Director, Early Childhood Policy

Children’s Action Alliance Job Opportunity

Position: Early Childhood Advocacy Manager

Children’s Action Alliance (CAA) is seeking a dynamic and civically active individual to join our team, focusing on early childhood advocacy. The responsibilities for this role include:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Legislative Leadership:
   • Lead CAA’s legislative agenda for early childhood.
   • Focus on critical issues like child care, family supports, and early childhood education.
2. Alliance Management:
   • Manage the Arizona Early Childhood Alliance.
   • Oversee a coalition of 55 statewide organizations advocating for unified public policy.
3. Advocacy:
   • Engage with state and local officials, collaborating with stakeholders for policy improvements.
   • Enhance access to quality child care and early childhood opportunities.

Ideal Candidate Requirements:

• Passion for the work with direct experience in:
  • State legislative processes and agency-level advocacy.
  • Arizona’s early childhood system, funding streams, and oversight mechanisms.
  • Current research on early childhood growth and development.
  • Proficiency in coalition management.

About Children’s Action Alliance:

Children’s Action Alliance (CAA), a 501(c)3 nonprofit, advocates for the well-being of 1.6 million Arizona children and families. Since 1988, CAA collaborates with elected officials, community partners, and coalitions to protect vulnerable children.

Potential Policy Areas:

• Supports for families with infants and toddlers.
• Early childhood growth and development.
• Health care access for young children and families.
• Quality, access, and affordability of child care and preschool.
• Full day kindergarten and kindergarten development assessments.
• Transition to kindergarten and early grade learning.
• Early literacy development and third-grade reading comprehension.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze state legislation; propose recommendations.
• Develop strategic recommendations for community-level and state-wide action.
• Increase public awareness through media, events, publications, and campaigns.
• Manage daily operations of a diverse statewide Alliance.
• Conduct data and policy research on early childhood.
• Identify and secure grant funding; manage relationships with funders.
• Network with national colleagues and experts.
• Provide leadership and collaborations with the Early Childhood Community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 5 years of relevant experience.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to translate data findings into policy recommendations.
• Experience working in coalitions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingual speakers preferred.

Compensation:

• Starting salary: $75,000 to $85,000 (salary adjustment based on experience).
• Benefits include major medical and dental insurance, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and matching retirement contribution.

Location:

• Hybrid working system (office and home) in Phoenix; two days in the office per week.
• Candidate must reside in the metro Phoenix area.

To Apply:

• Send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to [email protected].
• Indicate the platform/site where you found the posting.

Children’s Action Alliance is an equal opportunity employer, strongly encouraging applications from underrepresented communities. Hiring decisions based on merit and organization needs.