Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Sr. Policy Analyst, Federal

SUMMARY

The Senior Policy Analyst will work in partnership with the Director, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Strategy, Senior Director of Federal Policy, Assistant Director of Federal Policy, and other staff to develop and assume lead responsibility in implementing ZERO TO THREE's federal and state policy positions and strategy on IECMH issues; develop a variety of written materials, including research briefs; represent ZERO TO THREE in Hill and meetings with coalition partners; monitor and provide input on relevant federal and state legislation and policy; organize Hill briefings and other events; and contribute to the overall work of the Policy Center.
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.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

ZERO TO THREE is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring, advancement, and professional development. It is dedicated to diversity in its work, its staff, and with community partners. This is an exceptional opportunity for a professional who shares our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and supports our mission to enhance outcomes for all children.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Director of IECMH Strategy, the Assistant Director, Federal Policy, and other key staff to develop and implement ZERO TO THREE's federal and national/state policy agenda for IECMH and with ZERO TO THREE's government relations consultants to develop Congressional and Executive Branch strategies for promoting this agenda.
• Stay abreast of developments in and gather information relevant to infant/toddler policy, with particular emphasis on infant and early childhood and perinatal mental health.
• Serve as a proactive resource to federal policymakers through in-person and virtual Hill visits, meetings with Administration officials, telephone and e-mail exchanges, and responses to technical assistance requests.
• Collaborate with the IECMH policy team to share information on state/federal updates, develop positions, stay abreast of other IECMH policy work and, as needed, serve as a resource to state IECMH professionals and policymakers through meetings, telephone, and email exchanges.
• Provide technical assistance to state policymakers on policy changes, financing, and systems building.
• In coordination with the IECMH policy team, identify emerging issues in the field and develop and analyze new research, data, and policies.
• Identify and connect state policymakers and leaders with federal legislators to support state and federal advocacy efforts.
• Draft policy briefs, including reports stemming from State of Babies Yearbook data, testimony, report language, blog posts, updates for an electronic newsletter, action alerts, and other written materials and social media.
• Coordinate with the policy and advocacy teams to implement advocacy and engagement strategies, including grassroots mobilization and digital engagement strategies.
• Work with Communications staff and the policy team to prepare responses to time sensitive media opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate briefings, webinars, meetings and conference calls for policymakers and other stakeholders.
• Represent ZERO TO THREE in a range of national coalitions related to issue area responsibilities.
• Garner visibility for ZTT and infant and toddler policy issues through presentations at conferences, meetings, and on webinars.
• Contribute to grant proposals and reports to funders.
• Contribute to the overall work of the Policy Center.
• Performs other duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the department.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of five years relevant work experience; experience working in or with Congressional offices preferred.
• Knowledge of policies affecting infants, young children and their families, particularly mental health and/or health.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes.
• Strong relational, reflective and communication skills.
• Excellent writing and verbal skills including writing, editing and proofreading.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex documents.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to manage multiple competing responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work with a team as well as independently.
• Travel, including overnight stays, required.

ESSENTIAL QUALITES

• 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

EDUCATION

Degree in early childhood, public policy, social work, mental health, public health, social science, or a related field (Master's degree or higher preferred; bachelor's degree accepted with relevant experience) or a law degree.

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounter 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.