Description

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is seeking a Managing Director, Policy and Professional Advancement.  Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Managing Director, Policy and Professional Advancement leads a portfolio and a team responsible for implementation of efforts to advance the early childhood workforce, and NAEYC’s presence and influence in early childhood public policy at the federal, state and local levels. This leadership position sets the direction for individuals and teams responsible for federal strategy and engagement, state partnerships, policy and public affairs, and policy-related technical assistance and advocacy support for members and Affiliates.  These strategic initiatives are required to advance NAEYC’s vision and goals for the early childhood profession, post-secondary education, and high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education.  

 NAEYC is a professional membership organization with 80+ employees across the United States; maintains a fast-paced, innovative environment deeply focused on vision, mission, values and beliefs; and works to promote high-quality early learning for each and every child, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. NAEYC advances a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and supports all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. 

 Key Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and direction to advance NAEYC’s non-partisan, educator-centered, equity-focused policy agenda through federal, state, and local avenues with a keen focus on policies and opportunities impacting the quality and accessibility of high-quality early learning experiences for all young children, and the education and compensation of the early childhood profession
• Provides strategic guidance, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to increase and expand the policy knowledge, advocacy engagement, and government affairs initiatives of NAEYC affiliates, state leaders, advocates, educators, and members
• Builds and sustains strong and effective partnerships and alliances with a diverse group of stakeholders, policymakers and grassroots leaders at all levels and across the political spectrum
• Contributes to the development of proposals and manages external grants related to public policy and related projects
• Directs and guides the NAEYC Public Policy Forum Conference and other events, and contributes significant policy-related content to PLI and NAEYC’s Annual Conference
• Delivers keynotes and presentations at national, regional, state and local conferences on behalf of NAEYC
• Provides leadership and guidance for Higher Education Accreditation team with a lens toward connecting higher education programmatic and policy priorities, ensuring excellence in early childhood professional preparation education, and shepherding a value-add accreditation process

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Advanced degree in policy, nonprofit management, higher education, business administration and/or early childhood education/child development required.
• Extensive experience with policy development and communication while in a leadership role with significant responsibility and success in advancing policy by working with policymakers and other stakeholders. 
• Direct experience in Congressional, federal, and or state government policy, preferably early childhood education policy.
• Minimum four years’ experience managing teams with different levels of expertise; strong mentoring, coaching experience to effectively deliver professional development.

 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Evidenced success in thought leadership and strategic thinking coupled with effective delivery of approaches and tactics to realize strategic objectives
• Ability to prioritize multiple and varied tasks with autonomy and minimal oversight
• Demonstrated skill to build effective working relationships with ability to serve as catalyst and consensus builder for complex and controversial issues
• High capacity to mobilize and lead a diverse constituency using effective and innovative engagement techniques
• Demonstrated ability to consume, understand, and translate complex policy issues to maximize use and impact
• Exceptional communication skills: written, verbal, listening and presentation skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers; to effectively interface with senior leaders, NAEYC’s Board of Directors and staff.
• Travel is required; local candidates preferred due to business continuity leadership in this position.

How to apply:  Please select  apply now then submit your cover letter and resume.   You may also send both documents to lndiba@naeyc.org