Sr. Policy Analyst

ZERO TO THREE

5h•$80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Policy Center at ZERO TO THREE is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst focused on Perinatal, Infant, and Early Childhood Mental Health (PIECMH). The role leads federal policy analysis and strategy to strengthen the systems, services, and workforce supporting the mental health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum people, infants, young children, and their families. The analyst represents ZERO TO THREE in meetings with Congress, federal agencies, national partners, and coalitions; develops policy, legislative, and advocacy materials; and collaborates with internal teams, external partners, and policymakers to advance legislative and administrative priorities. The position also contributes to the overall work of the Policy Center. The position is grant funded, and continued employment depends on available funding. The successful candidate must live in the District of Columbia metropolitan area and may be required to attend in-person activities at ZERO TO THREE’s Washington, DC office and elsewhere in the DC metro area. Occasional travel, including overnight travel, is required.

Requirements

At least three to five years of relevant professional experience in public policy, government relations, mental health policy, maternal and child health, early childhood policy, or a related field.
Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes and strong knowledge of federal legislative, regulatory, budget, and administrative processes.
Emerging or working knowledge of PIECMH policy and systems serving pregnant and postpartum people, infants, young children, and families.
Understanding of early relationships, caregiver well-being, social and emotional development, prevention, early intervention, and developmentally appropriate mental health services.
Ability to research, read, analyze, and evaluate complex policy documents, legislation, regulations, budgets, and program proposals.
Ability to assess policy effects on infants, toddlers, families, providers, and communities and operationalize equity-centered practices.
Understanding of how interpersonal, institutional, and structural barriers affect service access and outcomes.
Strong reasoning, political judgment, problem-solving, strategic-thinking, oral communication, and written communication skills.
Ability to build productive relationships with policymakers, advocates, practitioners, researchers, families, and other stakeholders.
Ability to participate in coalitions, coordinate partners, or build consensus among organizations with differing perspectives and priorities.
Ability to translate technical policy, research, developmental science, and mental health information into clear, accessible language.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams, consultants, and partners.
Strong project management, organization, and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and time-sensitive developments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and related collaboration tools.
Ability to travel, including occasional overnight travel.
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, social work, psychology, mental health, public health, maternal and child health, early childhood education, or a related field; relevant professional experience may be considered in place of higher education.
Must live in the District of Columbia metropolitan area.

Nice To Haves

Experience working on Capitol Hill, in a federal agency, or in a national policy or advocacy organization.
Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategies to advance ZERO TO THREE’s federal PIECMH agenda.
Work with internal teams and external consultants, researchers, practitioners, advocates, and community partners to develop and advance PIECMH and other assigned policy priorities.
Ensure policy strategies reflect early childhood development science, family and professional perspectives, and equitable access and outcomes.
Connect PIECMH priorities with ZERO TO THREE’s broader federal and state policy agenda.
Maintain and expand expertise in PIECMH policy, including relevant federal legislation, regulations, funding streams, and administrative initiatives.
Monitor and analyze federal policies and programs affecting pregnant and postpartum people, infants, young children, and families; assess legislative, regulatory, budgetary, and administrative developments and their potential effects.
Analyze policy across areas including perinatal and maternal mental health, infant and early childhood mental health consultation, Medicaid and CHIP, early care and education, home visiting, family support, workforce development, and prevention, early identification, referral, and treatment.
Build and maintain relationships with congressional staff, federal agency officials, national organizations, professional associations, advocates, and coalition partners.
Represent ZERO TO THREE in congressional, administrative, and coalition meetings.
Provide technical assistance to federal policymakers and staff, including legislative and report language, policy recommendations, regulatory comments, program guidance, and research.
Work with the Government Relations team and consultants on strategies involving congressional committees and federal agencies.
Support congressional briefings, webinars, stakeholder meetings, hearings, conference calls, and other policy-focused events.
Participate in coalitions and collaborative policy groups and build alignment around shared PIECMH priorities.
Track legislative and administrative activity and communicate developments, risks, decisions, and opportunities across the federal policy team.
Develop clear, compelling, evidence-informed policy and advocacy materials for policymakers, advocates, professionals, families, funders, and other audiences.
Draft and oversee policy briefs, legislative and regulatory analyses, testimony, regulatory comments, congressional report language, fact sheets, talking points, blog posts, newsletter updates, presentations, and briefing materials.
Translate complex mental health, developmental science, and policy concepts into accessible language for varied audiences.
Represent ZERO TO THREE at briefings, hearings, conferences, coalition meetings, webinars, and other public forums.
Collaborate across teams to connect PIECMH priorities with maternal and child health, early care and education, family support, economic security, and professional development.
Contribute policy expertise and written content to grant proposals, funder reports, project plans, and other organizational materials.
Follow established processes for coordinating, tracking, and communicating legislative and administrative work across the Policy Center.
Contribute to the strategy, effectiveness, and collaborative culture of the Policy Center and ZERO TO THREE.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient and effective functioning of the department.