Fast Facts

The Sr. Policy Analyst at ZERO TO THREE will lead the organization’s federal policy strategies focusing on child welfare and early childhood mental health, representing the organization in legislative engagements and driving impactful policy initiatives.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include developing and implementing federal policy strategies, engaging with Congress and stakeholders, conducting policy analysis, and producing advocacy materials.

Skills: Required skills include knowledge of child welfare and mental health policies, strong communication abilities, policy analysis skills, and the capacity to build strategic relationships with stakeholders.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, Capitol Hill experience, and experience in coalition building and advocacy.

Location: Remote position, with a preference for candidates based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Compensation: $80000 - $90000 / Annually

The Policy Center at ZERO TO THREE, a nonpartisan, research-based resource for policymakers and advocates focused on the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers, is seeking a Sr. Policy Analyst to develop and implement ZERO TO THREE’s federal policy agenda and strategy on a range of issues, with lead responsibility for child welfare issues and infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH). The Sr. Policy Analyst will represent ZERO TO THREE in Congressional and Administration meetings; serve as a leading voice within coalitions; develop and review a variety of written policy, advocacy, and legislative products; monitor and provide input on relevant federal legislation and proposed rules; organize Capitol Hill briefings and other events; and work closely with government relations consultants to advance ZERO TO THREE’s policy priorities and strategy. This position contributes to the overall work of the Government Relations and Advocacy Team and the Policy Center, reporting to the Legislative Director and working in close collaboration across the team and organization. The successful candidate must live in the DC metropolitan area but is not required to work from ZERO TO THREE’s Washington, DC office.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

The Sr. Policy Analyst will work closely with the Legislative Director and the Sr. Director of Government Relations and Advocacy to develop and implement strategies to advance ZERO TO THREE’s federal policy agenda, with a focus on child welfare issues and mental health (including perinatal, infant, and early childhood mental health). The Sr. Policy Analyst will actively identify and share opportunities for ZERO TO THREE to expand its policy impact and partnerships. The Sr. Policy Analyst will work collaboratively across the organization, particularly across the Government Relations and Advocacy Team and with the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Safe Babies teams, to ensure thoughtful integration and alignment of ZERO TO THREE’s policy expertise into its federal policy agenda.

Communication and Collaboration

The Sr. Policy Analyst will build and maintain strategic and productive relationships with Congressional staff, relevant stakeholders, and coalition partners, and will provide exceptional technical assistance to federal policymakers and staff, including responding to inquiries for input on legislative language, report language, and comments on legislation and regulations. The Sr. Policy Analyst will also participate in the overall work of the Government Relations and Advocacy Team, such as submitting appropriations forms, analyzing and providing recommendations for sign on letters and bill endorsements, and tracking and communicating legislative work.

The Sr. Policy Analyst will join forces with the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Team, Safe Babies Team, teammates, and colleagues to represent ZERO TO THREE and, in coordination with the Communications Team and the Director of Policy Research, will have the ability to effectively communicate policy priorities, and succinctly and effectively write policy briefs, testimony, report language, blog posts, updates for an electronic newsletter, and other written materials for a variety of audiences, including Congress, the Administration, and advocates. This person will also act as an engaged and thoughtful external voice and representative for ZERO TO THREE, able to leverage their knowledge and experience to amplify the reach and impact of ZERO TO THREE’s work through presentations at Congressional briefings and hearings, conferences, and meetings. They will coordinate with ZERO TO THREE colleagues to organize briefings, webinars, meetings, conference calls and other events for policymakers and other stakeholders, will contribute to grant proposals and reports to funders, and work with Communications staff and the Policy Center team to prepare responses to time sensitive media opportunities.

Policy Expertise, Policy Analysis, and Political Acumen

The Sr. Policy Analyst will demonstrate a strong knowledge and understanding of the child welfare and court systems and/or mental health policy issues (including substance use issues), preferably including in relation to perinatal, infant, and early childhood development and the effects of trauma. They will have a proven ability providing real-time analysis and assessment of the policy and political landscape, will have an understanding of federal policy dynamics and key players, and will be prepared to serve as a proactive resource to federal policymakers and coalition partners. The Sr. Policy Analyst must be able to provide informed insights based on thorough equity-centered analysis, articulate the impact of proposed and existing federal legislation, regulations, and other activities of federal agencies and of initiatives of other national organizations, and recommend appropriate actions to internal stakeholders. They will be fluent and flexible in crafting relevant positions and appropriate strategies, and in identifying legislative champions and opportunities, as the political landscape shifts and new issues, opportunities, and challenges emerge.

The Sr. Policy Analyst will work with the Safe Babies Team and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Team to ensure legislative, regulatory, and other policy positions and priorities fully reflect ZERO TO THREE’s values and commitment to racial equity, are grounded in the science of early childhood development, and reflect the Policy Center’s theory of change, with particular attention to input from families, early childhood professionals, and community partners.

The Sr. Policy Analyst will perform other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the departments.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 4-6 years relevant work experience; Capitol Hill experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of mental health policy issues, with knowledge of perinatal, infant, and early childhood mental health preferred.
• Knowledge of child welfare policy issues, with knowledge of integrated early childhood systems, the intersection with poverty, and prevention strategies preferred.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes
• Skilled in research and policy analysis, including ability to read, analyze, and evaluate a wide range of complex documents and policy proposals and assess the potential impact on infants and toddlers
• Ability to operationalize equity-centered practices in the development and execution of policy
• Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse environments, and understanding of how different forms of oppression operate on interpersonal, institutional and structural levels
• Exceptional reasoning, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal skills able to develop and build strong relationships with stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including editing and proofreading, with the ability to connect with a variety of audiences with different needs and levels of understanding
• Experience participating in coalition groups and building relationships with relevant stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to work in concert with a team to devise strategies for multiple issue areas involving multiple Congressional Committees and Executive Branch agencies
• Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to manage multiple competing responsibilities efficiently and effectively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to travel, including occasional overnight stays

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, social work, psychology, early childhood education, or a related field; Masters degree preferred; relevant experience will be considered in lieu of higher education

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position's salary is estimated to be low $80,000s to low $90,000s 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.