Policy Research Director

ABOUT ZERO TO THREE

Founded in 1977, ZERO TO THREE works to ensure that babies and toddlers benefit from the early connections that are critical to their well-being and development. Our mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. At ZERO TO THREE, we envision a society with the knowledge and will to support all infants and toddlers in reaching their full potential. Our Core Values Statement: We believe that how we do our work is as important as what we do. To learn more about ZERO TO THREE, please visit our website at zerotothree.org.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

ZERO TO THREE is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring, advancement, and professional development. It is dedicated to diversity in its work, its staff, and community partners. This is an exceptional opportunity for a professional who shares our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and supports our mission to enhance outcomes for all children.

SUMMARY

The Policy Center at ZERO TO THREE, a nonpartisan, research-based resource for policymakers and advocates on the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers, is seeking a Policy Research, Director (Director) to oversee execution of an equity-driven, coordinated, and cross-cutting policy research agenda that shapes, supports, and advances ZERO TO THREE’s comprehensive policy agenda. The Director will develop processes, tools, and systems to facilitate working collaboratively and thoughtfully with colleagues within the Policy Center and across the organization to develop and implement the policy research agenda and strategy. This position will play a key role in planning and producing policy research products using a wide variety of formats and platforms, contributing to ZERO TO THREE’s thought leadership, including serving as a key representative and spokesperson for ZERO TO THREE’s policy research work. The Director also manages research contracts and external research partnerships and will regularly provide informed insights and advise the Chief Policy Officer and other leaders on policy matters based on thorough research and data analysis.

The Director will possess skills in research and evaluation methods, including qualitative and quantitative data analysis, exceptional writing and presentation skills, and strong knowledge in early childhood development, and equity-centered research frameworks, including community-based participatory research and culturally responsive research and evaluation practices. The Director reports to the Lead Impact Officer for the Policy Center and will supervise a research analyst, policy research fellows (periodically), and manage laterally with colleagues engaged in policy research to ensure alignment, consistency, and quality of the organization’s policy research products and activities.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Planning, Leadership, and Coordination

The Director will collaborate closely with colleagues within the Policy Center and across ZERO TO THREE to identify research priorities and strategies needed to shape, support, and advance ZERO TO THREE’S comprehensive policy agenda. This will require the Director to effectively analyze policy data and trends and maintain a level of curiosity and interrogation to explore new thinking, suggest policy recommendations, identify where ZERO TO THREE can push and change the policy landscape, identify gaps in understanding, and encourage further research and study. The Director will develop systems, tools, and planning processes to maintain ongoing engagement and collaboration with colleagues throughout the research/project life cycle of their projects and help them deliver clear content and technical assistance. Using this approach, Director will develop an annual comprehensive policy research work plan that clearly delineates – across the entire organization – policy research activities and deliverables, roles and responsibilities across the Policy Center teams, and alignment with the Policy Center’s overarching goals, objectives, and theory of change. The Director will work directly with all colleagues engaged in policy research to ensure that the policy research work plan evolves to address new challenges, opportunities, and insights, and that colleagues are informed of progress and impact.

The Director will supervise a policy research analyst, and, at times, policy research fellows or contractors, as well as manage laterally (cross functional teams and projects) with colleagues across ZERO TO THREE to engage with them on their work and provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and thought partnership to support policy research work and ensure alignment and consistency across the organization. The Director will be expected to serve as a resource for colleagues within the Policy Center regarding data sources and literature, including grey literature, pertaining to the organization’s policy priorities. The Director will lead by example and advise and assist other colleagues on how to operationalize equity-centered practices in the development and execution of policy research projects, including through supporting the use of community-based participatory processes and human-centered design methods, and/or other culturally responsive research and evaluation practices that challenge existing deficit-based assumptions and evidence, and that advance equity-centered policy solutions.

The Director will establish and maintain productive and collaborative relationships and form strategic partnerships with colleagues at all levels in the policy research community, including aligned policy and research organizations, key scholars, and government and philanthropic-funded policy research initiatives. The Director will stay abreast of trends, resources and publications, and build knowledge and awareness of developments in the broader field, and, as necessary, adjust and fine-tune strategy. The Director will serve as an engaged, passionate, and thoughtful external voice to influence policy research discussions related to ZERO TO THREE’s agenda and elevate visibility of policy research products by delivering presentations at conferences, meetings, webinars, and other forums, as well as through the use of other formats, medium, and platforms, and support other senior leaders and colleagues to do the same. As a leader within the Policy Center, the Director will also contribute to the development of effective ZERO TO THREE cross-program and project integration and alignment, collaborate on funding proposals and reports to funders. The Director will keep the Chief Policy Officer and other leaders informed about new policy research developments and advise on opportunities to innovate and leverage organizational assets and resources to maximize impact in the early childhood policy space.

Resource Development

The Director will establish planning, project management, and substantive review processes and procedures, templates, tools, and other resources to provide direct support to colleagues and consultants to ensure that whatever policy research products, resources, and deliverables they produce are high-quality, timely, and effectively and impactfully elevate and support ZERO TO THREE’s policies and positions. The Director will work closely with the communications lead throughout the planning and drafting process to ensure their projects meet deadlines and align with the editorial calendar, and meet content clarity and accessibility of language standards, and maximize the use of the content in myriad contexts and with a variety of audiences with varying levels of understanding. The Director also works with communications staff to provide information to support time sensitive media opportunities, and planning policy research convenings and events, and other dissemination activities.

The Director will contribute to building the knowledge base and advance infant-toddler policy solutions by conceptualizing new signature State of Babies resources that inform an approach to the holistic needs of babies and families and engage partners, other researchers, and the voices of families, early childhood professionals, and communities most impacted by the policies in development.

Policy Research Expertise

The Director must have strong knowledge of the science of early childhood development and understand how these concepts are applied to policy formulation, analysis, evidence-base, and measurement of policy and system impacts. The Director must also be knowledgeable about how traditional research and data methods and evidence-based policies decisions relate to power, resource allocation, and institutional policies and systems impacting families and communities that have experienced racism, poverty, and other forms of oppression, and promote the use of equity-centered research, evaluation, and data practices within the Policy Center. The Director has a proven ability to conduct extensive research and analysis and writing on policy issues and is able to bring creativity, rigor, and operational skills and capacities to oversee implementation of a cross-cutting policy research strategy.

The Director also will perform other duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the policy research agenda.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Strong knowledge of and experience with cross-cutting approach to policy development for infants, toddlers, and families.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, including meaningful experience in applied research in the early childhood policy field, and leading policy research projects.
• Proficient in quantitative and qualitative research methods, using statistical analysis software to analyze data effectively with strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and thoroughness; data savvy with strong experience using data to drive decision-making, planning, and ongoing management of projects.
• Excellent policy research and analysis skills, with demonstrated competency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting complex data and documents, with the ability to draw meaningful insights and translate that information and research into knowledge useful for policymakers, and identifying current policy trends, research gaps, and areas to explore to enhance the infant-toddler field; stays abreast of the policy landscape and new developments.
• A self-starter with strong organizational skills with the ability to exercise the initiative and proactive mindset needed to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, navigate stressful situations, and shift gears to address challenging and changing circumstances with a balanced approach and without losing sight of the details or the big picture.
• Knowledge of culturally responsive practices in research and evaluation required, knowledge of community-based participatory research and human center design methods, preferred.
• Strong critical thinker and strategic planner with ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently, exceptional judgement, and significant experience anticipating challenges and creatively problem-solving to address actual and possible scenarios and risks.
• Excellent communication skills – oral and written – with demonstrated ability to effectively reach different audiences and make complicated/technical information understandable and accessible; proficient at creating and delivering compelling and effective presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse environment and understanding of how different forms of oppression operate on interpersonal, institutional, and structural levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills and track record of building and maintaining strong respectful and collaborative relationships at all levels and across all identities, and excellent execution skills with ability to execute – both directly and through others, and able to manage up, across, and down effectively. Able to work effectively independently and as a member of a team and contribute to a positive work environment.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES

• Encourages and practices critical thinking
• Is self-reflective and empathic
• Recognizes the influence of workplace relationships on outcomes and results
• Maintains a respectful and accepting approach to others
• Awareness of the influence of the larger context on individual behavior
• Collaboratively and creatively supports the work efforts of colleagues at all levels and in all areas of the organization

EDUCATION

Master’s or doctorate degree in early childhood, public policy, social science, or a related field.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position’s salary is estimated to be mid $120,000s to high $140,000s depending on experience, geo-location, budget, and other comparable and similarly scoped internal positions. In addition to salary, ZERO TO THREE offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, HRA, retirement contributions, generous leave benefits and more.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is frequently required to use finger dexterity and sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. Also, they may need to remain seated for extended periods, can perform repetitive motions, and reach for objects. An employee is frequently required to hold a writing instrument, communicate verbally, and hear well enough to detect nuances and receive detailed information. They may be required to grasp objects, push, and pull objects, bend, stand, walk, squat, or kneel. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision for data preparation or analysis, and expansive reading. May need to lift up to 30 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing this job. Depending on work location, the incumbent will typically work indoors in a heated and air-conditioned office, with a mixture of natural, incandescent, and fluorescent light with low to moderate noise levels or be subject to working conditions conducive to a home environment. When travel is expected, the incumbent will be exposed to outside environmental conditions during those times.

ZERO TO THREE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

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