What: Policy Analyst
Conducts policy research, analysis, public policy advocacy and public education efforts to support the National Policy Team (NPT) in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders committed to investing in high-quality early learning at the state and/or community and school district level.
Essential Job Duties Include:
- Support senior team members in providing technical assistance to state and/or community and local school district partners and Educare leaders to help them advance and implement early childhood policy and funding reforms.
- Provide partners and leaders with resources, technical assistance, subject matter expertise, and other policy support as needed.
- Coordinate policy advocacy network of state and/or local partners and Educare leaders, develop and distribute information, coordinate membership activities, plan and implement Educare Policy Workgroup peer learning activities and convenings, and manage follow-up.
- Contribute to written documentation of policy priorities, recommendations, and messaging reflecting priorities of the Educare network.
- Help lead NPT efforts to create and curate industry-relevant policy knowledge and learnings; develop and regularly update state and/or community and local school district policy and funding profiles and analyses for community and local school districts.
- Track and summarize policies impacting Educare states (Educare Policy Inventory)
- Contribute to the data tracking protocols to capture learnings from across the team
- Draft the National Policy Digest, Ounce Policy conversation papers, memos, and other tools for internal and external stakeholders as needed.
- Work with other Ounce departments to promote integration and collaboration of programs and services and with external partners to bring expertise to NPT’s consultation, peer learning, and thought leadership work.
- Master’s degree in Public Policy, Social Work, Early Childhood Education, or a related field; experience with public policy or related field preferred. -or- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Social Work, Early Childhood Education, or a related field and 5 or more years of experience with public policy or related field.
- Working knowledge of early childhood development and education, maternal and child health, federal government programs and systems and/or related policy work.
- Strong oral and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to articulate complex ideas, thoughts and concepts clearly and effectively.
- Knowledge of policy and research required; knowledge of early childhood a plus.
- Ability to organize complex tasks, prioritize multiple assignments, exercise independent judgment, and to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs and priorities.
- Ability to meet deadlines and develop and move projects forward with a high degree of independence.
- Ability to think strategically and analytically with an ability to see the big picture while managing details.
- Ability to process and protect confidential information in a professional manner.
- Ability to travel independently and alone (to locations that may not be handicap accessible) and manage travel arrangements.