Education First Consulting

Education First is a mission-driven education policy consultancy dedicated to ensuring that all students – and particularly students in poverty and students of color – are prepared for success in college, careers and life. We work with organizations that are shaping the future of P-16 education across the nation, including school networks and districts, state departments of education, policy and advocacy organizations, youth empowerment organizations, talent organizations and foundations. We help these system leaders catalyze change through our services: Conduct research and analysis on policies and provide contextual recommendations and strategic support to translate findings into concrete, sustainable action Develop and implement visionary, coherent strategies and strategic plans by prioritizing inclusive voices, focusing on the right problems, and providing space to explore Plan and facilitate meaningful convenings for organizations and individuals to learn, problem solve, collaborate, and advance their work Design actionable and equitable solutions that meet client needs, achieve program goals, and implement initiatives with clarity and quality Support grantmakers, funders, and foundations to develop thoughtful, high-impact investment strategies that align with their goals, interests, and resources We are a team of more than 70 former teachers, district and state education leaders, policy advisors, and grantmakers who live and work virtually in more than 20 states and DC. Because of our experience, we approach the challenges our clients face with humility, realistic solutions, and a commitment to follow-through. Our culture is built on genuine care for our clients and for each other. We celebrate original thinking, collaboration, entrepreneurialism, authenticity and fun. Our Equity Commitment We recognize that in order to pursue our own organizational mission at Education First, we must approach our work by studying gaps and inequities, asking tough questions about structural racism and more deliberately engaging diverse voices in problem-solving. We’ve been building our own skills to deliver solutions that center racial equity, with particular attention to equitable ways of thinking and working, and we are committed to helping our clients do the same in projects that have a goal of increasing equity at their core. Within Education First, we have committed to building a race equity culture – creating the conditions to adopt antiracist mindsets and actions. We believe: Black lives matter . We are collectively responsible to amplify and support Black students, families and leaders. People are experts in their own experience . We cannot effectively support our clients to problem solve and innovate without centering the people they aim to serve. Racism and inequity were designed, and can be redesigned . People make up the systems, policies and processes that govern our experience, and we must support our clients to explore their role in reimagining what could be possible. For greater detail about our Equity Commitment, please visit our website . Education First actively engages our team with a robust Race, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (RIDE) strategy to build our staff and organizational capacity to lead on issues of equity and to increase diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of the firm. As a proud equal opportunity employer, we strongly encourage applications from candidates of all races, national origins, ages, religions, creeds, veteran or disabled statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities or gender expressions.