Policy Strategist - Louisiana Based

This role will create and advance a Louisiana-specific policy agenda aligned with NAFCC’s national priorities, ensuring that FCC educators are fully included in early childhood systems and decision-making spaces. The Policy Strategist will work closely with FCC educators, state leaders, and partners to build power, influence policy, and drive systems-level change.

The ideal candidate brings strong policy expertise, a commitment to equity, and experience working at the intersection of advocacy, systems change, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Strategy & Systems Change Leadership

• Develop and advance a Louisiana FCC policy agenda in partnership with FCC educators, state leaders, and early childhood organizations
• Align state policy efforts with NAFCC’s national policy priorities to strengthen financial security and professional recognition of FCC educators
• Identify opportunities to influence state policy, funding, and regulatory systems to better include FCC providers
• Lead strategic planning and execution of policy and systems change initiatives

Policy Analysis & Development

• Conduct legislative and regulatory analysis on Louisiana state policies impacting child care and early learning
• Draft policy positions, recommendations, and responses to proposed legislation and regulations
• Monitor policy developments and provide timely insights, risks, and opportunities
• Translate complex policy issues into clear, accessible materials for educators and stakeholders

FCC Educator Voice, Narrative and Leadership Development

• Elevate FCC educator voice in policymaking by:
• Supporting educators and association leaders to participate in legislative briefings
• Preparing FCC leaders for engagement in advisory bodies and public forums
• Facilitating storytelling and advocacy opportunities at state and local levels
• Build leadership capacity among FCC educators to engage in policy and systems change
• Collaborate closely with LSL Louisiana to ensure continuity of leadership for the educator cohort and to elevate educator representation in decision-making spaces.
• Build strong relationships with Louisiana NAFCC state representatives and FCC educators to lead and advance NAFCC advocacy campaigns, including August Advocacy is Action, In Their Own Words, and A Day Without Child Care.
• Spearhead a Louisiana narrative campaign to highlight the impact of family child care educators on:
• Children and families
• Workforce participation
• Local and state economies
• Amplify educator voices through storytelling, media, and public engagement strategies
• Collaborate with communications and partnerships to build broader awareness and support for FCC

 State-Based Advocacy & Coalition Building

• Lead implementation of NAFCC’s state-based advocacy framework in Louisiana
• Build and maintain relationships with:
• State agencies
• Policymakers
• Systems Leaders
• Early childhood coalitions
• Advocacy organizations
• Represent NAFCC in coalitions, task forces, and public forums
• Coordinate cross-sector efforts to advance shared policy goals

Training, Technical Assistance & Capacity Building

• Provide training and technical assistance to FCC educators, leaders, and partners on policy issues
• Develop advocacy toolkits, resources, and guides tailored to Louisiana
• Support educators and partners in understanding and navigating policy systems
• Host webinars, workshops, and learning sessions to strengthen advocacy capacity

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal NAFCC teams (operations, communications, accreditation, research and data, etc) to align policy efforts with organizational priorities
• Support integration of policy strategy into NAFCC action center for opportunities to amplify educator engagement efforts
• Ensure alignment between state-level work and national strategy

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, education, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in policy, advocacy, or systems change work
• Strong knowledge of early childhood and/or child care policy in Louisianna with preference for state-level experience
• Demonstrated experience in legislative analysis, policy development, and advocacy strategy
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate national initiatives into effective, Louisiana-specific strategies
• Experience working with coalitions, community leaders, or grassroots advocacy efforts
• Strong communication skills (writing, facilitation, public speaking)
• Ability to translate complex policy into clear, actionable insights
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Experience working directly with Family Child Care educators or home-based educators
• Experience leading campaigns or public awareness initiatives
• Bilingual (Spanish or other languages) – strongly preferred

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and advancing FCC educators
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect policy to real-world impact
• Skilled relationship-builder and coalition partner
• Strong facilitator who can elevate community voice and leadership
• Adaptable and responsive in a dynamic policy environment
• Passionate about systems change and improving outcomes for children and families

* Please apply by June 1st