Qualifications
Bachelors degree and minimum 2 years’ experience or equivalent in not for profit setting, government agency, political campaign, or issue advocacy. Graduate degree in social sciences may substitute for experience.
Schedule
Full time, business hours, occasional evenings and weekends. Limited travel occasionally required.
Reports to: Deputy Director
Salary
$40,000 to upper $40’s depending on experience and qualifications. This is a non-exempt position.
Job Description
The Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) is a small, 103-year old, nonprofit agency dedicated to improving the lives of Westchester’s children by shaping policies and programs to meet their needs, and by keeping the well-being of Westchester’s children at the top of the public agenda. The Program and Policy Associate should demonstrate an interest in the WCA’s mission, as the Associate’s duties are vital to the agency’s daily operations.
The Program and Policy Associate will assist the Deputy Director in overseeing, managing and implementing all aspects of WCA’s programmatic initiatives. Works directly with staff, board members and community partners on assessing issues relevant to children and youth in Westchester and helps to prepare and implement an agenda and action plan to reach workable solutions.
An ideal candidate for this position will be a team player who enjoys working with a diverse group of people and has a commitment to social justice and racial equity. She/he is a self-starter, and exhibits meticulous attention to detail and organization while demonstrating the ability to manage time and multiple tasks efficiently and meet deadlines. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills required. Refer to the list below for additional required duties and preferred skills.
Responsibilities
General Overview
1. Assist and provide support to Deputy Director and Executive Director in developing, refining and executing WCA’s programmatic and policy initiatives
2. Work with service providers, community partners, public administrators and elected officials through a variety of activities to improve outcomes for children and youth
3. Monitor and analyze federal, state and local legislation and budgets to assess impact on children and youth
Community Engagement and Mobilization
4. Provide support for WCA-lead coalitions and workgroups
5. Educate the public and policy makers on priority children and youth issues
6. Support WCA’s “Vote for Kids” voter education and engagement campaign including coordinating efforts with relevant county and state partners
7. Engage current and new partners including parents/guardians, faith based community, low-income families and those not traditionally engaged in policy work
8. Assist Communication Associate in coordination and execution of communications strategy for all advocacy efforts
9. Work with Deputy Director in the planning, development and implementation of educational and community events
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, including online communications and social media
2. Experience in community organizing/engagement
3. Responds flexibly as issues and tasks arise throughout the work day
4. Takes the initiative to complete unassigned supportive tasks
5. Ability to multitask and meet project deadlines
6. Interacts comfortably with a wide variety of people
7. Proficiency with Microsoft Office especially Word, Excel, and Outlook
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Understanding of legislative process and experience working with elected officials a plus
2. Experience working with social media platforms as advocacy strategy a plus
3. Proficiency in Spanish a plus
To Apply
Email resume and cover letter to Allison Lake, alake@wca4kids.org
Include Program and Policy Associate in the subject line of your email
No phone calls please.
The Westchester Children’s Association seeks to be a diverse and inclusive organization. WCA maintains a policy of equal treatment to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin/nationality, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
