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Children Defense Fund Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metanoia

Junior Servant Leader Intern

Charleston, SC · On-site

$10/hr

Nature and Scope Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools ® envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure ...

Rutgers University

Program Coordinator I

Camden, NJ · On-site

$59K/yr

... Children's Defense Fund Freedom School. Reporting to the Senior Program Administrator and Director of Education Partnerships, this position supports programs serving more than 200 students during the ...

New

YMCA

Martial Arts Instructor - Hilliard YMCA

Hilliard, OH

$34K - $45K/yr

This role is focused on inspiring a love of martial arts and personal development in children by ... Supports fund-raising. Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds ...

YMCA

Soccer Instructor - Hilliard YMCA

Hilliard, OH

This role is focused on inspiring a love of soccer in children by providing quality instruction ... Supports fund-raising. Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds ...

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$89.8K

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How much do children defense fund jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for children defense fund in the United States is $89,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for staff members at the Children’s Defense Fund?

Staff members at the Children’s Defense Fund often split their time between advocacy work, research, community outreach, and partnership development. This can include drafting policy briefs, meeting with stakeholders or legislators, organizing educational programs, and tracking the progress of initiatives that support children’s well-being. Team members frequently collaborate across departments and with external partners to support campaigns and events. The work is mission-driven and dynamic, offering opportunities to make tangible differences in the lives of children while building valuable professional networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Children Defense Fund position, and why are they important?

To excel at the Children’s Defense Fund, individuals typically need a background in social work, public policy, education, or a related field, along with experience advocating for children's rights and welfare. Familiarity with data analysis tools, grant writing, and policy research systems is often required, as well as knowledge of child welfare laws and nonprofit management. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and a passion for social justice help professionals connect with diverse communities and build effective partnerships. These qualifications are crucial for driving impactful advocacy, securing resources, and enacting positive change for children and families.

What is a Children Defense Fund job?

A Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) job typically involves advocating for the rights and well-being of children, particularly those from underserved communities. Employees may work in policy analysis, community outreach, education, legal advocacy, or fundraising to support programs that improve children's lives. CDF staff collaborate with schools, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations to address issues like poverty, education, and social justice. Roles vary from internships to leadership positions, often requiring backgrounds in social work, education, law, or public policy.

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What cities are hiring for Children Defense Fund jobs? Cities with the most Children Defense Fund job openings:
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Children Defense Fund jobs near you
Infographic showing various Children Defense Fund job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,770 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
National Director, Child Policy Training Institute

National Director, Child Policy Training Institute

Children's Defense Fund

Washington, DC • On-site

$165K - $202K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer
Location: Washington, DC
Work Type: Hybrid (3 days onsite/2 days remote)
Travel: 25-35%
Salary: $165,581.00 - $202,837.00
Organization Overview
Children's Defense Fund (CDF) envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. CDF's mission is to build community, so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. CDF core values are Justice, Compassion, Equity, Trust, and Love.
We serve and advocate for the largest, most diverse generation in America: the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25, with particular attention to those living in poverty and communities of color. CDF partners with policymakers, aligned organizations and funders in this service. The Children's Defense Fund is the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice by wielding the moral authority of programmatic proximity and community organizing to inform public policy. For more information visit www.childrensdefense.org.
Position Summary:
The National Director of The CDF Child Policy Training Institute (CPTI) is responsible for setting and executing a strategic vision for CDF's base-building activities consistent with the mission of the Children's Defense Fund and building of the nation's children's movement. The Director will manage a national team to execute an action plan that ensures effective annual National Trainings across varied communities and constituencies, leveraging the success of CDF Freedom Schools and similar initiatives; provide technical assistance, oversight and effective support of new and continuing programs and initiatives; support partner organizations in implementing the CDF Training Programs; and devise and lead strategies to meet short-term objectives and a long-term vision for The CPTI. The National Director coordinates the work of the national CDF Freedom Schools, Training Initiatives, and Leadership Development & Organizing teams and serves as a member of the Children's Defense Fund national leadership team.
The National Director of CDF's CPTI will be a dynamic, thoughtful, and mission-driven leader with strong management skills who excels in balancing internal management with external impact and visibility. In addition to direct experience in providing direct service training, leadership development, and power building initiatives to underserved and marginalized communities, the National Director will have extensive knowledge of current research in the fields of education, organizing and racial justice, and trends in professional development. The National Director will also be an outstanding communicator able to effectively convey CDF's mission to a variety of constituencies, donors and champions and engage them in the programs, activities and advocacy work of the Children's Defense Fund on the local, state and national level.
Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy
  • Set strategic direction to deepen and expand the impact of CDF National Training Programs on behalf of children in underserved communities across America and CDF's mission including CDF Freedom Schools and Leadership Development & Organizing, including the training and mobilization of faith communities, students & youth, and parents & caregivers.
  • Lead cross-functional team toward high-stakes mobilization, organizing and power building objectives across diverse constituencies and programmatic offerings
  • Ensure collaborative and complementary practices and outcomes across National Leadership and Organizing and Freedom Schools teams for the sake of CDF's mission and vision
  • Work with Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer/National Director, CPTI to develop and manage annual departmental budget to support functional departmental workplan, ensuring achievement of revenue, grant, spending goals and sound fiscal choices as budget manager
  • Direct the development and implementation of outreach and organizing plans including leadership development, communications and constituent relationship management systems, strategic and tactical plans.
  • Provide leadership and technical assistance to sustain partnerships with other organizations and coalitions and recruit new partners able to operate and/or engage with high quality CDF CPTI Training programs.
  • Work in collaboration with the CDF Development staff to secure funding to sustain, expand, and continuously improve CDF CPTI, bringing CPTI activities to revenue neutral where applicable.
  • Serve as an ambassador for CDF CPTI to disseminate information about the program among prospective partners, policymakers, funders, evaluators and other stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with CDF state affiliates to plan and implement strategies to expand CDF CPTI Training Programs.
  • Represent CDF CPTI at conferences, meetings and other public forums.
  • Work with CDF Public Affairs staff to identify proactive media opportunities, respond to press inquiries, serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for CDF CPTI, and advise and collaborate on various policy initiatives where appropriate
  • Seek feedback from direct reports, peers and supervisors to continuously improve individual and team contributions
  • Serve as a member of CDF's National Leadership Team.

Program Management & Evaluation
  • Provide leadership to senior managers as they implement annual plans to provide quality, mission aligned CDF National Training Programs, mobilizing and organizing activities
  • Build and oversee the CDF National Training Programs evaluation, data collection, and reporting system to monitor student achievement and program effectiveness across Freedom Schools and LDO.
  • Collaborate with National Director of Public Affairs to identify policy research to align with CDF CPTI National Training Programs.
  • Provide guidance and oversight to ensure all written, oral, or electronic communication about CDF CPTI is accurate, high-quality, and consistent with CDF branding, policies and ethos.
  • Oversee fiscal and administrative procedures to assure fiscally sound programs and accounting systems.
  • Monitor the implementation of CDF CPTIM programs that are operated by CDF staff to ensure high quality and compliance with funding requirements and to foster the sustainability (and expansion) of the programs.
  • Monitor emerging needs among CDF's base and key stakeholders, including students and youth, alumni, Freedom School parents, and faith community leaders

Qualifications:
  • Prior experience working in a CDF Freedom Schools site, Training, Community Organizing, and/or Leadership Development Program is strongly preferred;
  • Experience managing a program closely proximate to the goals and objectives of CDF CPTI is required.
  • Bachelor's Degree with 10+ years of related and/or supervisory experience
  • Master's degree in Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field is required. Years of education may be considered for experience.
  • 10+ years of experience with at least 5 years of experience in one or more of the following: education and/or youth development, a social science discipline, professional experience in a school or university workplace, and particular experience working with low-income communities and children of color;
  • Strongmanagement and leadership skills, including an ability to supervise a wide range of programmatic and technical assistance activities through layers, as well as an ability to manage staff with varying levels of experience and knowledge;
  • A strategic thinker with demonstrated management and leadership skills and commitment to quality;
  • Gifted in networking and organizing diverse groups around a common agenda;
  • Experience in planning and implementing Training Programs;
  • Ability to support and collaborate with colleagues in addressing organization-wide goals;
  • Understanding of and commitment to the vision of the Children's Defense Fund and CDF CPTI;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and attention to detail;
  • Strong interpersonal skills;
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to meet tight deadlines;
  • High level of maturity and ability to interact effectively with diverse constituencies;
  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously;
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to be a team-player in a fast-paced working environment;
  • Demonstrated interest and commitment to improving the lives of children and their families.

To apply, please submit cover letter and resume online at: www.childrensdefense.org/jobs. The Children's Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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