Poverty and Health Policy Associate

The Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) office began in 1992, is located in New York City and has become a vocal and valuable city and statewide advocacy organization for the children of New York.

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.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: The Poverty and Health Policy Associate will provide support to CDF-NY’s Poverty and Health Policy portfolios, which seek to address the needs of the whole child through policy research and advocacy. The Poverty and Health Policy Associate will report directly to the Director of Poverty and Health Policy.

Specific job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Represent CDF on relevant workgroups and coalitions
• Track national, state and local poverty and health data
• Track city and state poverty and health related initiatives and reforms
• Coordinate and collaborate with community-based organizations and community members
• Research issues related to poverty and health policy
• Summarize legislation, policies, budgets and reports related to poverty and health policy
• Attend hearings and brief supervisor on testimony given
• Draft briefs, fact sheets, blog posts and other written materials and communications
• Assist with the execution of major events including advocacy days and community events
• Brief Director of Poverty and Health Policy on relevant matters and make recommendations on CDF’s position on various initiatives and reforms related to poverty and health policy
• Other responsibilities as required

Qualifications:

• Bachelors with two years of experience in a related field or advanced degree preferred
• An interest in issues impacting the health, well-being and economic security of children and families
• Understanding of and commitment to the vision of the Children's Defense Fund
• Strong interpersonal skills, especially with students and youth of all backgrounds
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently as well as collaboratively
• A self-starter who is comfortable with a fast-paced work environment
• Attentive to details and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Knowledge of web-based tools and social networking applications
• Strong research and data analysis skills
• Commitment to improving the quality of life for children, their families, and those living in poverty

Full-Time: 35hrs / week.

Application: A complete application consists of:

• Resume
• A cover letter with a description of your interest in the position and CDF-NY
• A brief writing sample (no longer than 5 pages)

To apply submit the required documents.

The Children’s Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer