Position Description

Position:        Director of Federal Policy                                         

Reports to:    Managing Director, Public Policy

Supervision: Policy Associates (4); Interns, potentially

Collaborate:  Director of State Policy, Partnerships Coordinator

Organization Overview

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. CDF’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

We serve and advocate for the largest, most diverse generation in America: the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25, with particular attention to those living in poverty and communities of color. CDF partners with policymakers, aligned organizations and funders in this service. The Children’s Defense Fund is the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice by wielding the moral authority of programmatic proximity and community organizing to inform public policy. For more information visit www.childrensdefense.org.

Position Summary

The primary responsibilities of this position are to develop and execute strategies that center the voices of lived experience for advancing CDF’s policy priorities at the federal level. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and the well-being of all children, especially those in marginalized communities; experience analyzing federal laws, regulations, and proposed bills; crafting public policy; conducting advocacy campaigns; and working with diverse coalitions to achieve desired outcomes. The individual should have extensive networks in the policy community as well as experience building coalitions, leading projects, and managing team members.

Responsibilities

Policy Leadership

• Monitor and evaluate federal policy and provide timely, cogent policy analysis and recommendations.
• Collaborate with team members in Movement Building and CDF Freedom Schools® to ensure voices of marginalized children and families drive CDF’s federal policy agenda.
• Develop and execute strategic plans related to developments in legislative and executive branches.
• Collaborate with Director of State Policy and state offices to streamline advocacy on common issues.
• Create and deliver presentation materials, talking points, and analysis for senior leadership.
• Lead drafting of CDF policy statements, testimony, letters to Congress.
• Draft and submit administrative comments and engagement in other initiatives to influence rulemaking.
• Maintain current knowledge on policy issues in cooperation with Policy Team colleagues.

Strategy

• Develop and execute strategies for advancing federal policy priorities through both CDF and its affiliated 501(c)4 CDF Action Council.
• Identify and execute on opportunities to amplify voices of lived experience to federal policy makers.
• Support CDF outreach to constituencies to achieve policy objectives at the federal level, including nonprofit groups, faith organizations, think tanks, and other advocacy organizations.
• Collaborate with Communications team members to encourage advocacy for federal priorities among CDF’s base.
• Serve as CDF’s chief federal lobbyist and build relationships with the legislative and executive branches and represent.
• Represent CDF in policy forums, coalitions, and networks.
• Generate opportunities for CDF principals to provide testimony to Congress.
• Identify and support to pursuit of grants that align with CDF’s mission.

Management

• Manage CDF’s federal policy team of associates.
• Collaborate with team members to set goals, create work plans, and facilitate performance improvement.
• Identify opportunities for professional learning and professional growth for all team members in cooperation with Director of HR and Culture.
• Submit reports and otherwise comply with requirements of grants/fellowships that support the work of federal policy team members.
• Manage external grants to support federal policy work, including monitoring of progress, managing budget, and fulfilling reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with National Litigation Strategist to leverage skills of Federal Policy Associates for judicial initiatives.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of ten years’ in Federal Policy (Capitol Hill, Executive Branch) or in federal advocacy for child well-being.
• JD or master’s degree in public policy or related area.
• Years of education may be considered for experience. Years of experience may be considered for education.
• Existing relationships with relevant constituencies, including key Administration and Congressional staff and committees.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership for federal policy change.
• Record of success in achieving policy reforms.
• Demonstrated success in building coalitions with exceptional political acumen.
• Relevant federal lobbying experience on issues relevant to racial justice, economic justice, and child well-being.

Preferred Qualification

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Competencies

• Ability to analyze research, policy, and advocacy issues and translate findings and recommendations for a variety of audiences in compelling and influential ways.
• Ability to translate high-level strategy into tactical implementation in the areas of policy, research, and advocacy.
• Sophisticated understanding of policy-making processes and political dynamics.
• Exceptional networking, public speaking, writing and communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills to track a broad range of legislative and administrative initiatives.
• Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and planning skills.
• Ability to manage diverse, inclusive teams and collaborate effectively across a large organization.
• Ability to ensure resources are used in a fiscally responsible manner.
   

Personal Characteristics

• Orientation to and background of servant leadership.
• Passion for CDF's mission and purpose and ability to communicate this passion to others.
• Ability to serve as an advocate and exemplar for CDF’s  vision, values, and mission.
• Demonstrated strong relational skills.

Type of work environment associated with the job

indoor, office setting