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Children Institute Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

This is what the Institute for Justice's Strategic Research team does every day, creating data ... schools for their children. IJ is an equal opportunity employer. Don't meet every single ...

Research Assistant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

This is what the Institute for Justice's Strategic Research team does every day, creating data ... schools for their children. IJ is an equal opportunity employer. Don't meet every single ...

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Children Institute information

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How much do children institute jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for children institute in Reston, VA is $17.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Children's Institute?

A Children's Institute is an organization or facility dedicated to supporting the developmental, educational, and emotional needs of children. These institutes may offer specialized programs such as early childhood education, therapeutic services, after-school activities, and support for children with special needs or trauma. Their mission is often to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Staff members typically include educators, therapists, counselors, and social workers focused on child well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Development Specialist at a Children's Institute, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Specialist at a Children's Institute, you typically need a degree in early childhood education, psychology, or a related field, along with experience working with children. Familiarity with developmental assessment tools, educational software, and child safety protocols is important. Strong communication, patience, and cultural sensitivity help professionals connect with children and families and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the healthy development of children while supporting their unique needs and fostering a positive learning environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a Children’s Institute, and how can they be managed?

Professionals at a Children’s Institute often work with children facing a variety of developmental, behavioral, or emotional challenges. One of the most common challenges is balancing individualized care with group programming, as each child may require different support strategies. Additionally, collaborating with families, educators, and healthcare providers requires strong communication and teamwork skills. To manage these challenges, staff typically participate in ongoing training, utilize evidence-based practices, and engage in regular interdisciplinary meetings to ensure cohesive support for each child.
What are popular job titles related to Children Institute jobs in Reston, VA? For Children Institute jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Children Institute jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Children Institute jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Children Institute jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Children Institute job openings:
National Director, Child Policy Training Institute

National Director, Child Policy Training Institute

Children's Defense Fund

Washington, DC • On-site

$165K - $202K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


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