Director of Policy & Government Relations (California)

ABOUT JUMPSTART

Jumpstart envisions the day when every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. A national early education organization with operations in 14 states plus Washington, DC, Jumpstart drives outcomes for young children in three critical ways. Jumpstart provides language, literacy, and social- emotional direct service programming utilizing an evidence-backed curriculum for preschool children from underserved communities, workforce programming to expand the pipeline of qualified, diverse talent pursuing careers in early education, and policy advocacy to support the early childhood field and promote high-quality early learning for all. By leveraging nearly 30 years of experience serving over 157,900 children with the support of more than 62,500 college students, community volunteers, and alumni who are credentialed ECE teachers, Jumpstart executes these three objectives to improve the quality of the early education workforce and increase opportunity for young children to succeed across America. Learn more at www.jstart.org and join us in transforming the lives of young children!

POSITION OVERVIEW

The California Policy & Government Relations Director (Director) will lead Jumpstarts state and local policy advocacy activities in California primarily through direct lobbying of the California State Legislature and executive branch agencies, as well as participation in coalition work and policy creation. The Director will advance Jumpstarts policy agenda in early education, higher education, and national service through strategic relationship building with key state officials, advocacy coalitions and partner organizations. The Director will increase Jumpstart's visibility, position the organization as an influential resource and leader in California and beyond, and leverage the organization's experience, knowledge, and national scope and brand.

As a member of the Policy and Government Relations department, the Director will collaborate and coordinate across the department and broader organization to ensure policy and advocacy priorities align with Jumpstarts strategic priorities, organizational core values, and the needs of communities served by Jumpstart. It is anticipated that the Director may have people management responsibilities. The Director will report to the Vice President of Policy and Government Relations and be a crucial member of the Policy & Government Relations team consisting of staff in California, Massachusetts, and New York.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Advocacy and Government Relations

• Design and implement a strategic legislative and policy program at the state and local levels to advance Jumpstarts early education, higher education, and national service priorities.
• Execute Jumpstarts legislative agenda utilizing appropriate strategies and tactics, including lobbying members of the California State Legislature, their staff, and the governors office.
• Track interactions between Jumpstart and elected officials, government staff, and coalition members; Measure the effectiveness of Policy work/initiatives and define and lead change to meet objectives.
• Remain informed and responsive in strategy and communication to policy developments that impact the sector and present opportunities for Jumpstart to take a leadership position.
• Analyze and track legislation, draft legislation and amendments, and prepare and deliver written and oral testimony.
• Build trusted relationships with elected and appointed officials, agency decision-makers, the governors office, lobbyists and community stakeholders by providing clear, fact-based analysis and resources.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Director of Civic Engagement and Advocacy to facilitate the voices of Jumpstart partners and constituencies being heard by decisionmakers at the state and local level.

Communications and Thought Leadership

• Prepare written materials in collaboration with the Marketing, Communications, and Brand department, including action alerts, talking points, issue briefs, policy reports, op eds, and website content.
• Represent Jumpstart in various community and stakeholder policy groups, build and lead coalitions with diverse stakeholders to advance shared policy goals, and work in partnership with other organizations.
• Speak to the media or the public as needed.

Funding

• Identify potential sources and advocate for public funding for Jumpstart.
• Assist the Development department in preparing applications seeking public and private funding, and support Development in the stewardship of relationships with donors who support Jumpstarts policy work.

Additional Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with members of the Policy and Government Relations team to advance nationwide policy campaigns.
• Collaborate with and help to support Jumpstarts internal Policy Working Group.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Vice President of Policy and Government relations.

Required

• Bachelors degree or equivalent relevant professional experience
• At least 8 years of professional experience in state or national legislative, political or policy advocacy work
• Commitment to Jumpstarts core values: learning, social justice, community, joy, and inclusive leadership
• Experience and comfort working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities
• On-going commitment and interest in social justice or diversity, equity and inclusion work
• In depth understanding of the legislative and budget process, and political strategic planning
• Exceptional analytical, research, writing and oral advocacy skills, as well as the ability to articulate complex issues and to communicate them effectively to a variety of audiences
• Skilled relationship manager and demonstrated ability to build and sustain respectful relationships across the political spectrum with diverse coalitions, including navigating internal political dynamics among partner groups, and a personal approach that values and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socioeconomic circumstances
• Strong, proactive project management skills and ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects at various stages of completion; Keen attention to detail
• Passion for, and a well-articulated knowledge of, early childhood education and the ECE workforce, and a familiarity with the work and mission of Jumpstart
• Self-aware and authentic leader with the ability to listen, guide and support people to achieve common goals
• Entrepreneurial, flexible, creative, energetic, and results-oriented initiative and a desire to learn, pitch- in, and anticipate new projects; ability to collaborate, including working closely with members of different teams across the organization

Preferred or Ideal

• Graduate degree in policy, public administration, law, or related field preferred
• Knowledge of higher education systems and policy
• Understanding of national service programs, including AmeriCorps
• Fluency in English and Spanish