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Equitable Compensation Policy Fellow

Education Trust West
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ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY 

EdTrust-West seeks an Equitable Compensation Policy Fellow as part of its 8th cohort of Russlynn Ali Summer Fellows. The Russlynn Ali Fellowship, named in honor of the founding executive director of EdTrust-West, is a career development opportunity for college students and recent graduates. It sets the foundation for current and future educators, policymakers, researchers, and advocates to be lifelong leaders within California’s education ecosystem.  

 

The Equitable Compensation Policy Fellow will conduct a landscape analysis of compensation structures in California TK-12 public schools to identify districts implementing equitable practices that enhance the retention and advancement of educators and administrators of color. They will focus on gathering qualitative and quantitative data, including interviews with education partners, to develop a robust case study. The Fellow will create accessible deliverables, which could include detailed summaries of research and blog posts, to highlight the successful strategies and lessons learned from the district's approach. These materials will serve as practical examples for state-level discussions on TK-12 compensation policy improvements. Throughout the project, the fellow will collaborate with mentors and partners to ensure their work is comprehensive and actionable. By the project’s end, the Fellow will produce insights that elevate local success stories and contribute to systemic change in teacher and administrator compensation equity.   

 
EdTrust-West, the California-based office of EdTrust which is headquartered in Washington, DC, is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.     

  

This role is based remotely and full-time (37.5 hours/week) from June 16th through August 22nd, 2025. Earlier start/end dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis to be determined by students' and academic faculty’s school schedules. Fellows must reside in CA and report to EdTrust-West's Oakland, CA office on June 17th for mandatory in-person welcome programming and employment verification and August 19th for mandatory end-of-term programming. The Fellow reports to the TK-12 Policy Analyst and will serve as a member of the TK-12 Policy team.  

  

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The responsibilities and objectives for this role could include, but are not limited to, the following:  

  • Conduct a Landscape Analysis: Research local compensation structures and policies across California districts. Identify districts with promising practices for retaining and elevating educators and administrators of color. 
  • Engage Partners: Design and implement interviews or surveys to gather qualitative insights from district leaders, educators, and administrators. Build relationships with key stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the district’s compensation strategies. 
  • Develop a Case Study: Analyze collected data to craft a detailed narrative of a selected district’s innovative practices. Highlight the impact of compensation strategies on retention and career advancement for educators and administrators of color.  
  • Produce Accessible Deliverables: Write two-pager summaries of the case study, distilling key insights for use by district leaders, policymakers, and advocates. Draft blog posts that narrate the story of the district’s strategies and their broader implications for equity in education.  
  • Collaborate with Mentors and Stakeholders: Participate in regular check-ins with mentors to refine research methods and deliverables. Share drafts of the case study and deliverables to incorporate feedback and ensure clarity and impact.  
  • Present Findings: Create a presentation summarizing the case study, key strategies, and actionable recommendations. Share findings with internal teams and external audiences to inform state-level discussions on compensation policy improvements. 
      

 IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS  

  • Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present findings clearly and concisely 
  • Comfort conducting interviews or surveys with stakeholders such as educators, administrators, and district leaders 
  • Strong attention to detail and ensuring accuracy in data collection and reporting  
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving ability 
  • Teamwork skills and an eagerness for collaboration 
  • Willingness to receive and act upon, as well as provide, constructive feedback 
  • Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality work under minimal supervision 
  • Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment 

 

  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE  

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:  

  • Enrolled in a higher education degree program at the junior level or above, preferably in education, public policy, sociology, economics, or a related field or a recent graduate  
  • Strong experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods 
  • Basic understanding of compensation and retention and how compensation structures impact educator retention and career advancement 
  • Familiarity with compensation data including basic understanding of teacher pay scales, district budgets, or education finance; experience analyzing compensation trends and their implications for equity preferred 

  

COMPENSATION  

The pay for this position is $26 per hour for 37.5 hours/week. Sick leave is accrued in this role. 

 

  

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19  

At EdTrust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all EdTrust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.   

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

Please provide a cover letter and resume, combined into one document. In the file name, please write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name: e.g., “Equitable Compensation Policy Fellow _Robinson.” 
 

We invite you to consider your cover letter as an opportunity to: 

  • Tell us why you want to partner with EdTrust-West this summer 
  • Share how your background and experience make you the right fit for this position 
     

Please submit your application materials at Recruitment (adp.com) by the deadline of March 16, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

 

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.