Job Overview

The Director of State Public Policy works in collaboration with the Managing Director, Public Policy, proactively seeking ways to assess and support systems improvement in organizations and agencies by identifying and educating in a balanced, objective, and nonpartisan manner on effective policy changes throughout the United States The purpose of this position and the efforts it manages is to educate and to influence system change at the state level that improves outcomes for children and families, including policy changes to safely reduce the number of children in foster care.

Responsibilities

Works with the Managing Director, Public Policy, to develop, prioritize and support relationships at the state level to educate in a balanced, objective, and nonpartisan manner on policy change – both legislative and executive. Responsible for cultivating and sustaining relationships in several states with policymakers, stakeholders and organizations able to educate or influence policy change at the state level.

• Responsible for issue specific work in several states to educate and to influence various policy matters affecting vulnerable children and families.
• Conduct non-partisan strategic policy analyses, research issues, and draft reports for internal and external distribution.
• Provide sound, objective, and balanced recommendations internally and externally regarding policies to improve outcomes and promote broad systems changes, including in support of federal and tribal policy work alongside state policy work.
• In collaboration with Public Policy team, works to promote and advance equity issues and conversations across child welfare and other child and family well-being areas.
• Work with the Managing Director to develop and support policy work through opportunities for innovative partnerships with philanthropic sector to advance CFP projects and services.
• Engages and coordinates with Casey's national partners to identify areas of common work and consensus, and to advocate collectively for positive change for children and families.
• Actively contribute to the work of Public Policy, including in support of federal and tribal policy work, and as a team member in a collaborative and supportive manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Business, Public Administration or related field is required.
• A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Seven years of experience in public policy, public interest law or related field, as exhibited by extensive experience in working with state policymakers, national partners, advocacy groups, and constituents.
• Three years of experience working with multiple and diverse partners, including but not limited to state policymakers and their staff, child and family welfare service providers, business leaders, philanthropic partners, advocates, community organizers, field experts, judiciary, youth, and the media.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly, persuasively, objectively, balanced and briefly to communicate in a nonpartisan manner to intended audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze policy, evaluate policy recommendations, and draft policy language in an objective, balanced, and nonpartisan manner.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the policy and programmatic issues related to child protection and family and child welfare, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership, acute analytical skills, strong public speaking, and confidence in presenting and communicating in an objective, balanced, and nonpartisan manner with senior level leaders, public figures and dignitaries, as well as success in fostering strategic partnerships.
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with any specific software or technology as needed for the job.
• This is a regular full-time position that requires travel up to 50% of the time. Local travel as well as out of town travel will be required.
• Driving on Casey business may require use of personal vehicle; adherence to vehicle safety guidelines and qualification for insurance is required.
• Requires a consistent on the ground presence in the state of residency and in the state capital Ability to perform effectively in high pressure and stressful work environment.
• Ability to manage stress and self-care.
• Physical requirements include the ability to lift and reach for light objects; ability to type and work at a computer for extended periods of time as a primary job function.
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information by learning and following all relevant policies and protocols and using sound judgment in the handling and sharing of that information.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

Colorado & WA State: $121,000 to $142,000 p/year

California: $121,000 to $156,600 p/year

New York City: $133,000 to $156,600 p/year

Traditional Benefits

• Eligible employees receive medical, dental and vision coverage immediately upon hire.
• Casey Family Programs also offers coverage for dependents, disability plans, life insurance and other benefits.

Time Off

• Casey Family Programs offers many leave options to help you meet your needs outside of work, including paid and unpaid leaves of absence and 10 paid holidays per year.

Retirement

• Casey Family Programs’ retirement resources include 403(b) and 401(a) plans, a financial planner stipend, as well as resources for financial planning, including ongoing education and access to retirement specialists.

Education

• Casey Family Programs’ education benefits are designed to foster learning in employees as well as their dependents, from early childhood through postsecondary programs.

Wellness

• Casey Family Programs offers innovative programs for wellness and preventative care, including alternative care benefits, health club dues subsidy, a comprehensive employee assistance program, and a wellness incentive and coaching program.

Parental Benefits

• Casey Family Programs supports families with paid parental leave, well baby care benefits, and access to a host of child care resources, including pregnancy, adoption, special needs children and mothers at work.

About the Organization

Casey Family Programs, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care and building Communities of Hope for children and families across America. Founded in 1966, we work in 50 states, the District of Columbia and two territories and with more than a dozen tribal nations to influence long-lasting improvements to the safety and success of children, families and the communities where they live. Casey Family Programs values inclusion, diversity, equity, and respect for individuals in the workplace. We encourage candidates with diverse lived experience and perspectives to apply.