Division: California State Office (Oakland or Sacramento)

Mission of Children's Defense Fund:

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) 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 the United States who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities.

Position Summary:

The Policy Associate will work to advance CDF-CA’s vision for children by conducting research, data analysis, policy advocacy, communications, and outreach support to key campaigns focused on improving children’s well-being. The Associate will work to maximize state and national investments in children and leverage policies and programs that address economic inequity and lift children and families out of poverty. The Associate will maintain and develop new strategic partnerships with impacted communities, key organizations and coalitions aligned with CDF-CA’s priorities. The position requires regular travel to Sacramento, and periodic travel within California, Washington, DC, and Clinton, TN. This is a full-time position based in either Los Angeles or Oakland; however, candidates from Sacramento willing to work remotely from a home office are encouraged to apply.

Core Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and analysis on key policy and budget developments at the local, state and federal level;
• Track, state legislation and developments related to child poverty and health;
• Prepare detailed summaries and memos, comparative analyses of legislation, reports, fact sheets, speeches and talking points, and web materials relating to child poverty and social determinants of health for internal and external audiences, with a keen eye for detail and factual content;
• Monitor and document promising approaches to resolving or ameliorating the impact of poverty on California’s children and documenting/sharing as needed;
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with key organizations and coalitions;
• Serve as a core member of the CDF-CA policy team, provide support for key policy priorities and projects, and keep team members informed;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Desired Skills:

• Commitment to CDF’s vision;
• Demonstrated history of collaborating with diverse groups and impacted communities;
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in policy analysis, work in community, political/issue based campaigns, outreach and/or coalition building;
• Hands-on experience with economic equity and health access work;
• Strong understanding of the California legislative and budget process;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences (advocates, press, and policymakers);
• Exemplary writing skills;
• Organized and detail oriented;
• Excellent research and analytical skills;
• Ability to prioritize among multiple projects in a demanding environment;
• Work well within teams;
• B.A. required, graduate degree in related field strongly preferred;
• Spanish-speaking a plus.

Salary commensurate with experience. Attractive benefits package.

To apply submit cover letter, resume, and salary requirement.

The Children’s Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer