Policy Officer
Job Summary: Leads the organization's policy planning and legislative liaison activities in consultation with Senior Leadership, and the Fund Development and Communications Department. Advises the President on legislative agendas, strategy and makes recommendations for the organization and the Smart Start network. Researches relevant national, state and local early childhood initiatives and identifies opportunities for alignment and advancement of policy priorities. Writes or contributes to reports and publications to increase public awareness about Smart Start and policy issues to improve outcomes for children.
Description of Responsibilities:
1. Acts as the legislative liaison to the General Assembly for the North Carolina Partnership for Children. Establishes and maintains working relationships with individual legislators, Legislative Research staff, and staff from state agencies, including, but not limited to the Division of Child Development and Early Education, the Department of Public Education - Office of Early Learning, and the Governor's Office. Partners with other non-profits working to advance the health and well-being of children and families. Ensures that NCPC responds to legislative requests in a timely and accurate manner.
2. Consults with the President and Directors in establishing the annual Smart Start legislative agenda and advises the President on ongoing opportunities to advance NCPC's policy priorities. Gathers input from local partnership representatives to inform legislative agendas.
3. Researches, tracks, and analyzes relevant federal and state legislation and rules, as well as emerging early childhood policy and practices to determine impacts for Smart Start. Works closely with NCPC's programmatic departments and agency leadership to inform strategic and tactical planning.
4. Effectively interacts with all external and internal stakeholders, including NCPC Board members, NCPC cross-departmental staff, local partnership Board members and staff, and individuals from early childhood organizations to align educational efforts directed toward policymakers and to inform the interpretation of implications of relevant legislative policies. Coordinates policy agendas with statewide advocacy organizations focusing on early childhood issues.
5. Works closely with the NCPC Communications and Fund Development Department to write and/or contribute to the development of educational materials and reports to increase awareness of and support for the goals and organizational mission of the Smart Start initiative.
6. Provides training and technical assistance to NCPC and local partnership Board members and staff to build capacity to effectively educate policy makers, key stakeholders and the general public on proven policies to improve family and child outcomes. Communicates regularly with local partnership staff on policy developments that impact children and families.
Direct Reports: NONE
Travel: 15-20%
Required Education and Experience - A master's or doctoral degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, or related field; and at least three year's practical political experience, such as political campaign experience and/or work as a legislative assistant or intern at the national, state or local level; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Preferred experience in Non-Profit organizations with a focus in early childhood education, family support, and health in the human services industry.
How to Apply: Forward resume and/or cover letter to searchcomm@smartstart.org
Closing Date: Open until filled For information about NCPC, visit our website at www.smartstart.org.
The NC Partnership for Children, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.