Vice President, Quality Coaching - State Initiatives

Overview

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

Strada Education Foundation is a nonprofit social impact organization dedicated to improving lives by strengthening the connections between education and economic opportunity. We focus on helping individuals—particularly those facing the greatest barriers—navigate postsecondary education pathways that lead to good jobs. Our work spans research, philanthropy, strategic investments, and public policy, with a sharp focus on five mission-aligned areas: clear outcomes, quality coaching, affordability, work-based learning, and employer alignment.

We partner with education and training providers, nonprofits, employers, policymakers, and innovators to support more equitable, effective education-to-career pathways.

JOB LOCATION

This is a hybrid role based in Washington, DC or Indianapolis, IN, with an expectation of working in-office at least two days per week.

This new leadership position reflects Strada’s deepening investment in quality coaching as a cornerstone of postsecondary success. As we expand our partnerships and programs at the state level, we are seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to help shape and scale education-to-career coaching efforts across systems. The Vice President, Quality Coaching – State Initiatives will play a pivotal role in guiding state-level strategy, engaging key education stakeholders, and developing scalable coaching models that help students navigate pathways from high school to meaningful careers.

Strada’s Quality Coaching team is strategic, mission-driven, and deeply collaborative. We work across departments and sectors to strengthen student support systems that connect learners with personalized guidance and career navigation resources. We value equity, innovation, and scalable solutions that make a measurable difference for learners across the country.

If you are passionate about building equitable education systems, designing scalable coaching initiatives, and engaging with policymakers and partners to drive impact, this role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful change. You’ll be joining a national effort to redefine career guidance at scale—and help every learner find a pathway to purpose and prosperity.

As a leader on the Quality Coaching team, the Vice President, Quality Coaching – State Initiatives (VPQCSI) will lead and support initiatives, investments, research, programming, and policy efforts focused on advancing high-quality coaching at the state level. This role will be highly visible and collaborative—serving as a thought leader and advocate for career navigation resources and systems that help learners align their interests and talents with meaningful postsecondary pathways.

The VPQCSI will work closely with Strada’s Senior Vice President of Quality Coaching, the Vice President of Quality Coaching – Postsecondary Education, and external leaders across K-12, community college systems, state agencies, and nonprofit intermediaries.

At Strada, you’ll be part of a national movement to ensure that every learner—especially those furthest from opportunity—can access guidance, resources, and support systems that lead to economic mobility. You’ll shape strategy, foster partnerships, and lead change in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

What you will do

• Develop, Prioritize, and Execute Strategic State-Level Coaching Initiatives (30%)
• Lead the design and implementation of strategic coaching initiatives across states.
• Provide technical assistance and thought partnership to state leaders.
• Monitor outcomes and recommend strategies for scaling or adjusting efforts.
• Ensure initiatives align with best practices, technology tools, and field insights.
• Build and Manage Partnerships with Core State Stakeholders (30%)
• Cultivate and manage partnerships with SHEEOs, K-12 leaders, community college systems, policymakers, and nonprofits.
• Represent Strada in national forums and policy conversations.
• Develop toolkits, guides, and resources to support scaling of quality coaching models.
• Collaborate with Strada’s Policy team to…