Job Announcement: Policy Director (April 2020)
Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (PPC), a statewide children’s advocacy organization located in Harrisburg, PA, has an immediate full-time opening for a policy director with an emphasis on early learning and health care.
PPC’s vision is to be one of the top ten states in which to be a child and raise a child. Today, Pennsylvania ranks 17th in the nation for child well-being. The policy work of this position is focused on high-quality infant and toddler child care and publicly-funded pre-k programs, prenatal and postpartum health care, lead exposure in children and nutrition services. The position is also responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of a large collaborative table designed to advance a prenatal-to-age-three policy agenda.
The successful candidate for this position will be key in advancing our early learning and health care policy agenda and will be an integral part of PPC’s policy team. Applicants should have a strong background in policy work at the state and federal level, including planning and development, project management, and coalition building. A desire to work in an advocacy-focused, nonpartisan environment is critical.
The position reports to the Vice President of Public Policy.
Primary policy duties include:
- Using data and research, proactively develops and implements a public policy platform in concert with the Vice President of Public Policy and works with the Vice President of Data and Strategy to assure that PPC’s data is robust and up to date. The specific portfolio includes but may not be limited to: increasing access to high-quality child care and publicly funded pre-k programs, expanding and improving prenatal and postpartum health care, addressing lead exposure in children and improving access to nutrition services for families.
- Monitors and analyzes current state and federal public policy efforts in specific areas and coordinates with pertinent staff on adapting PPC priorities accordingly. In partnership with government affairs staff, analyzes legislative activities as needed.
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with staff within appropriate offices of the state (i.e. Pennsylvania Departments of Education, Health and Human Services including the Office of Child Development and Early Learning).
- Engages strategically with other advocacy stakeholders on an ongoing basis, including coalition partners and grassroots and grasstops leaders, with a goal of advancing aligned policy initiatives. Mobilizes advocates to build the organization’s advocacy base as needed. This position includes the day-to-day management and coordination of a large collaborative table designed to advance a prenatal-to-age-three policy agenda.
- In coordination with other PPC staff, participates and represents the organization in policy-specific coalitions, task forces, and advisory groups, both inside and outside of government, as appropriate.
Primary organizational duties include:
- Develops ideas and content for communications materials, including policy briefs and data reports, factsheets, presentations and other mediums in consultation with the Director of Communications. Provides relevant information and updates for inclusion in regular PPC publications.
- Assists in grant application and reporting requirements.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Special Qualifications Necessary:
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field required; advanced degree a plus.
- A minimum of 8, but preferably at least 10 years of progressive work experience in a public policy setting; experience focused on early learning and/or health policy is a must.
- Content knowledge and strong data analysis skills are required, as is the ability to utilize this knowledge in formulating and advancing policy change.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be able to multi-task across a variety of ongoing projects.
- Contribute in a team environment, as this position will require close coordination with other PPC staff in related areas.
- Strong written and oral communication skills required.
Salary and benefit package are highly competitive and commensurate with experience. Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children is an equal opportunity employer.
Send resume and salary requirements via email by May 22 to:
Becky Ludwick, Vice President of Public Policy: rludwick@papartnerships.org
Subject: Policy Director Position
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