Job Description
Director of Public Policy The Children's League of Massachusetts Boston, MA Job Details Full-time $80,000 - $90,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits 403(b) matching Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off 403(b) Qualifications Written communication Teamwork Public policy development Writing skills Research Policy & process development Bachelor's degree Legislation Meeting facilitation Training & development Workshop facilitation Training delivery Legislative public policy analysis Child welfare Full Job Description
WHO WE ARE
The Children's League of Massachusetts (CLM) is a statewide non-profit association of provider organizations that collectively advocate for public policies and quality services in the best interest of the Commonwealth's children, youth, and families. It is through public education and advocacy that CLM promotes the availability, accessibility, and quality of child welfare, children's behavioral health, and juvenile justice services. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in the priorities we set with our members. As providers, CLM members know firsthand the issues facing today's children and youth, as well as the challenges inherent in addressing them via the child welfare, children's behavioral health, and juvenile justice systems. During this time of major shifts in the delivery and funding of children, youth, and family services, CLM serves as a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among members, a vehicle for keeping the focus on the needs of children, youth, and their families, and a powerful source of common action. CLM works independently and in coalition to advance public policy in Massachusetts by developing and advocating for passage of needed legislation, analyzing the state budget and its effects on children and families, and promoting partnership and policy change within the administration. CLM also works to educate both the public and policymakers about national trends and pressing state-wide issues regarding the child welfare system. WHAT YOU WILL DO
The Director of Public Policy is responsible for managing the overall legislative and budget agenda including: researching positions and managing partnerships that are consistent with CLM's mission; formulating legislative priorities; planning and drafting legislation and regulations; staffing CLM legislative task forces; and leading policy events for CLM members. Essential Responsibilities:
Coalition Management Lead and organize CLM's Taskforces and Coalitions. This includes:
facilitating strategic planning for each group, supporting the groups' co-chairs in facilitating meetings, informing members of new policy developments, synthesizing issues from the groups into CLM's policy agenda, and mobilizing groups to action including state house events and outreach. Support CLM members in developing and maintaining relationships with their legislators; Develop and deliver annual training workshops for CLM members on the state legislative and budget processes Advocacy Research emerging children's policy that improves outcomes for children and families and develop new legislation for CLM; Stay informed about the state budget as pertains to CLM priority line items, develop talking points, and action bulletins for CLM's priority budget items; Stay informed about legislation impacting CLM members and priorities; prepare legislative analysis, summaries, talking points, and action bulletins for CLM's priority legislative bills; Manage timely updates to the membership on the legislative hearing schedule: preparing panel speakers, draft and deliver testimony on CLM priority issues, and support the Executive Director in representing CLM's legislative work externally; Work in collaboration with other associations and advocacy coalitions around CLM endorsed public policy issues; In partnership with the Executive Director and CLM's lobbyist, develop and maintain relationships with policy makers both in the Senate and the House of Representatives to determine and mobilize children's issues champions. Special Projects Lead the planning, organization, and execution of CLM's Annual State House Advocacy Day, in partnership with the Executive Director and CLM staff; Plan and manage additional legislative events (briefings, etc.) in collaboration with the Executive Director and Task Forces; Budget permitting: attend the CWLA annual national conference and lead Hill Day activities for CLM members; Any other projects as needed. Staff Supervision and Board Relationships Supervise the CLM Communications and Policy Specialist; Staff the CLM Board's Policy Committee; attend all Board of Director meetings and Member meetings, providing updates on public policy as needed; Manage occasional policy intern(s). Other Responsibilities Maintain standing as a registered lobbyist with the State of Massachusetts. Comply with all state lobbyist regulations and policies. Assist Executive Director in preparing lobbying reports; and Perform other duties as directed. Requirements:
Minimum of 5 years of work experience required in advocacy, government, non-profit or legal sector with a strong preference for demonstrated expertise in child welfare policy (Massachusetts-based experience is preferred but not required); Demonstrated ability to develop public policy positions and maintain expertise on a wide variety of policy issues related to child welfare; Strong group facilitation skills with a demonstrated ability to achieve outcomes by finding consensus; Excellent oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to develop clear and concise advocacy materials, and to train others as effective advocates; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Ability to register as a lobbyist in MA and be in compliance with state law regarding lobbying; Access to reliable transportation and be able to travel to internal and external meetings and other events around the state not located on public transportation A graduate degree is ideal, but may be substituted with a bachelor's degree with additional experience; CLM is a hybrid office, requiring a minimum of one day a week in the office (Wednesdays) for all team members. This position also requires occasional in-person activities at the Massachusetts State House and elsewhere around Massachusetts, sometimes with short notice. The in-person schedule is not negotiable. What this Position Offers:
Annual salary range of $80,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience Full-time work, FSLA exempt Reports to the Executive Director A hybrid schedule with potential flexibility on core work hours Collaborative work environment committed to ensuring a safe workplace free from harassment or violence 403(b) retirement plan with organizational match up to 3% Health & dental Insurance available, covered at 75% for individuals & 33% for families Paid vacation, sick, and personal days, and a floating holiday Professional development investments Who Should Apply:
CLM is committed to hiring an individual with the right mix of experience (traditional and nontraditional), commitment to improving the lives of children and families, and the potential to grow with the organization. As an equal opportunity employer, CLM strongly encourages individuals from historically marginalized and oppressed communities or identities to apply. These include, but are not limited to: people of color, immigrants, women, individuals across the LGBTQ spectrum, and those with disabilities. CLM will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter, resume, three references, and two writing samples (ex: legislative or regulatory testimony, letters to legislature, legislative summaries, action alerts , or policy briefs) via Indeed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Pay:
$80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year Benefits:
403(b) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Work Location:
Hybrid remote in Boston, MA 02115
