Director of Early Childhood Policy

Colorado Children's Campaign • Denver, CO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorado Children’s Campaign is seeking a Director of Early Childhood Policy to lead its Early Childhood policy and advocacy agenda. The organization's mission is to be the voice and champion for children in public policy decisions, aiming to make Colorado the best place to be a kid and raise a kid. This role will focus on improving early childhood outcomes across the state, with specific attention to child care, preschool, and early childhood family supports. The Director will work collaboratively with colleagues and cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, policymakers, funders, and community groups.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5 years of experience in public and regulatory policy, early childhood and/or education systems, or a closely related field is required.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of The Campaign’s Early Childhood agenda, including 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.
• 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.
• Provide other assistance, as designated by the Vice President of Policy, to support the overall goals of the department and organization.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director