Public Policy Officer

Position Summary:
The Public Policy Officer plays a critical role in supporting ChildSavers’ mission by providing strategic insights and driving advocacy efforts. This individual will assist the CEO in understanding and influencing the policy landscape to positively impact the community. The Public Policy Officer will be responsible for shaping state-based strategies, managing formal advocacy activities, and building relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, and partners. This position requires a passionate and experienced individual with a strong understanding of public policy, coalition building, and effective communication.

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy Monitoring and Analysis: Review, interpret, and respond to state and federal policy proposals and regulations that impact the organization. Monitor emerging trends and media coverage of relevant policy issues.

• Advocacy and Coalition Building: Lead outreach efforts to potential partners, fostering relationships with elected officials, staff, and relevant agencies. Build coalitions that strengthen advocacy efforts aligned with ChildSavers’ mission.

• Legislative and Regulatory Communication: Draft and submit formal comments, legislative analysis, memos, and public testimony to influence policy outcomes. Communicate insights from stakeholder submissions and regulatory proceedings to internal teams.

• Public Policy Platform Development: Lead the development and execution of ChildSavers’ annual public policy platform, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including Operations, Legal, and Business Development, to ensure a cohesive policy strategy across the organization.

• Policy Research and Tracking: Research, analyze, and track federal and state public policies, including legislation and regulations, that impact the organization’s operations and goals.

• Educational Materials Creation: Develop educational and advocacy materials such as formal letters, public testimony, and other communications to support policy initiatives.

• Documentation and Relationship Management: Track and document all policy interactions, maintaining institutional knowledge for future reference and follow-up.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Experience: Demonstrated experience in public policy, advocacy, and grant writing, with a solid understanding of government relations and policy analysis.

• Knowledge:

  • Understanding of state and federal legislative processes, regulatory environments, and policy-making.
  • Knowledge of public policy issues relevant to the nonprofit sector and the services ChildSavers provides.
  • Familiarity with public policy communication, including formal comments, advocacy, and coalition-building strategies.

• Skills:

  • Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to draft clear, concise, and persuasive policy communications, including legislative analysis and public testimony.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, such as elected officials, policymakers, and organizational partners.
  • Proficiency in presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint) and spreadsheet tools (e.g., Excel) for creating reports and presentations.

• Abilities:

  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills to interpret complex policy issues.
  • Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback and adapt communication strategies as needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Physical Requirements: This role primarily involves office work, which includes sitting for long periods and working at a computer. Occasional light physical activity such as standing, walking, and carrying materials weighing up to 20 lbs may be required.

• Travel: Some travel may be required for attending meetings, outreach, and advocacy events.

• Work Environment: The work environment is typically an office setting with moderate noise levels. The role may include occasional off-site meetings or public events, requiring flexible scheduling.

• Remote Work: The position may include a hybrid work environment with a combination of in-office and remote work based on organizational needs.