Director of Policy (7/2010)
Posted date [Jul-26-2010]
(ID: 260)
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 $100,000 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.
OR
Click on this LINK to apply.
Position Summary
The Director of Policy will be responsible for the development and implementation of policy and systemic changes that enhance the organization's ability to achieve outcomes in its goals of health, early learning, and safety of children and families. The Director will monitor and influence public policy for children and families 0-5 years of age in the County of Los Angeles.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Develops and implements the organization's policy direction in alignment with the strategic plan.
Develops policy positions on specific public policy interest issues related to children 0-5 on health, early learning and safety of children and families.
Identifies opportunity for policy coordination with key stakeholders, grantees and strategic partners.
Monitors and influences relevant evolving public policy by participating in and articulating the organization's positions at meetings, conferences and task forces and analyzing communications of other related organizations.
Ensures that the policy functions of the organization are properly integrated into the goals established by the Board of Commissioners.
Analyzes current initiatives and develops policy options and recommendations; analyzes emerging trends and assesses their policy implications.
Works collaboratively with staff, Commission members, and strategic partners to identify potential policy strategies and assesses their feasibility for implementation.
Represents the organization before policymakers, stakeholders, grantees, and the general public. Represents the organization at conferences, workshops, meetings, hearings, etc.
Develops an information dissemination strategy in collaboration with the Department of Public Affairs.
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
Manages subordinate supervisors who supervise staff in the Policy Department; also directly supervises an administrative assistant. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit. Also directly supervises one non-supervisory employee. 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 social science, health, education or a related academic field. Master’s Degree (M.A.) preferred.
Experience
A minimum of fifteen (15) years of professional experience in policy development and analysis and a minimum of seven (7) years of supervisorial experience.
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 write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
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 widely used and supported Internet browsers.
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations
Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Valid automobile liability insurance
Travel Requirements
This position requires travel locally, statewide and nationally as needed.
Knowledge & Abilities
Understanding of the current issues regarding children and families in the County of Los Angeles, including public health, child care and early childhood development issues.
Strong knowledge of the policy and political landscape in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, county, city and community political and policy-making processes.
Understanding of the ethnic, cultural, geographic and socio-economic diversity of the population served by the organization.
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.
Leadership Competencies
Highly effective leader who works with others collegially and is a proven team builder.
Inclined to coach and teach in order to improve the knowledge and ability of others, but objectively and equitably holds people accountable for results.
Understands and values quality improvement, applies managerial and technical skills to measure and improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion; valuing a diversity of perspectives and encouraging contributions by all team members.
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 $100,000 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.
OR
Click on this LINK to apply.
