Senior Policy Analyst, Early Childhood

Full time, permanent

Hybrid, Dupont Circle, Washington, DC

ABOUT DC ACTION

At DC Action, we know the District’s young people can accomplish anything when they have a fair chance.

And we also know how much stands in their way -- particularly our young people most affected by poverty and racism. These are powerful injustices, and they must be met with an equally powerful response.

We’re uniting all those fighting on behalf of DC’s children and youth to pursue a single, shared vision for what it looks like to grow up in our city. Because, while childhood exists on a continuum from birth to adulthood, the systems, programs and organizations designed to support our children and youth are too often fragmented by age.

Together with our young people, parents and community partners, we’re advocating with one voice for public policies that support kids at every step from early childhood to early adulthood. We are stronger, louder and more effective together. And, whether we are focused on helping a toddler learn her letters or a young man pursue his professional passion, we share one goal: that all of DC’s children and youth grow up safe, resilient, powerful, and heard.

Please visit Our Policy Priorities to learn more about our work, values and impact.

THE ROLE

DC Action is seeking a full-time Sr. Policy Analyst with a strong commitment to racial equity and improving outcomes for very young children. The Sr. Policy Analyst will be a subject-matter expert in child care, early childhood workforce, systems-building. The Sr. Policy Analyst will conduct policy analysis and research on the District’s early care and education system while building on our recent collective action wins to provide pay equity and benefits for early childhood educators and expand early childhood mental health supports. The Sr. Policy Analyst will report to DC Action’s Director of Early Childhood Systems, while also supporting the advocacy of the Under 3 DC coalition.

YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES…

Conduct policy analysis and research on the District’s early care and education system including, but not limited to affordability of care, systems equity, health and mental health, and workforce compensation and benefits
Track and analyze the budget, legislative, and regulatory developments at the District and federal levels that affect the District’s early learning system, as well as the implementation and funding of the Birth-to-Three law
Represent DC Action and the Under 3 DC coalition before diverse audiences in public forums, including testimony before policy makers and the media, to deliver persuasive and case making arguments for our budget and policy priorities.
Produce timely and user friendly policy briefs, reports, fact sheets and other materials.
Conduct briefings on the District’s early learning policy
Staff an Under 3 DC committee made up of advocates, early education program administrators, teachers and parents working to address policy and implementation of the Birth to Three law

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS…

Strong commitment to improving the lives of children and youth
A passion for economic, racial and social justice.
A Master’s degree in public policy, education, political science or a related field and at least 7 years of experience in advocacy, early education or a related field public policy field
Prior experience with and knowledge of DC government and issues relating to children, youth and families
A self-starting work style and is self-motivated
Excellent communication, writing and verbal skills
Exceptional project management skills, strong attention to detail
The ability to work independently, but also able to collaborate and work as part of a team and with diverse partners
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization committed to the well-being of children and youth

COMPENSATION

The starting salary range for this position is $75,000-$90,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. DC Action offers a generous benefit package, a great team, and a working environment committed to fostering staff growth and leadership. We are able to offer our employees 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision insurance, student loan assistance, 401K retirement plan with employer match, generous vacation, personal and sick time, family and medical leave, days off to vote and volunteer, along with an employee assistance program offering counseling, mental health and financial support.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please complete the Sr. Policy Analyst Job Application and upload your resume along with two professional writing samples.

This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls please.

DC Action recognizes and honors diversity in race, ethnicity, culture, age, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, and places where people live. We seek to reflect this diversity in all aspects of our work, including the composition of our board, staff, and volunteers. Further, DC Action seeks to be a multicultural and culturally competent organization that works for equity among all people. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.

Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from DC Action.