Job Title: Policy Fellow

Mission of the Children’s Defense Fund

The Children’s Defense Fund 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 investments 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.

About the Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio

Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. We champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. We are a national organization—headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices around the country—and have the capacity to work for children at the federal, state and community levels. The Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio (CDF-Ohio) office was established in 1981. For more than 30 years, we have been a voice advocating for children.

Position Description

CDF-Ohio is seeking a Policy Fellow for a one-year position, to begin October 1, 2018. The Policy Fellow will work directly with the Policy Director to develop and implement projects addressing the systemic needs of Ohio children. Issues the Policy Fellow will work on include stopping the push out of students from our schools due to harsh school discipline practices, improving healthcare access and health outcomes for children and their families, and advocacy and awareness-building for the 2020 Census, among other emerging issues that affect Ohio’s most vulnerable children. Specific responsibilities include:

• Monitor legislation, attend legislative committee hearings and advocacy meetings, and work with the Policy Director to develop CDF-Ohio legislative advocacy priorities.
• Research and write issue briefs on child policy issues, to be published and distributed by CDF-Ohio and our partners.
• Coordinate advocacy coalition activities.
• Support policy work, conduct research, and perform additional tasks in collaboration with the Policy Director.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree or higher preferred), excellent research and writing skills, a can-do attitude, and strong work ethic. CDF-Ohio gives special consideration to applicants with a demonstrated commitment to serving disadvantaged individuals and communities.

This position is full-time for one year and would be ideal for a recent graduate who wants to dive into policy and advocacy work. Pay is negotiable based on experience and the position qualifies for benefits. To apply, please submit cover letter, resume, two writing samples, transcript, and three references.

The Children's Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer