Director of Early Learning Policy

The Director of Early Learning Policy leads the organization’s early learning policy team and is responsible for our policy portfolio focused on a child’s critical early years, including pre-k, child care, and support for families with young children. The Director of Early Learning Policy will be responsible for developing short- and long-term goals for the early learning policy team, conducting policy research and data analysis, crafting policy recommendations, building coalitions and engaging policymakers and staff, facilitating educational meetings with policymakers and staff, writing policy materials, conducting media interviews, and pursuing other advocacy strategies. This position is full-time and based in Austin, Texas.

Texans Care for Children is a statewide, non-profit, non-partisan, multi-issue children’s advocacy organization based in Austin, Texas. We develop policy solutions, produce research, and engage Texas community leaders to educate policymakers, the media, and the public about what works to improve the well-being of Texas children and families.

Texans Care for Children is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek to build an organization that reflects the diversity of the population we serve.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the early learning policy team in developing short and long-term goals, crafting community-informed work plans, identifying policy priorities, and implementing legislative and administrative advocacy strategies to help children get off on a strong start.
• Develop and implement a strong advocacy campaign for each identified policy goal that incorporates diverse strategies, including research, community engagement, and story collection, media engagement, policymaker education, identification of new partners, and coalition building.
• Lead the Early Learning team’s work at the Legislature, including meeting regularly with legislators and staff, testifying in committee hearings, identifying and collaborating with legislative champions, and tracking bills and other legislative developments.
• Monitor federal and state policy issues and conduct policy research and analysis.
• Conduct media interviews and assist in the development of content for campaigns, including videos, blogs, op-eds, social media posts, and other materials, as needed.
• Serve in a leadership capacity in state advocacy coalitions and regional/local coalitions, and develop strong relationships with our advocacy partners, community-based organizations, families with lived experience, state agencies, legislators, and staff.
• Serve as a member of the policy department leadership and as a thought partner to drive the policy department’s priorities, policies, partnerships, and infrastructure needs in line with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Track relevant grant deliverables and report on our impact to funding partners.
• Manage Policy Associates, Policy Fellows, and/or interns on the Early Learning Policy Team.
• Reflect exceptional professionalism as an ambassador for Texans Care for Children.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with a focus on public policy, public health, social work, education, or other relevant fields.
• Minimum of ten years of experience in public policy and related fields, with a minimum of three years of management experience. A graduate degree may substitute for two years of public policy experience.
• Subject matter expertise on policies and programs to improve early learning systems or child outcomes.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks with initiative.
• Strong writing, research, and data analysis skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Experience building coalitions and developing and executing strategies for moving a policy agenda forward.
• Experience advocating alongside people of various viewpoints and backgrounds.
• Commitment to the mission of Texans Care for Children, including a passion for using public policy to improve the well-being of Texas children and families.

Benefits

Salary and Benefits:

Salary from $95,000 - $115,000, commensurate with experience. Additionally, Texans Care for Children offers excellent benefits to full-time employees, including:

• Hybrid, flexible work environment, designated a “Best Place to Work for Working Parents.”
• Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and children.
• Employer retirement matching contributions (up to 3%).
• Stipend programs for home phone and internet, student loan repayment, and/or self-care.
• Competitive PTO Policies including office-wide holidays (22 days per year), flexible holidays (5 days per year), vacation (18 days per year), and sick leave (12 days per year).