• Sets strategic direction and culture of a national membership association. • Leads advocacy coalitions and educates federal, state, and municipal policymakers in support of young adults who are out of school and out of work (opportunity youth). • Convenes and connects the opportunity-youth field through convenings, publications, and services. • Creates and facilitates new kinds of youth-led decisionmaking within NYEC and partner organizations.Ensures sufficient resources for the organization's success.• Manages and supports NYEC board of directors (senior practitioners and system leaders).

• Advised three Top 100 foundations and several nonprofits on communications and strategic planning. • Developed plans and advise clients on federal and state advocacy on issues related to early childhood education, K-12 education, poverty, and asset development. • Drafted, edited, promoted, and placed a diverse set of client policy materials, including a landmark early-childhood report, op-eds, book chapters and manuscripts, and other products through traditional and new media.• Designed and led two workshops on education advocacy at a national conference for nonprofit leaders.

• Negotiated and secured provisions related to youth employment, family engagement, adult education, and Promise Neighborhoods in major legislation, including the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (PL 111-152), the Museum and Library Services Act (PL 111-340), and reauthorization proposals for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Workforce Investment Act.• Planned and executed hearings, including the first Senate hearing on the use of seclusions and restraints on schoolchildren and a series of hearings on the future of the middle class.• Coordinated coalitions with Congressional staff, state leaders, and advocates. • Developed for the Chairman and committee members new proposals related to career and technical education, youth unemployment, national service, and transition supports for youth with disabilities. • Wrote speeches, memos, and letters for the Chairman and the Democratic caucus.