Senior Principal & Special Assistant to the CEO and President in Dallas, Texas at The Commit Partnership

The Commit Partnership is seeking a Senior Principal & Special Assistant to the CEO and President to operate as a senior strategic generalist at the center of one of the nation’s most ambitious education and economic mobility efforts. This role partners directly with the CEO and President to drive high-priority, early-stage initiatives that shape the organization’s long-term impact and statewide strategy.

The Senior Principal will lead and support complex, high-stakes efforts across public, philanthropic, and private sector stakeholders. Current priorities include a potential statewide expansion, innovative partnerships with leading research institutions such as Opportunity Insights, and scaling postsecondary success models like Dallas County Promise across Texas.

This role requires strong judgment, analytical rigor, and the ability to translate data and strategy into actionable plans. The individual will serve as a trusted thought partner to executive leadership, represent the organization in external engagements, and ensure alignment across internal teams to advance student-centered, data-informed outcomes.

The salary range for this role is $150,000 - $182,500.

Please note that for external candidates, the expected salary range is approximately $150,000–$165,500.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Research & Analysis

Equip the CEO and President with the analytical firepower to make high-stakes decisions with confidence.

• Conduct analyses to identify high-potential workforce programs and investment opportunities in partnership with external research organizations
• Design and structure innovative financing strategies, including social impact capital and outcomes-based funding models
• Synthesize complex research, data, and landscape insights into clear, decision-ready frameworks for executive leadership

2. Project Initiation & Early-Stage Leadership

Own the "0 to 1" phase of high-priority initiatives, including scoping, structuring, and building momentum before the broader organization mobilizes.

• Develop strategic plans and expansion models, including statewide growth strategies and capital acquisition approaches
• Create replication playbooks and implementation frameworks to scale initiatives like Dallas County Promise across regions
• Build investment decks and strategic materials that position new initiatives for credibility with funders, policymakers, and partners

3. External Relationship & Partnership Development

Help represent Partnership leadership in high-stakes external engagements and assist in building the relationships that unlock Commit's next chapter.

• Represent executive leadership in meetings with partners, funders, and stakeholders across Texas and nationally
• Cultivate relationships with foundation leaders, nonprofit executives, and institutional partners to advance strategic priorities
• Identify and advance policy opportunities by translating programmatic outcomes into compelling cases for legislative and agency action

4. Organizational Alignment & Executive Support

Ensure the organization moves coherently behind its most important strategies.

• Coordinate cross-functional alignment across teams by clarifying priorities, addressing barriers, and maintaining momentum on key initiatives
• Prepare executive-level materials, including board communications, briefings, and strategic updates
• Advise senior leadership by providing strategic insights and recommendations on organizational priorities and decision-making

Performs other duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, MPA, or MPP preferred
• 7+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, investing, policy, or social impact
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Proven ability to produce high-quality analytical and written work for senior audiences

Preferred:

• MBA, MPA, or MPP

Language Skills

• Ability to read and write in Standard American English.
• Ability to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate need.
• Ability to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
• Ability to describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to facilitate adult learning experiences and support participant engagement
• Ability to analyze and use data to inform decisions and improve outcomes
• Ability to communicate clearly and adapt messaging for different audiences
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Commitment to student-centered outcomes, educational equity, and continuous learning

Work Environment

This position primarily operates in a professional office environment but may require travel to program sites, partner organizations, or community events. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate verbally and in writing. The employee frequently is required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to handle or feel. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to work on a computer for extended periods.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.