Strategies for Children, Inc.
Powerless Children Need Powerful Friends
Title: Research and Policy Associate
Reports to: Research and Policy Director
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Evenings and Saturdays may be required occasionally.
Position Profile
The Research and Policy Associate is responsible for working closely with the Research and Policy Director and the entire SFC/EEA team to achieve the goals of Strategies for Children, Inc. and the Early Education for All Campaign (EEA). There are four primary goals: 1) to use research-based evidence to build public and
policymaker support for investments in universal high-quality early education, including full-day kindergarten and workforce development; 2) to serve as an expert resource on key issues in early education and care by cataloging data and summarizing key research findings; 3) to monitor and help inform systems building work at the Departments of Early Education and Care (EEC) and Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE); and 4) to support EEA’s Policy Committee. This position requires a highly-motivated, organized, self-starter with a strong interest in researching and analyzing issues in early education policy. The ability to collaborate effectively with others is essential. Outstanding candidates will also bring a passion for the project’s mission, an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering high performance and innovation.
Responsibilities
Help Build Support for Universal High-Quality Early Education• Present research in easy-to-use formats to help “make the case” for increased public investment in universal high-quality early education, including writing reports, drafting fact sheets and developing policy briefs.
• Track and analyze state and federal budget and legislative developments relevant to early education, full-day kindergarten and workforce development and training.
• Develop internal memos and talking points to inform Campaign recommendations and
communications on legislation and budget proposals.
• Serve as a resource to SFC/EEA staff on policy developments at EEC and ESE and within the field of early education and care.
• Work closely with other SFC/EEA staff to ensure that all materials use consistent language, contain accurate information and are of high-quality.
Serve as an Expert Resource on Key Issues in Early Education• Update EEA’s system for tracking and cataloging data used to analyze early education and full-day kindergarten initiatives in Massachusetts and other states, as well as at the federal level.
• Review and summarize current state, national and international research on the benefits of high quality early education and care, including full-day kindergarten.
• Collect, compile, analyze and present up-to-date demographic data on Massachusetts children, families and early education and care providers.
• Manage and maintain electronic and hard copies of research and legislative documents for internal and external use and work with the Communications Director to update research materials on website.
• Participate in and report on conferences, workshops, conference calls and other information sharing opportunities relevant to early education and care issues.
• Provide support to the Research and Policy Director in producing new evidence and original research materials to advance EEA’s policy objectives.
• Provide support and materials to the Campaign Director, Legislative Director and other SFC/EEA staff for meetings and other campaign activities where research is needed.
• Provide internal support and expertise for research projects conducted by EEA or commissioned
and carried out by external organizations to achieve specific Campaign goals.
• Research additional projects as assigned.
Monitor and Help Inform Systems Building Work and Policy Implementation
• Support the development and monitor the implementation of a comprehensive, statewide system of
high-quality early education accessible to all children and families.
• Provide support for EEA’s participation on committees convened by the EEC and ESE including the Workforce Development Task Force, the QRIS working group and the UPK working group.
• Participate in meetings and working groups at EEC, ESE and the Department of Higher Education to support EEA’s policy objectives and monitor policymaking processes.
• Review UPK and FDK grant programs administered by EEC and ESE and analyze information on grant recipients as needed.
• Support SFC’s efforts at the local level, including the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation’s Cherish Every Child initiative to implement Universal Pre-Kindergarten, and help develop a broader 0-8 agenda.
Provide Support for EEA’s Policy Committee• Serve as a resource to EEA’s Policy Committee on developments at EEC, ESE and within the early education field.
• Provide staffing to Policy Committee and Campaign Advisory Committee meetings, and other meetings as appropriate, including managing communication with committee members, taking minutes and producing meeting materials.
• Develop relationships with Policy Committee members to ensure that diverse perspectives are represented at Policy Committee meetings.
General Duties:• Maintain excellent communication and rapport with the SFC President, the Research and Policy Director
and the rest of the SFC/EEA staff.
• Participate in staff and team meetings every week and other meetings as needed.
• Fulfill administrative functions as needed.
• Help manage interns.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:• Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with at least two years experience in relevant field
• Formal training or appropriate experience in research methods and evaluation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task, and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis.
• A self-starter who can work independently and also as a highly effective team member.
• Detail oriented and diligent in follow through.
• Knowledge of the early education and care field broadly, and in Massachusetts.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Familiarity with state legislative process.
• Bilingual: English and Spanish.
Expected Starting Date: Immediately
Salary: Based on experience
Strategies for Children, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Persons of color, women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Strategies for Children, Inc., 400 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110
Phone 617-330-7380 Fax 617-330-7381 www.earlyeducationforall.org
