Chattanooga 2.0 is seeking a director of policy and systems change. To apply, email your resume and cover letter to Dr. Sonia Stewart at info@chatt2.org by September 18, 2026.
Job Title: Director of Policy & Systems Change
Hours: Full Time
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Reports To: Executive Director
About Chattanooga 2.0
Chattanooga 2.0 is a nonprofit dedicated to improving economic opportunity and quality of life in Chattanooga and Hamilton County through education and career access. Working across education, business, government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector, Chattanooga 2.0 brings partners together to improve outcomes from cradle to career and strengthen pathways to economic mobility.
Our work spans early childhood, literacy, thriving adolescence, workforce pathways, and postsecondary success, with the goal all children and youth have the opportunity to thrive from birth through career.
About the Director of Policy & Systems Change
The Director of Policy & Systems Change serves as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director and leadership team and helps translate research, data, stakeholder experience, community voice, and partner involvement into solutions that improve outcomes for children, youth, and families.
This role works across education, workforce, government, nonprofit, and philanthropic systems to identify opportunities for alignment, collaboration, and long-term change. The Director helps community partners understand emerging trends, policy developments, and system-level challenges while supporting efforts to improve educational attainment, workforce success, and economic mobility. As Chattanooga 2.0’s first dedicated policy position, the Director will build the organization’s policy and systems-change capacity in close partnership with the Executive Director and leadership team.
The ideal candidate is a strong researcher, facilitator, and relationship builder who can work effectively across political, ideological, and sector differences.
This is a senior individual contributor role and does not currently supervise staff.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy, Research & Policy Analysis
- Monitor local, state, and national developments affecting child wellbeing, education, workforce
development, and economic mobility. - Conduct research and analysis to identify challenges, opportunities, and promising practices.
- Develop briefs, presentations, and recommendations for organizational leaders and community partners.
- Identify, access, and interpret public datasets, including data maintained within complex government systems, to inform policy and systems change strategies.
- Interpret and communicate the potential implications of the proposed legislation, regulations, funding decisions, and policy changes for staff and community partners.
- Maintain and strengthen fiscal mapping and cost-modeling tools that help partners understand existing investments, funding gaps, and opportunities for better resource alignment.
- Translate complex research and data into actionable insights.
Partnerships & Systems Change
- Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, public agencies, employers, education
partners, and philanthropic organizations. - Facilitate cross-sector conversations and collaborative problem-solving.
- Help partners identify shared priorities and opportunities for action.
- Support the Executive Director and other organizational leaders in policy-facing meetings and represent Chattanooga 2.0 in selected community and statewide initiatives as appropriate.
- Monitor and attend relevant meetings of local and state governmental bodies, including city council, county commission, school board, and legislative meetings.
Organizational Leadership
- Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director and leadership team.
- Support organizational strategy and planning.
- Contribute to Chattanooga 2.0’s role as a trusted community convener and catalyst for systems
change.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, political science, law, community development, or a related field. A degree in public policy is preferred.
- Five or more years of experience in policy, research, education, workforce development, government, philanthropy, community change, or a related field.
- Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work productively across political, ideological, organizational, and sector differences.
- Experience facilitating cross-sector groups and helping partners move from analysis to coordinated action.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
Preferred
- Advanced degree in a related field.
- Familiarity with Tennessee’s education, workforce, or policy landscape.
- Experience with collective impact, coalition leadership, or systems-change work.
Core Competencies
- Systems Thinking
- Strategic Analysis
- Relationship Building
- Facilitation & Collaboration
- Political & Community Awareness
- Strong Written & Verbal Communication
- Commitment to Opportunity, Access, and Economic Mobility
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary of $85 – 95k, paid in accordance with Chattanooga 2.0’s payroll schedule. In addition, you will be eligible for:
- Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
- Participation in a retirement benefits program
- 20 days of paid vacation annually, in addition to recognized holidays (16 days annually
