About the Children's Defense Fund
Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for over 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. The Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio (CDF-Ohio) office was established in 1981. During the last 30 years, we have been a voice on the Ohio map advocating for children.
The Opportunity
The CDF-Ohio Policy Director will be responsible for managing a diverse array of child policy initiatives including their development, strategy, and execution. The Policy Director is a strategic thinker, problem solver, and a strong relationship builder. This senior role is based in Columbus; however, the work and collaborations are statewide.
The ideal candidate for this position is excited about improving healthcare access and health outcomes for children and their families, working to reform policies to keep children in school, building a high quality and accessible early childhood care and education system, and harnessing the statewide and national CDF youth and community networks to change the lives of Ohio’s children. The successful candidate is an independent professional with strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills with high energy to further the work that we do.
Specific responsibilities include:
Develop and implement thoughtful policy initiatives
Prioritize legislative strategy and build meaningful relationships at the Statehouse
Write articles, fact sheets, policy papers, testimony, and policy briefs
Represent CDF-Ohio at conferences, coalition meetings, and public events
Supervise, train and support staff, including interns, to assist with policy efforts
Harness the important role of data in furthering policy goals
Monitor and track legislation and policy initiatives
Develop a media strategy (including new media avenues) to further policy efforts
Connect and leverage CDF National deep research, relationships, and data expertise
Lead and guide action on policy and advocacy coalitions
Complete funder and donor reports and further develop funding partnerships and relationships
Minimum Qualifications
Masters or professional school graduate (e.g., JD, MPH, MPA)
A minimum of five years working in policy or advocacy
Excellent writing and research skills
Highly developed attention to detail
Organized and able to work independently – “can do!” attitude
Strong interpersonal skills and thrives in a team environment
Outreach experience - communicating with policymakers, media, legislators, and the public
Ability to travel statewide as needed
Supervisory experience
Experience working with diverse populations
A serious commitment to all children and their welfare
Desired Experience
Previous development experience, specifically grant writing experience
Deep understanding of the Ohio state and federal budget and legislative processes
Volunteer or work experience in child advocacy or an agency/institution serving children and families
To apply, please submit resume, detailed cover letter, writing sample, and three (3) references by August 5, 2016 at www.childrensdefense.org/jobs.