Assistant Director Advocacy and Policy

Company: Educare Chicago
Location: Washington
Posted on: May 24, 2025

Job Description:

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more inclusive early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!In partnership with the Director of Advocacy and Policy, provides strategic, analytical and operational leadership to the Advocacy and Policy Division of Start Early Washington (SEWA), including the planning and execution of SEWA's strategic priorities. Support management of partnerships, budget and policy analysis, and contributes to effective relationships with national, state and local organizations and philanthropy. Serves as liaison with other divisions and external partners.Reporting to the Director of Policy and Advocacy, you will:

• STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT: In partnership with the Director of Advocacy and Policy, serve as key strategist for SEWA's policy work, including the advancement of policy and budget priorities in support of SEWA's program and policy interests. Work with leadership in communications, development, program and operations to ensure alignment across SEWA's implementation efforts.
• LEAD A PORTFOLIO OF WORK: in partnership with the Director of Advocacy and Policy, serve as the lead on Early Learning Facilities program work.
• DIVISION MANAGEMENT: Supervise the Policy and Advocacy Associate, providing reflective supervision, coaching, and support their growth and development and oversight; oversee, participate and support the work of the cross divisional teams. Create a strong strategic relationship with SEWA's communications, development, program, and operations leads to amplify the work.
• RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS: In partnership with the Director of Policy and Advocacy, create and develop high-level analyses on Washington's early learning systems that support and advance overall strategic goals. Work with the Director of Policy and Advocacy to develop an analysis of budget and policy items, including an analysis of legislative and budget proposals. Conduct research on early learning budget and policy items (national, other states, Washington state) to inform policy and budget discussions and Start Early Washington's advocacy strategy. Work with internal and external partners in the development of policy resources, building SEWA's reputation for accuracy and timeliness. Prepare written analysis and reports in a variety of formats (slide decks, memos and fact sheets) for internal and external audiences.
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Oversee the project management and operations needed to support effective implementation of policy deliverables. Facilitate and coordinate the planning, execution and monitoring of project work plans, timelines, and priorities for internal and external partners. Help provide budget and policy content for newsletters, social media, and other written formats. Proactively identify opportunities for Start Early Washington's policy work to be amplified internally and externally.
• PARTNERSHIPS: Serve as internal liaison with other Start Early teams, including the National Policy Team and the Illinois Policy Team. Participate in policy tables with other Start Early teams representing Washington's policy perspective. Support and extend the Start Early Washington's Policy and Advocacy team's relationship with external partners, including attending standing conference calls and meetings with external partners as needed.
• FACILITATION: Provide planning, coordination and logistics of external meetings for the Advocacy and Policy Team, including, but not limited to, Start Early National meetings, statewide coalition meetings, legislative and state administrative meetings. Create strategic agendas, facilitate internal and external meetings, and/or staff meetings to advance project work. Ensure timely follow-up, tracking of issues and actions and other documentation.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested.Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in business, education, policy, program administration or related field required. Master's Degree in business, education, policy, or program administration preferred.
  • 7-10 years of related experience preferred.
  • Must reside in Washington state**
  • Knowledge of state legislative and administrative systems, with experience working in Washington state.
  • Pro-active and independent problem-solver.
  • Commitment to centering diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and the policy arena.
  • Self-motivated, creative and strategic thinker open to learning and exploring new areas and opportunities.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize complex tasks, prioritize multiple tasks, manage time and exercise good judgment.
  • Reliability in handling confidential information and material.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and participate in teams toward a common objective.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication skills, and interpersonal skills with the ability to successfully interface with a diverse range of key stakeholders.
  • Ability to understand, analyze, interpret and make good decisions even in ambiguous situations.
  • Skilled in working in and managing team projects, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to promote and maintain effective internal and external relationships and communication between divisions, offices, and staff.
  • Ability to readily acquire knowledge of a broad array of program, research, policy and organizational issues.As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
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Keywords: Educare Chicago, Ellicott City , Assistant Director Advocacy and Policy, Executive , Washington, Maryland