 6: Final interview (in person working session, ~2 hours)
Step 7: Reference Checks

With the exception of the final round interview, all interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom

TO APPLY

Our team will review all applications on an ongoing basis and if we believe your qualifications would make a great fit, we'll contact you to schedule an informational interview.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PACKAGE

The expected salary range for this position is $200,000-$230,000, and this position is bonus eligible. Most offers are on the lower end of the salary range and are at the company’s sole discretion based on the final candidate’s experience. This allows us to provide a fair and equitable approach to compensation when setting pay and maintaining internal pay equity.

We also offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Technology subsidy consistent with our Bring Your Own Device environment

• Flexible, engaging, and remote working environment

• Paid time off: 5 weeks total, comprised of 3 weeks vacation annually, plus a 2-week winter break office closure (including Christmas and New Year's), and sick leave

• Medical, dental and vision premiums paid at 100% for FT positions and their dependents

• Option to participate in 403b retirement plan

• Annual professional development stipend

• The opportunity to help students learn better and change the face of computer science

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.