Job Description
ABOUT ZERO TO THREE
Founded in 1977, ZERO TO THREE works to ensure that babies and toddlers benefit from the early connections that are critical to their well-being and development. Our mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. At ZERO TO THREE, we envision a society with the knowledge and will to support all infants and toddlers in reaching their full potential. Our Core Values Statement: We believe that how we do our work is as important as what we do. To learn more about ZERO TO THREE, please visit our website at zerotothree.org.
SUMMARY
The Policy Center at ZERO TO THREE, a nonpartisan, research-based resource for policymakers and advocates focused on the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers, is seeking a Sr. Policy Analyst to develop and implement ZERO TO THREE’s federal policy agenda and strategy on a range of issues, with lead responsibility for child welfare and mental health policy issues. The Sr. Policy Analyst will represent ZERO TO THREE with Congress and the Administration; serve as a leading voice within coalitions; develop and review a variety of written policy, advocacy, and legislative products; monitor and provide input on relevant federal legislation and proposed rules; organize Capitol Hill briefings and other events; and work closely with government relations consultants to advance ZERO TO THREE’s policy priorities and strategy. This position contributes to the overall work of the Government Relations and Advocacy Team and the Policy Center, reporting to the Legislative Director and working in close collaboration across the team and organization. The successful candidate must live in the DC metropolitan area but is not required to work from ZERO TO THREE’s Washington, DC office.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
The Sr. Policy Analyst will work closely with the Legislative Director and the Sr. Director of Government Relations and Advocacy to develop and implement strategies to advance ZERO TO THREE’s federal policy agenda, with a focus on child welfare issues and mental health (focusing on perinatal, infant, and early childhood mental health). The Sr. Policy Analyst will actively identify and share opportunities for ZERO TO THREE to expand its policy impact and partnerships. The Sr. Policy Analyst will work collaboratively across the organization to ensure thoughtful integration of ZERO TO THREE’s policy expertise into its federal policy agenda.
Communication and Collaboration
The Sr. Policy Analyst will build and maintain strategic and productive relationships with Congressional staff, stakeholders, and coalition partners, and will provide technical assistance to federal policymakers and staff, including input on legislation, regulations, and other governmental actions. The Sr. Policy Analyst will participate in the overall work of the Government Relations and Advocacy Team, such as submitting appropriations requests, analyzing and providing recommendations for sign on letters and bill endorsements, and tracking and communicating legislative work.
The Sr. Policy Analyst will work collaboratively with programmatic and communications staff to develop, communicate, and advance ZTT’s policy priorities. The person will develop written products, such as one-pagers and policy briefs, for audiences including Congress, the Administration, and advocates. This person will also act as an engaged and thoughtful external voice and representative for ZERO TO THREE with both policymakers and coalition partners, such as through briefings, conferences, and meetings. The person will also work with Communications staff and the Policy Center team to prepare responses to time sensitive media opportunities.
Policy Expertise, Policy Analysis, and Political Acumen
The Sr. Policy Analyst will demonstrate a working knowledge of child welfare systems or mental health/substance use policy issues, preferably including in relation to perinatal, infant, and early childhood health. They will be ready and willing to develop issue expertise in these issues. As Sr. Policy Analyst, they will provide real-time analysis and assessment of the policy and political landscape and will serve as a proactive resource to federal policymakers and coalition partners. The Sr. Policy Analyst must be able to provide informed insights based on equity-centered analysis, articulate the impact of proposed and existing federal policies, and recommend appropriate actions to internal stakeholders. They will be flexible in crafting relevant positions and appropriate strategies, and in identifying legislative champions and opportunities, as the political landscape shifts, and new issues, opportunities, and challenges emerge.
The Sr. Policy Analyst will perform other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the departments.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
• Minimum of 4-6 years relevant work experience; Capitol Hill experience strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of at least one of the following:
- Mental health policy issues, with knowledge of perinatal, infant, and early childhood mental health preferred.
- Child welfare policy issues, with knowledge of prevention strategies preferred.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes;
- Skilled in research and policy analysis
• Ability to use equity-centered practices in the development and execution of policy
• Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse environments, and understanding of how different forms of oppression operate on interpersonal, institutional and structural levels
• Exceptional reasoning, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal skills able to develop and build strong relationships with stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to connect with a variety of audiences with different needs and levels of understanding
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to manage multiple competing responsibilities efficiently and effectively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to travel, including occasional overnight stays
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, social work, psychology, early childhood education, or a related field; Masters degree preferred; relevant experience will be considered in lieu of higher education.
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.