Public Policy Director
Open To Work
Philana Nowak
Gwinnett County Parents for Quality Education & Georgia Education Policy Initiatives
Hoschton,GA
Work Preference
Job Search Status:
Open to work
Work Type
Full Time
Location Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybrid
6
years of professional experience
Experienced with policy development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Utilizes analytical skills to shape effective policy frameworks and drive organizational improvements. Track record of successful collaboration and adaptive leadership in complex policy environments.
Work History
Assistant Sales Leader
9 Months- Coordinated customer communications, resolved inquiries, maintained accurate records, and supported daily operations in fast-paced client-service environment to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing client concerns promptly.
Substitute Teacher / Paraprofessional
1 Year- Supported students with diverse learning and communication needs by implementing individualized supports and adhering to classroom procedures and district requirements.
- Maintain student and classroom documentation and collaborate with teachers and administrators to support inclusive, positive learning environments.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, fostering a positive learning environment.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
Education Policy Research Contributor
4 Years 6 Months- Conducted multi-state research to inform education policy initiatives, investigations, and public awareness efforts.
- Analyzed legislation, agency guidance, regulations, and district policies; compiled findings to support policy discussions and advocacy initiatives.
- Collaborated with coalition partners nationwide to share research findings and effective practices, enhancing collective impact on policy development.
Education Policy Research & Community Engagement Lead
6 Years 1 Month- Lead education policy research, Georgia legislative tracking, and public-records review concerning K-12 education, school governance, student services, and accountability.
- Analyze proposed legislation, regulations, agency actions, committee activity, and district policies to identify potential impacts on students, families, schools, and other stakeholders.
- Prepared policy briefs, issue summaries, presentations, public comments, and research-based recommendations to inform community leaders, education officials, and policymakers.
- Coordinated policy and advocacy projects, driving research, meetings, documentation, stakeholder communications, follow-up, and public engagement activities.
- Submit and analyze Georgia Open Records requests and verify AI-assisted research against legislation, agency materials, government records, and other primary sources.
- Managed communications for 2,000+ member stakeholder community and engaged with elected officials, school board members, district staff, advocates, and community partners.
Field Outreach Representative
5 Months- Engaged community members through outreach efforts, communicated policy information, addressed inquiries, and recorded engagement data in CRM software to enhance constituent relations.
Education
Master of Arts - Communication Disorders (Audiology)
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders
Skills
CRM Software
Microsoft Office Suite
Google Workspace
ChatGPT
Policy influence
Stakeholder relations
Visual Communication
Content Development
Leadership and Community Service
- Mill Creek High School Goal Club, Board Member-at-Large & Concessions Manager, 2023, Present, Direct volunteer-based concessions operations, including recruitment, scheduling, training, event logistics, budgeting, inventory, cash controls, and vendor coordination., Serve on the governing board and contribute to operational planning, organizational decisions, and support of school athletics programming.
- Atlanta Fire United, Parent Team Manager, 2019, 2024, Coordinated team communications, schedules, logistics, family questions, and administrative needs for players, coaches, and parents.
- Meadow View Elementary School, PTO President, 2016, 2018, Led a volunteer parent organization, coordinated committees and school-community initiatives, facilitated meetings, and partnered with administrators and families to advance shared goals.
Core Qualifications
- Public Policy Development and Analysis
- Georgia Legislative Monitoring
- Project Coordination
- Policy Memos and Issue Briefs
- Government and Stakeholder Relations
- Open Records/FOIA
- Research and Data Synthesis
- Public Presentations
- Volunteer Supervision
Timeline
Assistant Sales Leader
Atlanta Builder Staffing
11.2025 - CurrentRead More
Substitute Teacher / Paraprofessional
ESS - Jackson County School System
08.2025 - CurrentRead More
Field Outreach Representative
Americans for Prosperity
08.2023 - 01.2024Read More
Education Policy Research Contributor
Defending Education
02.2022 - CurrentRead More
Education Policy Research & Community Engagement Lead
Gwinnett County Parents for Quality Education & Georgia Education Policy Initiatives
07.2020 - CurrentRead More
Northern Illinois University
Master of Arts from Communication Disorders (Audiology)
Read More
Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science from Communication Disorders
Read More