Policy Analyst III (7/2010)
Posted date [Jul-26-2010]
(ID: 258)
First 5 LA is a unique child-advocacy organization created by California voters to invest tobacco tax revenues in programs for improving the lives of children in Los Angeles County, from prenatal through age 5. First 5 LA champions health, education and safety causes concerning young children and families.
Important Salary Information:
The salary range for the position starts at $70,000 per year, payable bi-weekly.
First 5 LA offers up to 5% above a candidate’s current base salary (excluding bonus and fringe benefits, not to exceed the top of the stated range. If a qualified candidate’s current salary is more than 5% below the starting range, the candidate will be offered the starting range for the position.
To apply for this position go to the First 5 LA Website Employment Page.
Position Summary
Under the general direction of the Director, the Policy Analyst III assists with analysis of public policy alternatives and the development and implementation of policy strategies to enhance First 5 LA’s ability to achieve its mission of increasing the number of children from the prenatal stage through age 5 who are physically and emotionally healthy, safe and ready to learn.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Monitors and influences relevant evolving public policies and provides Director with information regarding emerging child and families’ program policy issues to inform policy strategies and planning
Conducts research, and compiles and interprets data for policy analysis and development.
Analyzes emerging trends and current initiatives and assesses their policy implications, and develops policy develops policy options and recommendations.
Assists the Director in the development of policy positions on specific public policy interest issues related to children 0-5 on health, early learning and the safety of children and families.
Develops and manages identified opportunities for policy coordination with key stakeholders, grantees and strategic partners.
Formulates and recommends policy positions and strategies to support select early learning, health, and child safety initiatives for children 0-5.
Researches policy alternatives and conducts economic analyses of current and potential funding sources to sustain Commission initiatives.
Assists the Director in staffing the Policy Committee of the Board of Commissioners.
Assists the Director with the development and on-going reporting of department goals and activities.
Provides leadership in the development of Policy Department products including the review of work for quality, accuracy, thoroughness and professional presentation.
Makes presentations before the Board of Commissioners, senior management and to other audiences as assigned.
Represents the organization before policymakers, stakeholders, grantees, and the general public. Represents the organization at conferences, workshops, meetings, hearings, etc.
Assists in the collaboration and coordination of projects across the all departments.
Other duties may be assigned. The duties listed here are typical examples of the work performed; not all duties assigned are included, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises assigned staff in the Policy Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education*
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from an accredited four-year college or university in the fields of public policy, social science, health, education or a related academic field. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
A minimum of twelve (12) years of related experience in policy development, analysis and implementation. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in supervising staff.
* Two (2) years of professional experience will be credited for every one (1) year of post-secondary education required for this position.
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or Commissioners.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Computer Skills
Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Internet Explorer or other wide used and supported Internet browsers.
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations
Valid California Class C Driver License and valid automobile liability insurance, or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
Travel Requirements
This position requires travel locally and statewide as needed.
Knowledge & Abilities
Knowledge of current issues, trends and policies affecting young children and families in Los Angeles County, including those related to public health, early childhood development, childcare, child abuse and school readiness.
Knowledge of policy analysis, implementation and enactment processes at the local, county and state levels.
Knowledge of the state electoral process.
Understanding of how the public and private service delivery systems function in the county of Los Angeles.
Core Competencies
Politically astute and tactful; attentive to the perspectives and competing interests of various internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to participate in a team, manage multiple and often simultaneous tasks, and in create a work environment that is recognized for a high level of ethical integrity, organization, timeliness, cost-effectiveness, accuracy, and results.
Adaptable and reliable in the face of conflict, crisis, or changing priorities.
Ability to effectively manage overlapping projects and deadlines.
Impeccable integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven and self-directed with a demonstrated passion for First 5 LA’s mission and commitment to working collaboratively with a management team of senior professionals.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee will sit, talk, hear and use hands to finger, handle or feel up to 2/3 of the time. The employee will stand and walk up to 1/3 of the time. The employee is routinely required to carry and/or lift up to 10 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Important Salary Information:
The salary range for the position starts at $70,000 per year, payable bi-weekly.
First 5 LA offers up to 5% above a candidate’s current base salary (excluding bonus and fringe benefits, not to exceed the top of the stated range. If a qualified candidate’s current salary is more than 5% below the starting range, the candidate will be offered the starting range for the position.
To apply for this position go to the First 5 LA Website Employment Page.
