Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition
Director of Public Policy
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Position Summary
The Director of Policy will develop policy and system change strategies and policy campaigns on BCAC related issues in areas such as early childhood, K-12 education, after-school programs, economic self-sufficiency and health care. The Director of Policy will consult with and support the BCAC Task Forces and the Board of Directors in the development of strategies in direct response to BCAC research.
The position requires experience in community organizing, policy and legislative advocacy and coalition building. The Director of Policy will work collaboratively with senior staff to analyze data, articulate the policy change strategies and mobilize constituencies. The Director of Policy reports directly to the Executive Director.
Specific Responsibilities
a. Identify, design and lead policy and system change strategies needed to advance BCAC issues and agenda.
b. Facilitate and provide staff support to the BCAC Task Forces with the Director of Research and Executive Director.
c. Build the capacity of Task Force members and parent leaders to understand and translate data into policy strategies.
d. Educate Task Force members, BCAC Board of Directors, government leaders, legislators, public officials and other stakeholders on BCAC policy issues.
e. Mobilize BCAC Task Forces, coalition members and the general public in policy campaigns.
f. Develop an overall strategy for community engagement, mobilization and parent advocacy.
g. Organize public education and advocacy events such as community forums, public hearings, and rallies.
h. Track the status and impact of BCAC’s advocacy campaigns.
i. Track and monitor state and national legislation.
j. Develop content for BCAC legislative alerts and draft public education materials.
k. Review all BCAC reports and fact sheets including The State of the Child in Bridgeport and issue specific reports for policy implications and recommendations.
l. Make presentations to key political leaders, donors, foundations and other key stakeholders as determined by the Executive Director.
m. Stay abreast of local, state and national legislation and trends and their implications related to BCAC issues.
n. Prepare grant applications, required grant reports and serve as the primary contact for grant deliverables as determined by the Executive Director.
o. Supervise staff, issue organizers, consultants, interns and/or volunteers as needed.
p. Design, staff and/or lead special projects as assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications
1. Master’s degree and five (5) years professional experience in policy advocacy, coalition building, civil liberties law, or a related field. Experience preferred in coordinating successful political, legislative, or activist campaigns.
2. A strong understanding of the legislative process, and significant experience in advocacy work, organizing and working with coalitions to achieve public policy goals.
3. Familiarity with and/or expertise in a broad range of issues related to low-income children and their families such as education, health care and economic self-sufficiency.
4. Ability to work with diverse constituencies.
5. Excellent and persuasive interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and the ability to explain complex public policy issues to the public
6. Ability to work independently and in partnership with other staff in a collaborative, team environment.
7. Excellent organizational skills, proven ability to multi‑task, prioritize, problem‑solve and meet deadlines
8. Working knowledge of multiple computer software programs including Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, and PowerPoint.
9. Ability to work flexible hours including weekend days and weekday evenings
Compensation:
Applicants are requested to submit their salary requirements.
To Apply:
All applications are held in strict confidence.
To be considered, applications must be postmarked by October 15, 2010.
No phone calls, please. Credentials and a letter of interest should be submitted to:
Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition
Attention: Search Committee
2470 Fairfield Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06605
Or via email: mphealy@bcacct.org
The Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer