Organization Overview
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 mission is to build community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. CDF core values are Justice, Compassion, Equity, Trust, and Love.
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 national leadership position is stewarding enterprise-wide efforts in policy advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic communications regarding CDF’s mission, vision, and strategy. The National Director supports the Vice President & Chief Program Officer in development of multi-layered, multi-year strategy and workplans to support a child-centered, racial equity-informed public policy agenda. This leader manages the Public Affairs division, including the policy and communications teams. The secondary responsibility of the National Director is supporting the work of the CDF Action Council 501(c)4 platform. The ideal candidate will have a successful track record of results in public policy or strategic communications and possess an astute, contemporary political analysis grounded by commitment to children and families.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategy
- Work with Vice President & Chief Program Officer to inform program planning.
- Lead the coordination efforts to align with the organization’s policy and communications strategies.
- Collaborate with President & CEO and Vice President/Chief Program Officer to align governance for the CDF Action Council with organizational objectives.
- Integrate strategic communications with community organizing, direct service and public engagement efforts.
- Lead and build coalitions with key partners and constituencies.
- Manage protocols and policies for policy advocacy, strategic communications and lobbying.
- Set performance outcomes and engagement metrics to monitor progress and adjust advocacy strategies.
- Develop and retain a team of high-performing staff to execute the policy and communications strategy.
- Remain current and serve as in-house expert on leading and promising public policy.
Program Management and Evaluation
- Oversee the development, tracking, and reporting of policy advocacy and communications program goals, outcomes, and performance metrics.
- Develop human capital plans to achieve program objectives, then hire, deploy and support staff.
- Work closely with Vice President to budget and monitor program to ensure sound fiscal and system management.
- Collaborate with National Director of Movement Building to develop, implement, and improve advocacy and organizing policies and procedures.
- Collaborate closely with National Director of CDF Freedom Schools to design and coordinate communications, recruitment and storytelling strategies from direct service constituencies and partnerships.
- Participate and steward team participation in organizational development efforts.
Public Policy and Strategic Communications
- Direct the development and implementation of public policy and political advancement strategy for CDF’s policy agenda, including research, targeted outreach and communications, strategic and tactical plans.
- Ensure the development of disciplined external communications from CDF to the public through the development of unified communications and marketing plans with complementary editorial calendars and staff accountabilities.
- Track shifting conditions (demography, economy, politics, geography) and challenges/opportunities across arenas for change (electoral, legislative, judicial, administrative, communications, corporate) which impact and inform CDF’s policy and political strategy.
- Support the development of action campaigns including developing effective campaign plans, coordination of campaign activities and actions, and recruiting coalition allies.
- Collaborate with National Director of Movement Building to identify research to align with public campaigns.
- Analyze/assess public affairs efforts based upon data collected and implement corrective measures as required.
- Serve as liaison with local, federal, and national values-aligned partners to advance CDF’s vision.
- Monitor emerging needs among CDF’s base and key stakeholders, including students and youth, alumni, Freedom School parents, and faith community leaders.
Education and/or Experience
- 6-8 years senior management experience with managing a high performing team of staff and volunteers.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in public policy, communications, public relations, or politics, with at least three years of experience either working for a legislative office (including committee staff) or working for a government agency in their legislative department.
- A minimum of a bachelor's degree. Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration or related field is preferred. Years of education may be considered for experience.
- Track record of earned leadership and trust among diverse constituencies.
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas: policy analysis, policy advocacy, coalition-building, child well-being, and/or racial equity.
- Experience as lead staff for policy, campaign, research, or communications on the state or national level.
- Successful experience managing a high-performing team of staff and community members.
- Working knowledge of program planning, organizational structure, budgeting, and administrative operations.
- Experience with evaluation or participatory action research (experience with Salesforce a plus).
- Nuanced understanding of the fundamentals and challenges of the non-profit sector.
