Federal Child Care Policy Strategist (Remote, EST)

System One, Inc.; Virginia; Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

System One, Inc. seeks a Child Care Policy & Legislative Specialist to influence federal child care policy, analyzing legislation and translating laws into practical guidance for states and tribal partners.

The role interfaces with government stakeholders, drafts policy responses, and supports budget, monitoring, and program priorities across national initiatives. Strong policy experience and communications are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least four years of relevant professional experience in child care policy, public policy, legislative analysis, regulatory development, or a related area.
• Knowledge of child care laws, regulations, funding structures, and policies.
• Experience developing, interpreting, or analyzing child care policy for a federal or state government agency, national organization, or similar entity.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing and drafting complex legislative, regulatory, or policy documents.
• Ability to research complex policy issues, synthesize information, and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to compile, interpret, and summarize data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities, including time-sensitive requests.

Responsibilities

• Develop, draft, and interpret federal child care regulations and policy guidance, including Program Instructions, Information Memoranda, Policy Interpretation Questions, Dear Colleague Letters, and FAQs.
• Research and analyze federal child care laws, regulations, proposed legislation, and emerging policy issues to inform program direction and recommendations.
• Develop thoughtful, well-researched policy responses to questions from states, territories, and tribal partners, as well as issues identified through program operations, monitoring, and oversight.
• Translate complex policy and regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance for government partners and stakeholders.
• Prepare presentations, briefings, talking points, and educational materials to communicate new policies, programs, and initiatives.
• Support legislative activities by analyzing proposed bills, drafting technical comments, and developing legislative proposals aligned with Administration priorities.
• Prepare Congressional testimony, responses to Congressional inquiries, and reports addressing key child care policy issues.
• Analyze data, research findings, and other information to develop policy summaries, reports tables, and recommendations that support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and cross-functional teams in program operations, technical assistance, monitoring, and research.
• Review and provide substantive feedback on reports and policy documents prepared by government oversight organizations and other entities, including GAO and OIG.
• Contribute to budget formulation, performance measurement, financial management, grantee reporting, and other program priorities as needed.

Skills

Analytical reasoning

Written and verbal communication

Policy research

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy or related field

Master's degree or higher (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

System One, Inc. seeks a Child Care Policy & Legislative Specialist to influence federal child care policy, analyzing legislation and translating laws into practical guidance for states and tribal partners.

The role interfaces with government stakeholders, drafts policy responses, and supports budget, monitoring, and program priorities across national initiatives. Strong policy experience and communications are essential.