Senior Policy Associates

About Us

For almost 34 years, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW), a national 501(c)(3) workforce policy and systems change non-profit organization, has been on the forefront of catalyzing change in educational and labor market systems, policies, and practices to increase economic mobility, particularly for people of color and others historically excluded from advancement opportunities. CSW focuses on achieving scalable improvements in worker skills, lifelong learning, and job quality. We also collaborate with change makers to develop strategies, identify evidence to inform solutions, build the capacity of organizations, manage initiatives, and evaluate lessons learned.

Position Summary

CSW is seeking candidates to fill two Senior Policy Associate roles, one each within two of our strategy teams. Senior Policy Associates have a deep understanding of workforce policy and practice at the national, regional, and/or community levels. They have experience transforming workforce systems and advancing public and privately funded innovation initiatives. They understand the gaps and inequities in the workforce development system and are skilled at implementing more effective strategies and approaches.

Senior Policy Associates support projects that advance CSW’s focus on reducing poverty, increasing economic mobility for low-wage workers, and addressing racial disparities within our field. They lead projects with independence, coordinate the work of team members, manage client relationships, and keep projects on track. They also co-develop leading-edge ideas and fundable, high-impact initiatives focused on equitable results for job seekers.

These positions report to and work closely with the CSW Director for the specific team and collaborate across the organization. Additional position details for each strategy team are summarized below:

Federal, State & Local Systems Change Team (FSL)

This team works to challenge the way systems operate and co-design approaches that are more culturally and economically relevant. Candidates for this role have experience and expertise in systems change and transformation within the workforce development sector.

Expected initial assignments include leading a youth workforce systems change initiative and directing a statewide transition and worker reskilling initiative.

This team focuses on:

• Designing federal, state, and local workforce system strategies.
• Developing implementation strategies for key services and introducing new services and tools.
• Analyzing and applying best practices and innovations that improve system processes and impacts.
• Building cross-system interconnections, including organizations within workforce, community development, human services, and education.
• Delivering technical assistance, developing strategy, and providing real-time guidance on workforce change.

Trauma and Resilience at Work Team (T&R)

This team advances workplaces and workforces that are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, healing-centered, resilience-building, and supportive of mental well-being. Candidates have experience working with partners to reduce stigma around trauma and mental health, educating employees on these topics, and advancing policies that support this work.

The Senior Policy Associate will initially lead employer workplace mental health initiatives in two state workforce agencies. This is a 17-month grant-funded position, with potential for extension.

This team focuses on:

• Designing and implementing training initiatives and workshops, as well as creating and promoting content and resources.
• Providing organizational coaching.
• Working with leaders to develop trauma-informed, resilience-building strategies.
• Conducting research and field-building, raising awareness, connecting allies, and promoting systems change.

Essential Responsibilities

Knowledge and Expertise

Federal, State & Local Systems Change team: Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the US workforce system and evidence-based initiatives. Identifies best practices and applies them to system change projects. Skilled in policy assessment, synthesis, and strategic communication with stakeholders.

Trauma and Resilience at Work team: Understands research and effective practices for trauma-informed, resilience-building, equitable systems. Experienced in addressing trauma such as ACEs, racial trauma, toxic stress, and workplace challenges. Skilled in training, coaching, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement.

Both Teams: Stays informed on policy and practice developments, offers thought leadership, and recommends best practices. Designs and documents effective program models. Uses research and data to share insights with varied audiences. Must have at least five years of experience leading national or statewide projects.

Market & Business Development and Sales

Co-develops new revenue-generating proposals. Identifies client/community needs and contributes content like blogs, webinars, and thought pieces to promote CSW and strategy development.

Racial Equity and Inclusion

Assesses how privilege and marginalization impact outcomes. Applies strategies to increase equity in projects and internally. Incorporates social justice in goals and uses reflective thinking to understand bias. Engages in professional development to support economic advancement.

Project Management

Leads 2 to 3 projects and contributes to several others. Works with directors to define roles and responsibilities. Ensures client satisfaction and successful delivery of projects on time and on budget. Shares learnings across teams.

Organizational Development

Contributes to CSW’s mission, vision, and values. Supports a positive and collaborative organizational culture. Participates in internal teams including Racial Equity & Inclusion, Project Management, Communications, and Employee Engagement. Promotes continuous innovation aligned with CSW’s mission.

Compensation

Employee compensation includes:

• Competitive salaries
• Benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement savings plan; a Section 125 Cafeteria plan; and a flexible spending account
• Non-monetary benefits such as flexible work schedules, sick time, supportive work culture, informal work environment, and remote work options

CSW is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color.

Work Location

Flexible. While CSW is headquartered in Michigan, team members work remotely across the U.S. Up to 20% travel may be required.

Salary

The entering salary range for Senior Policy Associates is $90,000 – $120,000, commensurate with experience.

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

FLSA Status

Exempt

Posting Dates

4/15/25 – 5/2/25

To Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter identifying the specific team(s), your interest in the position(s), and outlining your relevant skills and experience via the following application link: Senior Policy Associate Application

For questions, email Debbie Charlton, Board Secretary and Senior Support Specialist, at [email protected] with the specific position(s) in the subject line.