Early Childhood Policy Manager

Zero to Five Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Zero to Five Montana seeks an EC Policy Manager specializing in early care and education to advance policy research, recommendations, and program support. You will collaborate with diverse stakeholders to shape policies benefitting young children and professionals, and convene groups to drive policy objectives.

The role includes legislative tracking, analyzing bills, and providing expertise to expand access and improve quality across Montana’s early childhood system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public affairs, political science, social work, education, early childhood education, human development, public health, or related field.
• Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or related degree preferred.
• 2+ years in government relations, public policy, or advocacy; 5+ years preferred.
• Experience in policy organizing, research analysis, and project management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and develop policy recommendations to expand access to high-quality early care and education.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to shape policies supporting children and professionals.
• convene groups of stakeholders to advance policy objectives.
• Track and analyze legislative activity and engage in legislative processes.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Data translation

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

The Early Childhood (EC) Policy Manager specializing in early care and education will be responsible for conducting research, developing policy recommendations, and providing support for programs and policies aimed at improving access to high-quality early care and education. This role will focus on examining and enhancing the current landscape of early care and education, with an emphasis on expanding access, improving quality, addressing disparities, and strengthening support for early care and education professionals.

The position requires collaboration with a variety of stakeholders to shape policies that support the development of both young children and early childhood professionals. Additionally, this role involves convening groups of stakeholders to foster collaboration and advance policy objectives. The position also provides legislative expertise by tracking and analyzing bills, engaging in legislative processes, and addressing key issues in the early childhood policy landscape.

The EC Policy Manager works with a highly collaborative team to increase awareness about critical early childhood issues and make meaningful progress in new early childhood policy and funding streams.

The position is critical in fulfilling the work of Zero to Five Montana to stabilize, innovate and build the early childhood system in the state so families and communities can thrive.

Qualifications and Competencies

Education/Experience

Education

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public affairs, political science, social work, education, early childhood education, human development, public health, or related degree. Master's degree in public administration, public policy, or related degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum ofTwo (2) years of work experiencein government relations, public policy, and/or advocacy role. Prefer five (5) years of experience.

• Experienced in policy organizing, research analysis, and project management.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a variety of audiences.

• Proficient in translating data into compelling and relevant messaging through one-pagers, research reports, policy briefs, and electronic communications methods.

• Though not required, a candidate with experience in early childhood policy and familiarity with state, federal, and tribal programs is preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Organizational skills

• Knowledgeable of early childhood system issues, policy processes, and legislation.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong analytical capabilities to interpret data and derive actionable insights.

• Be well-versed in the state and national early childhood landscape including public perceptions and experiences.

• Ability to work autonomously and in cross-functional teams; and

• Ability to produce high quality policy briefs and reports.