Director of State Public Policy

Casey Family Programs, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care and building Communities of Hope for children and families across America.  Founded in 1966, we work in 50 states, the District of Columbia and two territories and with more than a dozen tribal nations to influence long-lasting improvements to the safety and success of children, families and the communities where they live. Casey Family Programs values inclusion, diversity, equity, and respect for individuals in the workplace. We encourage candidates with diverse lived experience and perspectives to apply.

Job Summary:

The Director of State Public Policy works in collaboration with the Managing Director, Public Policy, proactively seeking ways to assess and support systems improvement in organizations and agencies by identifying and educating in a balanced, objective, and nonpartisan manner on effective policy changes throughout the United States The purpose of this position and the efforts it manages is to educate and to influence system change at the state level that improves outcomes for children and families, including policy changes to safely reduce the number of children in foster care.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Works with the Managing Director, Public Policy, to develop, prioritize and support relationships at the state level to educate in a balanced, objective, and nonpartisan manner on policy change – both legislative and executive.
• Responsible for cultivating and sustaining relationships in several states with policymakers, stakeholders and organizations able to educate or influence policy change at the state level.
• Responsible for issue specific work in several states to educate and to influence various policy matters affecting vulnerable children and families
• Conduct non-partisan strategic policy analyses, research issues, and draft reports for internal and external distribution.
• Provide sound, objective, and balanced recommendations internally and externally regarding policies to improve outcomes and promote broad systems changes, including in support of federal and tribal policy work alongside state policy work.
• In collaboration with Public Policy team, works to promote and advance equity issues and conversations across child welfare and other child and family well-being areas.
• Work with the Managing Director to develop and support policy work through opportunities for innovative partnerships with philanthropic sector to advance CFP projects and services.  
• Engages and coordinates with Casey’s national partners to identify areas of common work and consensus, and to advocate collectively for positive change for children and families.
• Actively contribute to the work of Public Policy, including in support of federal and tribal policy work, and as a team member in a collaborative and supportive manner. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Business, Public Administration or related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred. Seven years of experience in public policy, public interest law or related field, as exhibited by extensive experience in working with state policymakers, national partners, advocacy groups, and constituents. Three years of experience working with multiple and diverse partners, including but not limited to state policymakers and their staff, child and family welfare service providers, business leaders, philanthropic partners, advocates, community organizers, field experts, judiciary, youth, and the media.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly, persuasively, objectively, balanced, and briefly to communicate in a nonpartisan manner to intended audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze policy, evaluate policy recommendations, and draft policy language in an objective, balanced, and nonpartisan manner.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the policy and programmatic issues related to child protection and family and child welfare, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership, acute analytical skills, strong public speaking, and confidence in presenting and communicating in an objective, balanced, and nonpartisan manner with senior level leaders, public figures and dignitaries, as well as success in fostering strategic partnerships.
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with any specific software or technology as needed for the job.
• This is a regular full-time position that requires travel up to 50% of the time. Local travel as well as out of town travel will be required. Driving on Casey business may require use of personal vehicle; adherence to vehicle safety guidelines and qualification for insurance is required.
• Requires a consistent on the ground presence in the state of residency and in the state capital
• Ability to perform effectively in high pressure and stressful work environment. Ability to manage stress and self-care.
• Physical requirements include the ability to lift and reach for light objects; ability to type and work at a computer for extended periods of time as a primary job function.
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information by learning and following all relevant policies and protocols and using sound judgment in the handling and sharing of that information.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Casey Family Programs requires a COVID-19 vaccination for in-person work. Therefore, all employees will be required to present proof of vaccination status unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption.

This position is a remotely based position, and the salary will vary based on geography. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary range between the minimum and the midpoint salary range. Placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process. In accordance with the law, the base salary for the position in certain locations is listed below.

Colorado & WA State: $121,000 to $142,000

California: $121,000 to $156,600

New York City: $133,000 to $156,600

Casey Family Programs offers benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts, eligibility for 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, disability, basic life, employee assistance plan and business travel insurance. Additionally, employees are eligible to accrue paid time off, starting at 8 hours per month of annual leave and 8 hours of sick time per month in the first year of employment. Casey Family Programs also observes 10 paid holidays per year and each employee receives one personal holiday to use each calendar year. Employees that meet certain tenure qualifiers are eligible for up to eight weeks of parental leave for the birth or placement of a child for adoption or foster care. After the completion of 10 years of continuous, full-time employment, employees in good standing are eligible for a three-month sabbatical with pay.  Casey Family Programs also offers many opportunities for continued learning, training, and development.

Applicants can apply using our website: https://www.casey.org/careers/current-openings/