Careers

Policy Analyst / Senior Policy Analyst

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Policy Analyst/ Senior Policy Analyst (depending on experience) is a key position for Early Edge’s 4-person policy team. Reporting to the Director of Dual Language Learner (DLL) Programs, the Policy Analyst will be responsible for co-owning the Dual Language Learner portfolio as well as providing policy support on other Early Edge policy areas such as Universal PreK/Transitional Kindergarten implementation, the Early Learning workforce, and birth to three issues. The Policy Analyst will assist with community engagement efforts as well as provide research, analysis, writing, and overall 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, the Policy Analyst’s key responsibilities will include the following:

Policy Analysis Strategy & Writing (40%)

• Assist with development and execution of Early Edge’s local, state, and federal advocacy agenda
• Research and stay up to date on early childhood and DLL 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

Community & Stakeholder Engagement (40%)

• 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 agency 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

Project Management (20%)

• Provide logistics and project management, event planning and facilitation support for convenings with educators, parents, and Family, Friend, and Neighbor providers
• Support Early Edge program team members with grant proposal and report development 
• Provide other support as needed to the Early Edge 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 DLL and Early Learning space
• 2-3 years of relevant policy, advocacy, and community engagement experience (Policy Analyst level), OR 4+ years (Senior Policy Analyst level) 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 or DLL policies in California
• 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
• 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 DLL research knowledge
• Bilingual proficiency or lived experience as a Dual Language Learner
• Understanding of the legislative process, state budgets, and policy analysis and development
• Understanding of the role of advocacy in advancing a policy agenda
• Ability to navigate politically sensitive conversations and situations
• 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

LOCATION

We are open to candidates based anywhere in California. However, Early Edge does have offices in Los Angeles and a presence in Sacramento. Given the nature of the work, there is a strong preference for candidates that are within commuting distance of the greater Los Angeles or Sacramento regions to be able to regularly participate in in-person team meetings or stakeholder events. Currently, Early Edge has a hybrid-remote/office schedule, with semi-monthly in-person meetings and activities. Occasional additional travel outside of the home-based area may also be required for event and meeting support. 

COMPENSATION & OTHER BENEFITS

The annual range for this position is $68,000-$78,000 for the Policy Analyst position and $78,000 – $85,000 for the Senior Policy Analyst position and is dependent on experience. Compensation will be based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and 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.

Early Edge offers an excellent benefits package which includes full employer paid health, vision, dental, life insurance, matching 401K, generous time off policies and dedicated professional development funding and encourages and supports growth opportunities for all full-time staff. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a cover letter and resume, 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., “Policy Analyst_Ramirez.”

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; and
• Share how your background and experience align to this position

Please email your application materials to [email protected] by the Priority Application Deadline of Thursday, May 2, 2024.

Additional questions about the role or interview process can be directed to Vanessa Ramirez, Recruitment Consultant supporting this search at [email protected].

HIRING STATEMENT

Early Edge California (Early Edge) is a project of the New Venture Fund (NVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. The New Venture Fund is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. The New Venture Fund’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

E-Verify 

NVF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Job candidates and employees authorized to work may not be discriminated against on the basis of national origin or citizenship status.