This position reports to the Policy Manager for the economic and family supports policy team, who reports to the Policy Director. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-3 system of care. This position can be performed remotely, and hybrid remote-work work opportunities are available.

The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center aims to be the go-to resource for actionable evidence for state policy leaders as they develop and implement the most effective policies that ensure children get off to a strong start and thrive. We seek an energetic and experienced person with experience in state economic and/or family supports policy to support a team of experts who track the development, adoption, and implementation of prenatal-to-3 policies, conduct policy analyses, and provide stakeholders with evidence on the most effective strategies for enhancing public policy targeting the critical prenatal-to-3 (PN-3) period.

Duties and Responsibilities

Project management and leadership:

• Support the development of project plans and timelines for successfully completing work products
• Routinely document project goals, deliverables, and timelines
• Ensuring that team work products are completed on time, through an equity lens, and to the highest quality possible
• Demonstrate ownership of project timelines, analysis, and all work products
• Communicate and work collaboratively with other staff to ensure organizational goals are met
• List of duties and responsibilities
• Other duties as assigned

Research, analysis, writing, and client/stakeholder engagement:

• Develop and apply expertise in a focal policy area (economic and family supports)
• Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders working in the PN-3 policy space and share information on policy adoption and implementation within the Policy Impact Center for a designated policy area(s)
• Serve as a resource to state-level policy makers by sharing relevant research and best practices
• Produce high-quality technical written products for different audiences
• Track and monitor legislation related to the prenatal-to-3 policies and strategies
• Identify and coordinate collection of state-level data to inform annual Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap
• Contribute to production of annual Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap

Supervisory Relationships:

• This position reports to the Policy Manager.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with major coursework in the field of assignment or Bachelor's degree with two years of experience in the field of assignment is required; Additional related experience may substitute for required education
• Experience in or understanding of state-level policy making, and the differences among state contexts
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, tenacity about details and organization
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex concepts clearly and the ability to write about research methods for different audiences
• Able to come up to speed on new topics quickly, multi-task effectively, and produce high-quality work under time constraints; flexible and able to adapt to changing timelines and circumstances when needed
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• and an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others in a team environment
• Demonstrated understanding and support for key concepts in diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• All applicants must include a CV/Resume and Cover Letter with submission
• Expertise in the area of economic and family support policy (e.g., state earned income tax credits, administrative burden for SNAP, paid family leave, etc.)
• Work experience in public policy, such as with state legislatures or advocacy organizations
• Work experience cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and external communication with partners
• Experience tracking legislation, including tracking tools (e.g., Quorum)
• Spanish language fluency

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.