Careers >> Special Assistant, Policy Department
Special Assistant, Policy Department
Summary
Title:Special Assistant, Policy Department
ID:1072
Department:Policy
Campaign Start Date:12/20/2018
Location:National Office - Washington, DC
Description

Special Assistant, Policy Department

The Special Assistant is responsible for overseeing the administration, tracking and overall smooth functioning of the work of the Policy Department and offering basic programmatic support for the team in its fast-paced and multi- faceted work. The Special Assistant reports to the Director of Policy but supports the work of all of the Department’s staff.

Mission Statement:

The Children's Defense Fund’s Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities.

CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investment before they get sick drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown. CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by individual donations, foundation, corporate and government grants.

 

CDF’s Policy Team is responsible for identifying and carrying out, in collaboration with other CDF departments and state offices, CDF’s policy priorities in child poverty, child health, early childhood, education, child welfare, youth justice, gun violence prevention and immigration, all intended to improve the odds for America’s children.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the administration, organization and smooth functioning of the Policy Department.
  • Establish and maintain systems to track and document the multiple activities and accomplishments of the Policy Team.
  • Develop and maintain databases and well-organized digital filing systems, and order supplies to accommodate the multi-faceted work of the team.
  • Conduct research and gather information on line and in the media related to the Policy Team’s work and assist with the preparation and posting of content for the website, social media and publications.
  • Oversee and maintain the team’s library and files.
  • Maintain the team calendar, including scheduling meetings, coordinating conference calls, and arranging for travel.
  • Assist, as requested, with the team’s subscriptions, correspondence, travel vouchers, expense reimbursement forms, memos, reports, and publications.
  • Assist with coalitions and networks chaired by members of the team.
  • Assist with the selection and supervision of interns.
  • Perform other department and organization-wide special duties as needed and assigned.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have:

  • An Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree and at least one year of relevant work experience
  • Superb organizational skills and experience attending to detail
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, set priorities, efficiently and effectively organize work and manage multiple responsibilities and task simultaneously
  • A “get it done,” results-driven, proactive self-starter who can work well under pressure and can work independently and as part of a team.
  • Good interpersonal skills to allow for effective interaction within the Policy Team and CDF, and others with whom the team collaborates, as well as inquiries from the public
  • Good writing and speaking skills
  • Political awareness and acumen regarding federal, state and local policy making
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • A demonstrated interest and deep commitment to social justice and improving the quality of life for children and families, especially those who are most vulnerable
  • Integrity, institutional loyalty and high standards of excellence and accuracy

Salary commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package including vacation, medical, dental and retirement plans.
 

Please apply submit cover letter and resume.

THE CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

 

 

This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications