Policy Development Coordinator, Early Childhood, DECE - 27322

NYC Public Schools; New York (NY); On-site; USD 82,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Public Schools seeks a Policy Development Coordinator to advance DECE priorities. You will support research, data collection, and policy materials, collaborating with cross‑functional teams and external partners to align with city, state, and federal requirements.

The role involves drafting policy briefs, coordinating surveys, and monitoring implementation from planning through follow‑up, under the direction of policy leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting policy development, research, or program implementation in education or public sector settings.
• Ability to interpret and apply NYCPS policy and procedures within early childhood education.
• Strong written and oral communication, organizational and detail-oriented work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate development, implementation and monitoring of policy initiatives.
• Design and administer surveys and data collection tools for policy input.
• Conduct research on local, state and federal policies affecting early childhood education.
• Lead policy development projects from research to drafting, rollout and follow-up.
• Review policies to identify gaps and draft revisions to strengthen implementation.
• Prepare policy briefs, guidance documents, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate with partners to align DECE policy with NYCPS and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

HS diploma + 6 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Position Summary: The Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE) supports the operational and programmatic functions of early childhood education programs for New York City children in elementary schools, Pre-K Centers and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) contracted settings included in Community Based Organizations (CBO) and through Family Childcare (FCC) programs. DECE provides families with access to high quality, inclusive early childhood programs for children birth to five, in rich diverse settings, supporting children’s growth and development. Working together with families and programs, DECE ensures that children are engaged, nurtured and supported.

The Policy Development Coordinator will support the Manager and Director of Policy Development in advancing critical policy initiatives for DECE. The Coordinator will play a key role in supporting research, implementation and monitoring of policy priorities that ensure alignment with NYCPS, City and State requirements. This role will assist in data collection and analysis, development of policy materials and coordination of cross functional efforts that support the integration of early childhood programs into the broader Birth–12th grade education system. Performs related work.

Reports to: Manager of Policy Development, DECE

Direct Reports: N/A

Key Relationships: Division of Early Childhood Education central and field teams; relevant Central NYCPS teams; NYCPS field offices and staff; New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH); NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS); New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS); other City, State and Federal agencies; and program leaders in district schools, community based early childhood centers and Family Child Care Networks.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of policy initiatives that support DECE priorities and early childhood program quality.
• Support the design and administration of surveys, data collection tools and feedback mechanisms to inform policy development.
• Conduct research and analysis of local, State, and Federal policies, regulations, and legislation impacting early childhood education, and synthesize findings to inform DECE policy development, implementation, and leadership decision-making. Lead policy development and implementation projects from research and stakeholder consultation through drafting, rollout, monitoring, and follow-up, under the direction of Policy leadership.
• Review existing policies, procedures, guidance, and program requirements to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas requiring clarification, and develop recommendations and draft revisions to strengthen implementation.
• Serve as a policy resource for DECE teams by researching and responding to policy and regulatory questions and supporting consistent interpretation and application of requirements across early childhood program models.
• Assist in drafting policy briefs, guidance documents, presentations and communications for internal and external audiences.
• Support the development of policies related to enrollment, staffing, program budgets, compliance and other key early childhood topics.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners to support alignment of DECE policy with broader NYCPS and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and assist in monitoring compliance with City, State and Federal regulations across early childhood programs.
• Analyze data and support the identification of trends, challenges, and opportunities to improve policy implementation.
• Facilitate and support the preparation of reports, presentations and materials for DECE leadership and stakeholders.
• Assist in planning and coordinating meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions related to policy implementation.
• Maintain organized documentation and track progress toward policy related milestones and deliverables.
• Provide general project management support to ensure timely advancement of policy initiatives.

Qualification Requirements

Minimum

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six (6) years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least one (1) year of experience as described in “1” above.

Preferred

• Experience supporting policy development, research, or program implementation in education or public sector settings.
• Knowledge of NYCPS policy and procedures and the ability to interpret and apply policies effectively, particularly within early childhood education.
• Familiarity with DOHMH Article 43 and 47 regulations, OCFS Child Care regulations, and Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).
• Strong research and analytical skills, including experience working with data to inform decision making.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to organize and present information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications.

Salary

$82,000 - $90,200
(Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)

NOTE:

The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.

New York City Residency is NOT Required

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Department of Education of the City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's actual or perceived sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or pregnancy. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.