Senior Manager, Government Affairs

ParentChild - About Us

ParentChild is on a mission to ensure that all children regardless of their race, socio-economic status, or zip code have equal possibilities from the start. We work with families, caregivers, and communities to support not only early literacy and school readiness, but early opportunities.  We are inspired by the thought that the more we work together now to level the playing field, the closer we get to an equitable future for all children.

Position Overview

The Senior Manager, Government Affairs will work interdepartmentally across the organization to advance ParentChild ’s mission and strategic plan. At this key stage of organizational growth, ParentChild ’s first Senior Manager, Government Affairs will lead, in collaboration with State Directors, external engagement with federal, state, and local elected officials and other stakeholders as well as the development of a comprehensive advocacy program, including a public funding agenda, to advance the mission of ParentChild . This position will serve as a key internal support for state directors on projects and initiatives connected to local, state, and federal policy and public funding opportunities.

This position will report to the Chief Advancement and partner with state directors and the CEO as an external representative of the organization to elected officials and government agency staff.

Position Responsibilities

Public Funding Policy Leadership

• Provide strategic guidance, consultation, and leadership on developing and implementing a public funding strategy.  
• Develop, implement, and oversee ParentChild ’s public funding agenda and outreach strategy.
• Provide guidance on public funding advocacy, policy and legislative engagement, and advocacy across the organization’s work at the state and federal levels.  
• Track state and federal legislation and appropriations that could provide funding for ParentChild programming.   
• Work closely with the state directors and local partner agencies to plan, coordinate and execute government affairs activities, including strategic outreach to elected and government agency officials and their staff, tracking and accessing public funding, policy engagement, and thought leadership  
• In states, where ParentChild works with an external lobbyist, work with state directors to manage those relationships and ensure that ParentChild ’s interests are being well represented
• Help guide research and analysis on policy issues to inform policy positions
• Build relationships with relevant policy and advocacy organizations that address areas in which ParentChild works
• Provide reliable, timely analysis and strategic advice on key initiatives and legislative actions to CEO, CAO, Leadership Team, Board, and other staff
• Coordinate participation of CEO, CAO, and other key stakeholders to advance policy agenda

Organizational Leadership 

• Represent ParentChild in a positive and constructive manner in all interactions with participants, staff, Board, government officials, funders, and community partners
• Engage with full staff in ParentChild ’s commitment to racial equity, data driven work, adult learning, and family and field staff voice  

General Qualifications To Support Job Requirements

Experience

• Five years of experience working in federal or state public policy and with lawmakers and public officials on legislation, budgets, and appropriations   
• Experience developing public funding requests, testimony, and communications with public officials required
• Experience in the areas of early childhood, education, anti-poverty, and/or workforce development funding and policy is a plus

Skills/Traits 

• Ability to build relationships and effectively work with a wide range of people in complex and sensitive political environments
• Understanding of policymaking, public funding streams, and government processes, current politics, and political environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to create and present information clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences

Other 

• Ability to travel, including trips to the Washington, DC and state capitals and occasional overnight trips to conferences and meetings
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, depending on the needs of program Demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity within public policy, public funding, and legislative experience 

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time salaried position.  The compensation range for this position is $90,000- $100,000.

ParentChild ’s benefit package includes employer contributions to medical plan and coverage of dental and vision insurance plans; a 403B plan with an employer match; and paid sick leave, personal days, vacation, 12 paid holidays, a week-long office closure at year-end, and summer Fridays. We offer a family-friendly flexible work schedule and a hybrid work environment.

Location:

Hybrid at ParentChild National Office New York City or remote in one of the other key states in which ParentChild operates (PA, NC, MA) or the Washington DC area. The ParentChild National Office is in NYC, two blocks from Penn Station.

How To Apply:

Submit the following application materials through the TriNet portal.

1)  A cover letter describing how your experience, knowledge, and abilities align with the scope of work is stated in this announcement.  Please include your experience with budgets/appropriations and how you have demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity within public policy, public funding, and legislative experience.

2)  A resume or curriculum vitae

Resumes without cover letters will NOT be considered.

More About ParentChild :

An international research-based and research-validated program, we work to support families and caregivers, helping them prepare children for academic success through intensive home visiting. Since 1965, this innovative program has emphasized the importance of quality adult-child interaction to help build the skills children need to be successful students. Across the 2023-24 year, ParentChild will reach over 9,000 families and home-based child care providers through over 140 local partner organizations. Visit us on the web at: www.parentchildplus.org.

ParentChild is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We have a clear vision and commitment: to being a place where a diverse mix of talented people engage and do their best work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.