Job Description
Director of Network Support
School Boards for Academic Excellence (SBAE) - Jacksonville, FL, United States
Director of Network Support — School Boards for Academic Excellence (SBAE)
Virtual (Jacksonville, FL preferred) | ~20% travel | $75,000–$95,000
About the Search
Our client, School Boards for Academic Excellence, has retained Big Fish to lead this search. Big Fish is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in the talent needed to drive policy change. Learn more at recruitbigfish.com.
For questions or referrals, contact Angel Fimbres-Barceló at angel@recruitbigfish.com.
About SBAE
SBAE is a nonpartisan nonprofit transforming American education by training and supporting school board members who lead the reforms needed to restore academic excellence. The network spans 55 state-based partner organizations across 42 states and roughly 5,600 board members overseeing the education of more than 13 million students. With 83,000 board members nationwide and $1 trillion in annual education spending at stake, SBAE is built for substantial growth.
The Role
The Director of Network Support is the primary success partner for SBAE's highest-capacity state Network Partners. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, you'll own a portfolio of state organizations and provide white-glove, just-in-time support — strategy, resources, peer connections, and execution help. The right person is a proactive problem-solver who builds deep, trust-based relationships and operates with structured autonomy. SBAE is virtual today and may open a Jacksonville, FL office; candidates open to Jacksonville are preferred. Travel is ~20%.
What You'll Do
- Own a portfolio of Network Partner relationships; run weekly check-ins and serve as their advocate inside SBAE.
- Lead SWOT-style strategic planning sessions and co-build action plans for partner growth and impact.
- Deploy state-specific resources — model policies, talking points, legal support, peer expertise — to help partners navigate complex policy implementation.
- Help partners plan and execute co-branded conferences, trainings, and legislative briefings, in person and virtual.
- Host webinars on governance best practices, policy implementation, and educational excellence.
- Represent SBAE at state partner events.
- Log reform wins, policy adoptions, and partner milestones in Salesforce; surface partner stories and trends to inform strategy.
What We're Looking For
- 3–5+ years in campaign organizing, field operations, account management/client success in mission-driven orgs, program management, or coalition building.
- Exposure to education, policy, or advocacy work and an understanding of how policy change happens. Direct education reform experience preferred but not required.
- Track record managing multiple high-stakes relationships with strong responsiveness and accountability.
- CRM experience (Salesforce preferred).
- Comfort operating with high autonomy on a virtual team; clear communication and consistent follow-through.
- Strong bias for action; not easily discouraged by political opposition or competing priorities.
- Willingness to travel ~20%. Bachelor's degree required.
Preferred: Prior work with state-level networks; political campaign or grassroots advocacy background (nonpartisan mindset); K–12 governance knowledge; Mailchimp; grant research/nonprofit development; donor stewardship; state legislative or policy implementation familiarity.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $75,000–$95,000, commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, employer-subsidized from day one.
- Employer-paid life insurance equal to 50% of annual salary; 401(k) with up to 2% match; FSA and voluntary disability options.
- 10 vacation days year one, increasing to 20 with tenure.
- Professional development in a mission-driven, remote-friendly environment.
How to Apply
Apply at recruitbigfish.com/sbae-network-support.
Questions and referrals can go to Angel Fimbres-Barceló at angel@recruitbigfish.com.
Salary Range $75,000 - $95,000