Policy Associate

Organization Overview 
The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. CDF’s builds community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. 
 
We serve and advocate for the largest, most diverse generation in America: the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25, with particular attention to those living in poverty and communities of color. CDF partners with policymakers, aligned organizations and funders in this service. The Children’s Defense Fund is the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice by wielding the moral authority of programmatic proximity and community organizing to inform public policy. For more information visit www.childrensdefense.org. 
 
Position Summary 
The primary responsibility of this position is helping to develop and promote CDF’s federal policy and advocacy agenda to improve the odds for all children in America. The Federal Policy Associate supports policy development and implementation, legislation, advocacy, research and public education in priority areas identified by communities of need related to economic justice, health and nutrition, child welfare, youth justice, education, early learning, and child care. This person will be part of the team driving CDF’s five-decade track record of achieving policy wins for children and families.  

The Federal Policy Associate is responsible for working with Children’s Defense Fund staff and partner organizations to help develop and advance CDF’s legislative agenda in Congress and works with the Administration to advance our priorities as well as supporting CDF and its partners’ and voices of experience to advance policy initiatives at the federal level.   

 
The ideal candidate will have a successful track record of advocacy, analyzing and understanding policy and the legislative and administrative process, with a demonstrated commitment to and passion for children’s issues with a strong emphasis on marginalized children and advancing racial equity and child well-being. 

Responsibilities 

Develop and promote CDF’s federal policy and advocacy agenda to improve the odds for all children in the U.S. 

• Assist the Director of Policy and Policy Team in identifying and executing priorities and projects related to assigned issues, implementation, and administrative work at the federal level.  

• Pitching, initiating, and completing work in policy issue areas to help develop policy recommendations for internal and external stakeholders. 

• Represent CDF at other mission aligned organizations and coalitions, as well as at conferences, roundtables and policy events.  

• Represent CDF in meetings with Members of Congress, committees, hearings, briefings, and other events as assigned. 

• Represent CDF’s views before policymakers, the press, and the public. 

• Staff, brief and prepare CDF principals, including the President/CEO and VP of Strategy and Programs for executive-level meetings, lobbying and legislative education.  

• Conduct comprehensive legislative, regulatory, administrative, and legal research and analysis related to CDF’s priorities and develop policy recommendations for both internal and external use.  

• Monitor relevant activity on Capitol Hill and in the executive branch and identify opportunities for advocacy. 

• Initiate and recommend CDF’s positions on legislation and organizational letters, including seeking approval by CDF.   

• Write and help distribute fact sheets, talking points, blogs, reports, briefs, action alerts, and other materials related to CDF’s work. 

• Compile evidence of the results of policy change at the federal, state, and local level. 

• Work with other CDF departments, teams, and program staff to develop advocacy strategies at the intersection of policy, direct service, and community engagement.  

• Engage in community listening with youth, parents, and faith leaders to understand community priorities and translate them into policy priorities. 

• Offer technical assistance on federal policy to state offices and local teams. 

• Help advise, assist, and represent policy across CDF departments  

• Develop workshops and trainings for various audiences, including direct service and community partners.  

Education And/or Experience 

• Master's degree in public policy, public administration, social work or related field, or juris doctorate, plus one year experience with policy advocacy; OR a Bachelor’s degree and 3+ year’s experience with policy advocacy in one or more of CDF’s areas of interest. 

• Expertise in policy analysis, writing, editing, problem-solving and public speaking. 

• Attention to detail and deadline-driven timelines, and a high standard of work product.  

• Relevant experience in lobbying and advocacy.  

• A proven track record of working well as part of a team. 

 
Preferred Qualifications 

• Lived experience with the effects of public policy concerns impacting CDF’s constituencies and passion for these intersectional issues. 

• Familiarity and experience with public policy on one or more of CDF’s areas of interest. 

• Familiarity with relevant federal policy institutions, including experience working in or with legislative bodies, Congress, or federal agencies. 

• Exceptional writing and editing skills. 

Competencies 

• Strength in managing multiple, complex priorities often with competing deadlines.    

• A commitment to a high standard of work-product, deadline-driven timeliness, attention to detail, and driving toward results. 

• Ability to contribute and support the contributions of teammates while working toward a common goal. 

• Ability to develop collaborative relationships with policy staff at allied organizations to advance policy goals. 

• Ability to think critically and creatively in identifying problems, strategies, and solutions.  

• Strong communication skills through writing, speaking, and active listening. 

• Coordination of resources and tasks, delegation, negotiation, and time management. 

Personal Characteristics 

• Orientation to and background of servant leadership 

• Passion for CDF's mission and purpose and ability to communicate this passion to others 

• Ability to serve as an advocate and exemplar for the vision, values, and mission of the Children’s Defense Fund 

• Demonstrated strong relational skills 

Type of work environment associated with the job 

• indoor, office setting, limited travel  

Salary commensurate with experience. Attractive benefits package. 

Additional comments  

Children's Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer.