Policy Associate

We are seeking a Policy Analyst to join our team, responsible for driving impactful change through policy advocacy and analysis. Key responsibilities include identifying, tracking, and providing insightful analyses and recommendations for pertinent policy and budget bills, as well as administrative meetings, hearings, and guidance. Collaborating closely with policy and program staff, member agencies, and the broader child welfare and behavioral health advocacy communities, this role will help identify policies affecting providers and families, ensuring their voices are heard. The Policy Analyst will assist the Policy Manager in conducting thorough research and drafting various materials such as position letters, issue papers, reports, fact sheets, and newsletter articles. Additionally, this person will represent our organization in legislative committee meetings, state rule hearings, and statewide workgroups as necessary, advocating for our mission and priorities. This role also involves facilitating standing membership committees and meetings, providing essential administrative support including maintaining legislative databases, responding to inquiries, drafting meeting agendas, and coordinating advocacy events such as lobby days and webinars. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, attention to detail, the ability to work independently and meet quick deadlines.

Qualifications (education/work/skills/knowledge/characteristics):

To adequately fulfill this position, an individual must have:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy or administration, law or related area
• Two years of experience in non-profit or governmental work. Previous employment in state government is highly valued and strongly preferred
• Excellent communication and analytic skills as well as focus on detail and organization
• Proven ability to function effectively in a fast-paced work environment, managing multiple projects and simultaneous demands, achieving quality results in a timely manner
• Ability to be self-motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively
• Passion for family and children’s issues, public-private partnerships
• An ability to speak in front of groups and to project a professional image
• A commitment to advancing racial equity
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 products (Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel); ability to quickly gain proficiency using other software and web-based services as needed

Responsibilities (roles/functions/duties/ownership):

Under the direction of the Policy Manager, this individual will:

• Identify, track, and develop analyses and recommendations for relevant policy and budget bills and administrative meetings, hearings, and guidance
• Collaborate with policy & program staff, member agencies, and broader child welfare and behavioral health advocacy communities to identify policies that impact providers and families
• Assist Policy Manager in researching and drafting position letters, issue papers, reports, fact sheets, newsletter articles, calls to action, and other media
• Represent the organization in legislative committee meetings, state rule hearings, and statewide workgroups as needed
• Prepare materials for and facilitate standing membership committees and meetings
• Provide administrative support including legislative database and file maintenance, responding to email and phone inquiries from member agencies, drafting meeting agendas, scheduling meetings with government officials, and processing expense and lobbying reports
• Coordinate advocacy events including lobby days, advocacy webinars, and special meetings with government officials
• Other duties as assigned

The Ohio Children's Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and value the contributions of people from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and experiences, and we strive to create a work environment where everyone can belong, thrive, and grow.

This position currently follows a hybrid work schedule with occasional in-person requirements, including weekly meetings, until further notice.

$50,000-$55,000 annually, negotiable commensurate with experience. Paid vacation, sick leave, health, dental, life insurance coverage, and 401(k) retirement program.