Reporting to the Early Childhood Developmental Health Systems (ECDHS) Director, the Sr. Policy Analyst will play a critical role in helping ECDHS achieve its vision to support states and communities across the nation build equitable and family-centered early childhood systems that improve the health and well-being of our nation’s babies and toddlers. This position will also work to expand the integration of high-quality early childhood services into pediatric settings to address the holistic needs of children and families. The Sr. Policy Analyst will provide technical assistance, policy research, fiscal analysis, and sustainability planning to support the ECDHS Evidence to Impact Center (EIC).
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide technical assistance to ECDHS EIC sites and states, as well as other jurisdictions, on issues related to policy and This may include facilitating conversations with policymakers, building relationships with state advocacy organizations, conducting research and identifying and sharing best practice policies and practices.
- Conduct research and provide written analysis on federal and state policy trends impacting infants, toddlers, and families to improve early developmental health and family wellbeing of young children.
- Analyze and interpret federal/state data to inform policy briefs, presentations, and other
- Lead the development of policy briefs and other policy related resources that can be disseminated broadly to ECDHS EIC sites and states.
- Conduct webinars and lead or facilitate trainings on issues related to policy and/or funding to support infants, toddlers, and families to support the implementation and evaluation of early childhood development (ECD) systems-building efforts.
- Collaborate with Center partners and other members of the ECDHS EIC National Advisory Board to develop insights and better understand the context of the sites/states where we are working to inform policy and advocacy efforts.
- Collaborate with other staff of ZERO TO THREE, including staff from our state policy and federal policy teams to inform the development of resources.
- Performs other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the Center.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- A minimum of 5-7 years of experience related to public policy research and analysis and/or in providing policy related technical assistance to federal, state, or local governments.
- Experience conducting policy research for use by decision-makers in state, local, federal government, or the non- profit sector.
- Experience writing policy briefs, white papers, or other types of reports for publication, including policymakers as well as practitioners in health and human services.
- Experience in providing technical assistance to state/local governments and/or non-profit organizations, including making presentations and facilitating meetings.
- Knowledge of health and human services (either from policy research and/or practice), such as early childhood development and education, health, child welfare, mental health, substance use treatment and prevention, and basic needs (e.g., housing, food assistance).
- Knowledge of and experience with federal, state, and/or local funding for human services, including early childhood development and education, health, child welfare, mental health, substance use treatment and prevention and basic needs; and how funding streams can be blended or braided to support integrated services.
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES
- Encourages and practices critical thinking
- Is self-reflective and empathic
- Recognizes the influence of workplace relationships on outcomes and results
- Maintains a respectful and accepting approach to others
- Awareness of the influence of the larger context on individual behavior
- Collaboratively and creatively supports the work efforts of colleagues at all levels and in all areas of the organization
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree (in public policy, early childhood education, public service, social work, public health, or a related field) is strongly preferred.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This position's salary is estimated to be low $80,000s to low $100,000s depending on experience, geo-location, budget, and other comparable and similarly scoped internal positions. In addition to salary, ZERO TO THREE offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, HRA, retirement contributions, generous leave benefits and more.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is frequently required to use finger dexterity and sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. Also, they may need to remain seated for extended periods, can perform repetitive motions, and reach for objects. An employee is frequently required to hold a writing instrument, communicate verbally, and hear well enough to detect nuances and receive detailed information. They may be required to grasp objects, push, and pull objects, bend, stand, walk, squat, or kneel. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision for data preparation or analysis, and expansive reading. May need to lift up to 30 pounds.
