Policy Campaign Associate

Organization Overview The Childrens Defense Fund (CDF) envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish leaders prioritize their wellbeing and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. CDFs Leave No Child Behind mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start a Head Start a Fair Start a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

We serve and advocate for the largest most diverse generation in America: the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25 with particular attention to those living in poverty and communities of color. CDF partners with policymakers aligned organizations and funders in this service. The Childrens Defense Fund is the only national multiissue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child wellbeing and racial justice by wielding the moral authority of programmatic proximity and community organizing to inform public policy. For more information visit .

Position Summary

The primary responsibility of the Policy Campaign Associate is to support the development and guidance of the national campaigns for community movement building through leadership development and community organizing. The Associate supports the Director in the development and ontheground advancement of multiyear community organizing strategies and workplans in support of CDFs 5 policy zone priorities to advance a childcentered racial equityinformed public policy agenda.

The Policy Campaign Associate is helping to develop and promote CDFs policy agenda to improve the odds for all children in America and to support the advocacy work that results from placebased campaigns for capacity building and mobilization across CDF state offices and identified emerging markets where CDF anticipates expanding its footprint and impact.

The ideal candidate will have a successful track record of advocacy organizing and policy analysis that results in community mobilization and organizing to advance a policy agenda with a demonstrated commitment to and passion for childrens issues with a strong emphasis on marginalized children and advancing racial equity and child wellbeing.

Note: This job description does not restrict managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Consideration will be given to qualified candidates on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

Assist the Director of Leadership Development and Organizing and the Leadership Development and Organizing Team in the development of workplans and strategies.

Support coordination of national and state efforts that align with CDFs powerbuilding vision.

Help to identify and build out coalition with key partners and key constituencies.

Identify and advance priorities and projects related to CDFs Policy Agenda

Represent CDF at other missionaligned organizations and coalitions as well as at conferences roundtables and policy events.

Represent CDF in meetings with policy makers committees hearings briefings and other events as assigned.

Represent CDFs views before policymakers the press and the public.

Staff brief and prepare CDF principals including the President/CEO and VP of Strategy and Programs for executivelevel meetings lobbying and legislative education and community engagement.

Organizing and Campaign Development and Advancement

Support the development and implementation of outreach and organizing plans and the development of action campaigns and effective campaign plans.

Serve as a liaison with state and federal partners to advance CDFs vision and policy agenda.

Support organizing efforts targeted to engage activate and mobilize communities constituents and coalition partners.

Tracking campaign performance analyzing data and metrics and providing actionable insights and recommendations for campaign optimization.

Work with other CDF departments teams and program staff to develop advocacy strategies at the intersection of policy advocacy campaigns and community engagement.

Work closely with the LDO teamstudent and youth faith communities and Alex Haley Farm and be a forwardthinking strategic partner to build out community mobilizing work in advancement of the CDF Policy Agenda.

Help advise assist and represent LDO and the work of the department across CDF departments.

Develop workshops and trainings for various audiences including direct service and community partners.

Education and/or Experience

Masters degree in public policy public administration social work a related field or juris doctor degree; plus two years experience in social justice advocacy.

Expertise in policy analysis writing editing problemsolving and public speaking.

Experience working with communities and with basebuilding

Attention to detail and deadlinedriven timelines and a high standard of work product.

Relevant experience in lobbying and advocacy.

A proven track record of working well as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

Lived experience with the effects of public policy concerns impacting CDFs constituencies and passion for these intersectional issues.

Experience with supporting developing and advancing campaigns at either or both the state or national level.

Familiarity and experience with public policy on one or more of CDFs areas of interest.

Familiarity with relevant policy institutions including experience working in or with legislative bodies or administrative agencies.

Exceptional writing and editing skills.

Competencies

Strength in managing multiple complex priorities often with competing deadlines.

Racial equity analysis and application in the social sector

A commitment to a high standard of workproduct deadlinedriven timeliness attention to detail and driving toward results.

Ability to contribute and support the contributions of teammates while working toward a common goal.

Ability to develop collaborative relationships with staff at allied organizations to advance policy goals.

Ability to think critically and creatively in identifying problems strategies and solutions.

Strong communication skills through writing speaking and active listening.

Coordination of resources and tasks delegation negotiation and time management.

Personal Characteristics

Orientation to and background of servant leadership

Passion for CDFs mission and purpose and ability to communicate this passion to others

Ability to serve as an advocate and exemplar for the vision values and mission of the Childrens Defense Fund

Demonstrated strong relational skills

Type of work environment associated with the job

Indoor office setting limited travel

Salary commensurate with experience. Attractive benefits package.