Job Description
ABOUT ZERO TO THREE
Founded in 1977, ZERO TO THREE works to ensure that babies and toddlers benefit from the early connections that are critical to their well-being and development. Our mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. At ZERO TO THREE, we envision a society with the knowledge and will to support all infants and toddlers in reaching their full potential. Our Core Values Statement: We believe that how we do our work is as important as what we do. To learn more about ZERO TO THREE, please visit our website at zerotothree.org.
SUMMARY
The Policy Center at ZERO TO THREE, a nonpartisan, research-based resource for policymakers and advocates focused on the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers, is seeking a Policy Analyst to advance ZERO TO THREE’s federal policy agenda and strategy. The position has primary responsibility over issue areas relating to child care, tax policies for families, and other issue areas as assigned, while supporting additional policy issue areas as needed within the Government Relations Team. The Policy Analyst will represent ZERO TO THREE before Congress; serve as a key voice within coalitions; develop and review a variety of policy, advocacy, and legislative materials; monitor and provide input on relevant federal legislation and proposed rules; organize Capitol Hill briefings and other events; coordinate meetings, schedules, and logistics; provide operational support to the Government Relations Team; and work closely with government relations consultants to advance ZERO TO THREE’s policy priorities and strategy. This position contributes to the overall work of the Government Relations Team and the Policy Center, working in close collaboration across the team and organization. The successful candidate must live in the DC metropolitan area but is not required to work from ZERO TO THREE’s Washington, DC office.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Expertise, Policy Analysis, and Political Acumen
The Policy Analyst will demonstrate a working knowledge of federal or state child care policy or a strong interest in developing such federal policy expertise. They will serve as the lead Government Relations subject matter expert on federal child care, family tax, and other policy issue areas. The Policy Analyst will monitor and analyze federal policy and legislative developments in the policy portfolio, assess their potential impact on infants, toddlers, and families, and provide timely analysis and support to advance ZERO TO THREE’s federal policy priorities. The Policy Analyst will serve as a resource to internal and external audiences, contribute equity-centered policy analysis, articulate the impact of proposed and existing federal policies, and provide recommendations to inform legislative and regulatory efforts. They will also work collaboratively across the organization to support development of, updates to, and implementation of ZERO TO THREE’s federal policy agenda.
Strategic Advocacy
The Policy Analyst will work closely with the Sr. Government Relations and Advocacy Director and Legislative Director to develop and implement strategies to advance ZERO TO THREE’s federal policy agenda, with a focus on child care issues and tax benefits for families. The Policy Analyst will help identify and share opportunities for ZERO TO THREE to expand its policy impact and partnerships, acting individually and with partners. The Policy Analyst will also help identify legislative champions, emerging opportunities, and strategic partnerships to advance ZERO TO THREE’s policy agenda while adapting to a changing political and legislative landscape.
Communication and Collaboration
The Policy Analyst will develop and maintain relationships with congressional staff, stakeholders, and coalition partners, ensure timely and effective communications, and support federal policy efforts by providing research, analysis, and technical assistance related to legislation, regulations, and other governmental actions. They will also be a strong internal partner, collaborating closely with Advocacy, Communications, and programmatic staff to help inform and advance ZERO TO THREE’s federal policy priorities, including through collaboration on Hill-facing advocacy and engagement efforts (such as Strolling Thunder, ZERO TO THREE’s annual Hill advocacy day) and reviews of policy-related products.
The Policy Analyst will draft, contribute to, and review written materials, including one-pagers, policy briefs, legislative summaries, public comments, and advocacy newsletters, for policymakers, advocates, and other audiences. They will also organize and represent ZERO TO THREE in coalition meetings, congressional briefings, and other external engagements as appropriate, and will work across ZERO TO THREE to support responses to time-sensitive media and policy opportunities.
The Policy Analyst will contribute to the work of the Government Relations Team by leading the operational functions of the Team, including coordinating team logistics and tracking projects and congressional engagement. They will also assist with appropriations requests, tracking legislation, and supporting sign-on letters, bill endorsements, and other government relations activities.
The Policy Analyst will perform other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the departments.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 2-4 years of relevant experience in public policy or analysis, government relations, advocacy, or a related field; Capitol Hill experience preferred.
- Working knowledge of, or interest in developing expertise in, child care policy. Working knowledge of family tax policy a plus.
- Knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes.
- Strong research, writing, and policy analysis skills.
- Ability to apply an equity-informed lens to policy research, analysis, and advocacy.
- Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse environments.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues, coalition partners, congressional staff, and other stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy issues to a variety of audiences.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
- Must be willing and eligible to register as a federal lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) upon hire.
- Ability to travel, including occasional overnight stays.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This position’s salary is estimated to be mid $60,000s to mid $70,000s depending on experience, geo-location, budget, and other comparable and similarly scoped internal positions. In addition to salary, ZERO TO THREE offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, HRA, retirement contributions, generous leave benefits and more.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is frequently required to use finger dexterity and sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. Also, they may need to remain seated for extended periods, can perform repetitive motions, and reach for objects. An employee is frequently required to hold a writing instrument, communicate verbally, and hear well enough to detect nuances and receive detailed information. They may be required to grasp objects, push, and pull objects, bend, stand, walk, squat, or kneel. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision for data preparation or analysis, and expansive reading. May need to lift up to 30 pounds.
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES
- Encourages and practices critical thinking
- Is self-reflective and empathic
- Recognizes the influence of workplace relationships on outcomes and results
- Maintains a respectful and accepting approach to others
- Awareness of the influence of the larger context on individual behavior
- Collaboratively and creatively supports the work efforts of colleagues at all levels and in all areas of the organization
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing this job. Depending on work location, the incumbent will typically work indoors in a heated and air-conditioned office, with a mixture of natural, incandescent, and fluorescent light with low to moderate noise levels or be subject to working conditions conducive to a home environment. When travel is expected, the incumbent will be exposed to outside environmental conditions during those times.
ZERO TO THREE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to provide individual feedback to candidates regarding the status of their application. If selected to move forward in the process, someone from the hiring team will contact you regarding next steps.
