Policy and Communications Analyst

Position Summary: The Office of Public Policy at Children's Aid is seeking a resourceful, creative, and mission-driven individual to promote public-sector support for programs, services, and policies that benefit children, youth, and families living in poverty. The Policy and Communications Analyst plays a critical role in advancing Children's Aid's advocacy and public policy goals through research, communications, relationship-building, and strategic planning. This position supports the development and execution of our policy agenda across multiple levels of government and engages internal and external audiences through clear, impactful communications.

Essential Duties

Policy Analysis & Strategic Planning

• Monitor, analyze, and synthesize relevant city, state, and federal budget, legislative, and regulatory developments.
• Track and report on key hearings, policy trends, and advocacy opportunities that impact Children's Aid programs and the communities we serve.
• Facilitate cross-divisional working groups to align policy priorities and responses.
• Develop subject matter expertise in assigned issue areas to inform internal and external strategy.
• Develop, maintain and build relationships with local, state, and federal government staff and elected officials.

Research & Writing

• Assist with the development of the organizational policy agenda through research and identification of issues (budget, legislative, or regulatory) in key areas supporting Children's Aid's Divisions and Departments.
• Create written materials for budget and legislative testimonies, letters of support, and other mobilization activities.

Strategic Communications & Advocacy

• Take lead in developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the organization's policy goals and drives public engagement including testimonies, letters of support, fact sheets, blog posts, and rapid response materials.
• Collaborate with internal teams and advocacy partners to plan legislative engagement for key audiences including legislators, funders, stakeholders, and the general public to build public awareness and engagement on advocacy issues.
• Assist in planning and executing legislative engagement activities including advocacy days, rallies, and testimony at hearings. Partner with the Marketing and Communications team to manage digital platforms, including website updates, email newsletters, and social media (X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and BlueSky).
• Lead the development and maintenance of print and digital publications, including policy briefs, advocacy toolkits, social media tools and one-pagers.
• Copyedit and proofread written materials to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency.
• Support media outreach with journalists covering human services and public policy.
• Assist in organizing public-facing communications around legislative and advocacy events.

Training, Project Support & Team Coordination

• Support training efforts for staff, youth, and families on policy and advocacy issues.
• Assist in managing interns and coordinating special projects or events.
• Maintain a communications calendar and assist in planning campaign timelines and content delivery.
• Participate in in-person collaboration and team meetings.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree is required. Master's Degree preferred in Policy or related field. Policy-related graduate degree and/or at least 3 years of experience in policy, research, advocacy, or government.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Knowledge of the policy landscape in child welfare, health policy, and anti-poverty at the City, State level, and/or Federal level.
• Experience in managing or coordinating initiatives with proven results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, creative, and takes the initiative to solve or anticipate problems.
• Strong relationships with government agencies and elected officials at all levels are a plus.
• Commitment to and passion for Children's Aid's mission and work.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not to tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.