Principal Consultant

Education First is a trusted advisor to education funders and changemakers in all 50 states. We uniquely bridge policy, practice and philanthropy to create more clarity and coherence across P-20 education initiatives and systems. Education First is seeking an experienced leader to join the Accelerate Academic Coherence consulting team as a Principal Consultant. The Accelerate Academic Coherence team supports philanthropic, state, and district leaders in designing and implementing high-quality, coherent instructional, assessment, and accountability systems. The Principal Consultant is expected to bring expertise gained by serving currently or recently as a national funder, or as a close advisor to philanthropy with strong relationships, to advance high-quality, coherent instructional, assessment and accountability systems, including how systematic, strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology can accelerate academic coherence. Reporting to the Managing Partner, the Principal Consultant will shape and set strategy, cultivate strong partnerships, lead individual client engagements and contribute to the firm's success and sustainability. Responsibilities: - Skillfully support executives in philanthropy, school systems, state education agencies and nonprofits - Develop and use tools and strategies to assess client needs, lift up research and emerging practices and solve problems clients face - Support and coach funders in developing investment strategies and plans - Serve as project director on a variety of client engagements - Travel to meet with clients approximately 20-30% of the time - Advance the firm's business development, thought leadership and field impact - Mentor, guide and manage team members Requirements: - Extensive experience working within or alongside philanthropy to design, implement and/or advocate for successful education policies - Recent experience as an engaged funder or in AI - Deep network of education leaders and content expertise - National view of the United States' K12 education system - Committed to the vision of a more equitable education system - Strong, inclusive project management and system-level strategy experience Benefits: - 100% remote, U.S. based team - Sales bonus opportunities - Telework subsidy - Professional development stipend - 20 PTO days, 11 holidays and two firmwide shutdown weeks - Medical, dental, vision and life insurance - 401(k) match Compensation: Starting salary $175,000 annually. Location-based supplement of 1-5% for higher cost of living cities. Average annual sales bonus of $32,000.