Director of Early Childhood Policy

Director Of Early Childhood Policy

At the Colorado Children's Campaign, we believe every child deserves a seat at the table when public policies are made that impact their lives. But kids can't vote or run for office, so we are their voice and their champion. With the goal of making Colorado the best place to be a kid and raise a kid, we use data and research to help us understand what, where, and how kids across Colorado need our help. When kids have someone to fight their fight, they can focus on simply being kids.

The Director of Early Childhood Policy is responsible for leading The Campaign's Early Childhood policy and advocacy agenda, working in close collaboration with colleagues across the organization. In this role, the Director of Early Childhood Policy will work to improve early childhood outcomes across the state and works to provide leadership and policy advocacy in the core issue areas of child care, preschool, and early childhood family supports. As a key member of The Campaign's team, the Director of Early Childhood Policy will cultivate and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, policymakers, funders, and community groups.

Work Schedule: Days with occasional nights and weekends. Occasional statewide travel required.

This role will be responsible for a series of tasks that include, but are not limited to, the following:

Policy

• Lead the development and implementation of The Campaign's Early Childhood agenda, including through policy development, analysis, and advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Maintain substantial knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field and anticipate opportunities for policy change.
• Make policy predictions and take advantage of emerging policy windows.
• Apply knowledge by collecting, analyzing, and translating data to identify opportunities that will advance the Early Childhood agenda.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain productive working relationships with key Early Childhood stakeholders including policymakers, community groups, media, and those working in communities of color that are directly impacted by policies.
• Develop, manage, nurture, and engage coalitions to implement comprehensive policy advocacy strategies.
• Engage in dialogue, learning, and advocacy with and on behalf of those most impacted by Early Childhood initiatives, including youth, families, community members, and direct service providers. Create meaningful ways for impacted people to inform policy solutions and engage in advocacy that advances those solutions.
• Effectively represent the Colorado Children's Campaign to external audiences including funders, community groups, policymakers, and the media.

Collaboration

• Work across the organization to develop and oversee the implementation of The Campaign's agenda and strategic framework.
• Collaborate with the Policy and Advocacy Team to identify opportunities for legislative and regulatory change and advocacy to advance the Early Childhood agenda.
• Collaborate with the Communications, Policy, Research, and Advocacy Teams to educate and engage advocates across Colorado.
• Collaborate with the Research Team to collect, review, organize, and interpret local, state, and national data, research, and policy trends to identify emerging issues that affect the well-being of Colorado families.
• Support Development Team in early childhood funding proposals and activities
• Assist with the development and management of internal team and external coalition budgets.
• Collaborate with internal team members and external partners to maintain knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.
• Identify and develop strategies to strengthen the relationships of The Campaign and further the organization's Strategic Plan, participating in meetings with legislators, coalition partners, and other community leaders.
• Other assistance, as designated by the Vice President of Policy, to support the overall goals of the department and organization.

What You Will Bring To Our Organization

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's or advanced degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Health, Social Work, a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience preferred.
• 5 years of experience in public and regulatory policy, early childhood and/or education systems, or a closely related field is required.
• Experience developing, leading, and managing policy and advocacy coalitions and a penchant for a data-driven (quantitative and qualitative) approach to policy work strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of policy issues and systems impacting children, or any equivalent combination of expertise, lived experience, or special skills.
• Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of virtual collaboration platforms such as Zoom and Google Docs.
• Requires superior collaboration and organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
• Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and oral skills. Must be capable of communicating professionally with and to a wide range of audiences, possessing problem-solving and negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
• Must bring emotional intelligence and resiliency skills that facilitate leading and actively participating in the advancement of the Colorado Children's Campaign's work in racial, social, and economic justice.

What Our Organization Is Providing

• Expected annual salary range of $79,000 - $98,000 based on experience
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer Paid Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match of 100% of the first 3% employee contribution
• Generous PTO + Paid Holidays
• 12 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Hybrid work environment with commuter benefit

Colorado Children's Campaign provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, Colorado Children's Campaign complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Colorado Children's Campaign will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants for failing to disclose wage rate history in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Children's Campaign expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Colorado Children's Campaign employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.