Policy Associate

The Alliance for Early Success convenes and supports a community of early-childhood advocates spanning all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This community ensures they have the connections and resources they need to secure the crucial state funding and policies that provide children what they need in the early years to realize their full potential for a lifetime. We provide our state allies the latest strategy, research, and expertise from our national allies. We organize peer learning opportunities that help them replicate success and avoid pitfalls. We provide almost $8 million in annual grants to help them build capacity and stability. And – above all – we listen to where they are, where they’re trying to go, and how we can fuel that mission.

Funded by many of the leading investors in early childhood philanthropy, the Alliance’s unique support of state advocacy is crucial to the field.

In the role of Policy Associate — a new, junior-level position with lots of room to grow — you will support the Alliance team to cultivate authentic partnerships within our network, seize opportunities, champion equity, foster connections, and help grantees apply for and execute Alliance grants – all in pursuit of state policies that expand funding and improve outcomes for young children and their families. You will support the Alliance team in the creation of a powerful community of early childhood advocates – one that secures equitable state policies and investments that are essential for every child in every state to succeed.

In this role you will:

• • Help connect our state allies with resources and expertise from each other and from national expert organizations within and beyond the Alliance network so they can accelerate and amplify their efficacy
  • Conduct research on emerging policy issues including the leading experts and interested funders
  • Facilitate and track connections among allies seeking technical assistance
  • Assist the Communications Director in content development for website and social media
  • Help develop and execute strategies to enhance Alliance community engagement, such as onboarding staff and organizations that are new to the network and monitoring the engagement level of existing network members
  • Participate in event planning, including logistics support, agenda development, and organizing learning opportunities
  • Attend and report out from various Alliance-sponsored and national partner meetings

Some benefits of working at the Alliance include:

• • Strong remote culture (we were virtual long before COVID) that provides flexibility, promotes connections without proximity, and prioritizes regular opportunities for in-person connection
  • The opportunity to work with a team of high-impact, low-ego pros who are passionate about progress
  • A flexible vacation policy that includes all federal holidays and the last week of the year
  • A generous retirement plan

To be successful in the role, you’ll need:

• • A demonstrated interest in or experience with early childhood policy issues at the local, state, or national level.
  • A self-managed and entrepreneurial workstyle that thrives in a less structured but highly accountable organizational culture
  • A demonstrated interest in and ability to understand and address the needs of diverse professional communities (experience implementing/facilitating racial equity work is a plus)
  • Ability to work effectively across political parties in advocacy, policy, or government entities
  • The ability to cultivate community by building authentic professional relationships
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • The ability to travel regularly (when safe travel is again possible)
  • A bachelor’s degree

Position Type: Full Time, Permanent

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience

Reports to: Executive Director

The Alliance for Early Success understands diversity strengthens organizational decision making. We strongly encourage members of traditionally under-represented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ-identified people, gender-nonconforming people, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people who speak a language in addition to English.

To apply:

Send cover letter that highlights your ability to be successful in the role along with a resume to careers@earlysuccess.org.