Director of Advisory Services, ECE

About the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF)

The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to mobilizing capital and partnerships that promote opportunity, equity, and well-being for people and communities. LIIF innovates financial solutions that create equitable outcomes by building and preserving affordable housing, quality educational opportunities (from early childhood through higher education), health clinics, healthy food retail, and community facilities. By serving as a bridge between private capital markets and communities, LIIF ensures that financial resources flow where they are needed most.

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, LIIF also has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.

Job Summary

LIIF is seeking a Director, ECE Advisory Services (the “Director”) to lead the development and implementation of advisory, research, and consulting services focused on early care and education (ECE) facilities and operations. This role involves designing and overseeing studies, providing strategic guidance to partners, and advancing policies that support equitable access to high-quality childcare, particularly in underserved communities.

The Director will lead a team to develop landscape scans, supply and demand studies, and strategic advisory reports. They will collaborate with government agencies, community organizations, philanthropy, and other stakeholders to shape policy recommendations and demonstrate the economic and social impacts of ECE investments. Additionally, the Director will contribute to business development, oversee project execution, manage grant expenditures, and represent the organization in state and national policy discussions, including the National Children's Facilities Network.

Key ResponsibilitiesResearch, Policy, and Strategic Advisory

• Lead independent research initiatives analyzing trends in ECE facilities development, community needs, and policy implications.
• Oversee quantitative and qualitative data collection and spatial analysis to produce high-impact reports and recommendations.
• Advise government agencies, nonprofits, and funders on ECE policy, financing, and operational strategies.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement, strategic visioning sessions, and policy discussions.
• Represent LIIF in state and national coalitions, advisory committees, and trade organizations related to ECE and community development.
• Support ECE policy team efforts, including content development and outreach.

Project Management and Implementation

• Manage a portfolio of 5–7 advisory projects at the local, state, and national levels.
• Supervise and mentor a team of program officers, interns, and consultants.
• Oversee project deliverables, grant expenditures, funding compliance, and reporting requirements in collaboration with internal teams.
• Develop and maintain budget priorities for advisory projects.

Business Development and Partnerships

• Identify and cultivate new advisory opportunities with government agencies, philanthropy, nonprofits, and private sector partners.
• Develop proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and grant applications for future projects.
• Establish systems for tracking business development and maintaining strong client relationships.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the Vice President of ECE Advisory & Policy in strategic planning and operational oversight.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including HR, finance, and policy teams, to enhance knowledge-sharing and alignment across initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

QualificationsEducation and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred) in early childhood education, public policy, community development, urban planning, finance, or a related field.
• 8 – 10 years of experience in ECE, public policy, government affairs, housing and community development, or related sectors.
• Experience managing advisory projects, research initiatives, and policy analysis.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local funding sources for ECE programs, including capital and operating funding.
• Experience working with government agencies, philanthropic funders, and community-based organizations.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills, including hiring, supervising, and mentoring staff.
• Expertise in community needs assessments, spatial analysis, and research methodologies.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills for a variety of audiences, including policy briefs, advocacy materials, and stakeholder reports.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience advocating for and managing budget priorities.
• Ability to build and sustain effective relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and philanthropic funders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, GIS, and statistical analysis tools.
• Commitment to social justice and racial equity, with a focus on expanding ECE access in underserved communities.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 40% of the time for client projects, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

Additional Information

LIIF offers a hybrid work environment with flexibility to balance in-office and remote work. However, all employees are expected to work on-site at least two (2) days per week. The successful candidate may be expected to travel occasionally for meetings or other company-sponsored events.

All Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In accordance with LIIF's policies, we provide reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to qualified individuals who cannot get vaccinated for sincerely held religious or medical reasons. If you believe you need an accommodation, please notify our Human Resources Department.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply with a Resume and Cover Letter via our recruitment portal: