Careers

Development Manager II

Early Edge California, a project of New Venture Fund, is currently seeking a motivated, personable, and detail-oriented individual with a passion for improving the lives of kids and families in California, to join our team as a full-time Development Manager. The Development Manager is a key position for Early Edge’s growing fundraising team. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer while working closely with the Executive Director and other development staff and consultants, the Development Manager will perform development, administrative, and programmatic activities to support the strategic implementation and management of the organization’s private fundraising program. This is a great opportunity for a self-motivated individual with a growth mindset to help build out a key organizational pillar at Early Edge.

Key Responsibilities

Development

• Identify and cultivate individual, business, and philanthropic opportunities for funding the organization, working closely with the organization’s leadership and development team.
• Manage the development of major donor solicitation materials.
• Maintain a database of all development partnerships and opportunities in the organizational customer relationship management (CRM) system (NEON).
• Contribute to the development of public giving opportunities via the organization’s annual fundraising events, smaller-scale ‘friend-raising’ events, and email solicitations.
• Develop strategies for donor retention and growth, focusing on building long-term relationships with key stakeholders.
• Track and analyze fundraising progress and provide regular reports to the Executive Director and COO.

Event Planning for Fundraising 

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events, including the annual fundraising event and smaller-scale ‘friend-raising’ events.
• Manage event logistics, including venue selection, vendor contracts, and event timelines.
• Work with the Communications Manager to develop promotional materials and marketing strategies for events.
• Ensure successful event execution by coordinating with volunteers, staff, and external partners.
• Evaluate the success of fundraising events and develop strategies for improvement.

Communications

• Develop and manage a communications strategy with individuals, corporations, and other funders, including face-to-face, phone, and email interactions.
• Write development-related copy for Early Edge’s newsletter, website, and other external communications, in collaboration with the Communications Manager and Development team.
• Represent Early Edge, embodying the mission, vision, and culture of the organization with external partners.
• Coordinate and oversee the production of marketing and promotional materials related to development activities.

Programmatic Activities

• Develop and maintain relationships with education-oriented businesses and other client prospects, especially those located in Los Angeles/across California.
• Maintain a database of these partnerships in the organizational CRM.
• Submit and review quarterly a 12-month work plan.
• Collaborate with policy staff to align fundraising efforts with policy goals and priorities.
• Provide support for grant proposals and reporting to secure additional funding sources.

Candidate Qualifications & Desired Traits

• Shared belief in Early Edge’s mission and a commitment to improving the Early Learning space
• 3+ years of progressive experience in non-profit development, fundraising, or management-related fields, with a minimum of % year of work experience preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience that demonstrates strong communications skills (written, oral)
• Experience with customer relationship management systems, such as NEON, Raiser’s Edge, or Salesforce
• Excellent analytical, written, verbal, communications, problem-solving skills.
• Proactive, motivated self-starter who thrives in a team setting
• A “people person” capable of building deep and genuine relationships with various stakeholders, and possessing a comfort level with a wide variety of sectors that make up the world of fundraising, including the philanthropic community
• Ability to think strategically, introducing innovative ways to build and deepen existing and nascent partnerships
• Project management skills including the ability to meet deadlines and effectively handle a variety of time-sensitive tasks and competing priorities with minimal supervision
• Proactive nature and eagerness to learn with a growth mindset
• Positive attitude, curiosity, and flexibility – and a sense of humor!

Nice-to-Have Qualifications Although Not Required

• 6+ years of progressive experience in non-profit development, fundraising, or management-related fields
• Knowledge and understanding of the Early Childhood field
• Experience in donor cultivation and fundraising; fundraising certification is a plus
• Past in-person and virtual event planning experience
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish 

Compensation and Location

Early Edge offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees (and their families). Employees are able to enroll in a 401k retirement plan and are eligible for a 3% automatic contribution and up to a 3% employer match on 401k contributions. Employees are also eligible for pre-tax transportation benefits. Employees will receive 120 hours of vacation time, 80 hours of health leave, up to 2 days of casual leave, and 20 hours of volunteer leave annually. Employees will also receive 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are eligible for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave after 90 days of employment.

Early Edge also provides dedicated professional development funding for all full time staff and encourages and supports growth opportunities.

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position, 40 hours per week with some nights and weekends required to attend events. The target starting salary range for this position is $65,000-$78,000. Compensation will be based on factors such as relevant skills, experience and/or education. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.

This position is based in the Los Angeles area. We are seeking a candidate who is within commuting distance of Los Angeles. Our office is currently working remotely, with semi-monthly in-person meetings and activities. Frequent local travel and occasional travel outside of the LA-area may be required for event support. A hybrid remote/office schedule may be required in the future. 

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references, combined into one document. In the file name and email subject header, please write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name: e.g. “Development Manager_Smith.”

We invite you to utilize your cover letter as an opportunity to share how your background and experience align to this position.

Please email your application materials to [email protected] by the Priority Application Deadline of Friday, August 30. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with a passion for fundraising and a commitment to advancing Early Edge’s mission. If you are dedicated to fostering equitable solutions in early childhood education and have a track record of successful development and fundraising engagement OR you are committed to learning and building your career in this area, we encourage you to apply.

Senior Policy Analyst

Position Overview

Early Edge California, a project of New Venture Fund, is currently seeking a dynamic, passionate individual to join our high-impact policy team. Reporting to the Director of Policy, the Senior Policy Analyst will be responsible for overseeing policy analysis and providing policy development support on Early Edge’s Early Childhood related portfolio, including Universal PreK/Transitional Kindergarten implementation, the Early Learning workforce, Birth to Three/Infant & Toddler issues, and increased support for Dual Language Learners (DLLs). The Senior Policy Analyst will support community engagement efforts as well as provide research, analysis, writing, and overall development and execution of Early Edge’s policy and advocacy agenda in partnership with a highly collaborative Policy Team as well as other Early Edge staff. This is a great opportunity for a proactive, research-driven, and relationship-building professional who brings a passion and desire to help improve California’s Early Learning system, while simultaneously cultivating deep expertise in the portfolio areas mentioned above.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Policy, the Senior Policy Analyst’s key responsibilities will include the following:

Policy Analysis, Development, Strategy & Writing (60%)

• Co-lead the development and execution of Early Edge’s local, state, and federal advocacy agenda.
• Research and stay up to date on early childhood policies, research, and legislation and report relevant findings back to the internal team.
• Conduct analysis and support with drafting of organizational materials such as legislative fact sheets, policy briefs, support letters, meeting and event notetaking, and newsletter content.
• Develop and support policy efforts aimed at promoting equitable and inclusive representation and support for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) children within the early learning system.
• Formulate policy recommendations based on thorough analysis and research.
• Identify and evaluate emerging issues and trends in early childhood education and advise on strategic policy responses.
• Develop and implement strategies for policy advocacy, including crafting policy proposals and lobbying efforts.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Cultivate relationships and build coalitions with external stakeholders such as policymakers, school districts, government agencies, and community-based organizations to ensure the voices of marginalized and BIPOC communities are heard and uplifted.
• Support with organization representation by serving as spokesperson for public comment at legislative hearings or program site visits with early education agencies and government officials.
• Stay informed about current early childhood and DLL policies, trends, research, and legislation and provide updates and analysis to the team to inform advocacy efforts.
• Support the Communications team with outgoing communications and media talking points for assigned policy areas as needed. 

Project Management (20%)

• Ensure assigned projects within the policy portfolio are on track, stay within scope and budget, and have the dedicated resources needed for successful outcomes. 
• Provide project management and facilitation support for convenings with educators, parents, and Family, Friend, and Neighbor providers, including setting agendas and developing content. 
• Support the Development team with grant proposals and report development. 
• Potential future responsibility of supervising other Policy team members.
• Provide other support as needed to the Policy team.
• Work on other projects or assignments as needed.

Candidate Qualifications & Desired Traits

• Shared belief in Early Edge’s mission and a commitment to improving the Early Learning space
• 5+ years of relevant policy, advocacy, and community engagement experience, ideally in an education, nonprofit, or legislative/community engagement setting
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience that demonstrates strong communications skills (written, oral) as well as strong technical and analytical abilities
• Understanding and knowledge of early childhood policies in California
• Understanding of the legislative process, state budgets, and policy analysis and development
• Comprehensive and detail-oriented research and analytic skills
• Strong persuasive and technical writing skills with the ability to present complex information in varying formats such as fact sheets, policy briefs, support letters and other advocacy materials
• Ability to navigate politically sensitive conversations and situations
• Comfort and proficiency with public speaking and presenting to large audiences
• Comfort with networking and building relationships with diverse stakeholder such as policymakers, funders, families, and other Early Learning stakeholders
• Project management skills including the ability to meet deadlines and effectively handle a variety of time-sensitive tasks and competing priorities with minimal supervision
• Proactive nature and eagerness to learn with a growth mindset

Nice-to-Have Qualifications Although Not Required

• Expertise in one or more of Early Edge’s Early Learning policy priority areas

• • Understanding and knowledge of early childhood policy in California and general early learning and Infant & Toddler research knowledge

• Bilingual proficiency 
• Understanding of the role of advocacy in advancing a policy agenda
• Professional Early Learning or DLL teaching experience
• Strategic thinking mindset 
• Undergraduate or graduate degree(s) in public policy, public affairs or administration, education, or a related field

Compensation and Location

Early Edge offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees (and their families). Employees are able to enroll in a 401k retirement plan and are eligible for a 3% automatic contribution and up to a 3% employer match on 401k contributions. Employees are also eligible for pre-tax transportation benefits. Employees will receive 120 hours of vacation time, 80 hours of health leave, up to 2 days of casual leave, and 20 hours of volunteer leave annually. Employees will also receive 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are eligible for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave after 90 days of employment.

Early Edge also provides dedicated professional development funding for all full time staff and encourages and supports growth opportunities. 

The target starting salary range for this position is $78,000-$90,000. Compensation will be based on factors such as relevant skills, experience and/or education. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.

This position is based in the Los Angeles or Sacramento area. We are seeking a candidate who is within commuting distance of Los Angeles or Sacramento. Our office is currently working remotely, with semi-monthly in-person meetings and activities. Occasional travel outside of the home based area may be required for event support. A hybrid remote/office schedule may be required in the future. 

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume, combined into one document, along with a relevant writing sample. In the file name and email subject header, please write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name: e.g. “Senior Policy Analyst_Smith.”

We invite you to utilize your cover letter as an opportunity to:

• Tell a story that illuminates your interest in early education and Early Edge’s mission
• Share how your background and experience align to this position

Please email your application materials to [email protected] by the Priority Application Deadline of Friday, August 30. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Additional skills tests may be requested during the interview process.  

If you are passionate about advocating for the needs of Infants & Toddlers, fostering community engagement, promoting equity for BIPOC children, and driving impactful policy change in early childhood education, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

Birth to Three Policy Consultant

Early Edge California is currently seeking a Lead Consultant for our Birth-3 policy development, an initiative aimed at enhancing infant and toddler care in Los Angeles County and statewide. This project includes honing and prioritizing recommendations from the Los Angeles County Blueprint for Infant and Toddler Care. The consultant will lead a periodic workgroup of other Early Childhood focused organizations around the Blueprint recommendations, facilitate quarterly meetings, develop and implement policy strategies specifically for Early Edge’s B-3 work, and support communication efforts to elevate the importance of increasing infant and toddler care, including webinars and one-pagers.

Key responsibilities include working with Early Edge’s policy team to develop recommendations related to infant and toddler care, drafting public letters and comments, and leading the partner workgroup. Additionally, the role involves regular coordination with Early Edge team members and partners, preparing and advising on communications materials, and staying connected to the broader ECE policy landscape to identify advocacy opportunities to support California’s infants and toddlers and the Early Learning and Care workforce.

Goals:

• Assess what supports the Early Learning and Care workforce needs in order to provide high-quality, yet affordable, care to families with infants and toddlers.
• Build upon previous and existing efforts and initiatives focused to ensure Early Edge and the workgroup are adding value and not duplicating efforts focused on similar work.
• Identify policy recommendations to increase the availability of infant and toddler care in LA County and across the state, including recommendations focused on supporting the Early Learning and Care workforce.
• Increase investment in the mixed-delivery system and support providers in serving younger children to ensure robust continuity of care for children across systems.
• Ensure support for Dual Language Learners are included as we work to expand access to care.

Activities:

• Review LA County’s New Blueprint for Infant and Toddler Care and identify 2-3 recommendations to focus on developing next steps at state-level, including advocacy, and regulatory, legislative, or budgetary changes.
• Facilitation and content creation/agenda setting for the B-3 Workgroup
• Collaborate and provide feedback in the drafting of a short and long-term plan for infant and toddler care policy and advocacy.
• Support creation and distribution of communications materials.
  • Note that the consultant will not manage or post on Early Edge social media accounts. 

This is a 1-year commitment (approx. September 2024 – August 2025) with a possible extension for an additional 6 months, working an estimated 40 hours per month. Compensation for this consulting role will be determined based on experience and equity within the organization with a target monthly retainer range of $4,000-$6,500 upon receipt of a detailed invoice including time spent and work performed under this contract. Interested candidates with experience in early childhood education policy are invited to apply by submitting a resume and brief intro note to: [email protected], (Subject line: Consultant – B-3).