FYSA Policy and Advocacy Associate

Reports to: Director of the Fostering Youth Success Alliance

Compensation: $31.87 - 35.71/hr. for a 35-hour work week

Position Summary:

Children's Aid is seeking a resourceful and highly skilled full time Policy & Advocacy Associate to provide support to the Fostering Youth Success Alliance (FYSA). The mission of FYSA is to improve the socioeconomic, physical and mental health, housing, and educational outcomes for current and former foster youth in New York State by collaboratively advocating for effective policies. FYSA is governed by a steering committee of advocates, providers, and young people from across New York State to ensure that our efforts are aligned statewide. The individual will report to and work with the Director of the Fostering Youth Success Alliance and will be responsible for providing administrative and advocacy support to FYSA, managing operational functions, and working on select projects as they arise.

Responsibilities:

Policy Analysis

• Track and report on key hearings, policy developments, and advocacy opportunities within child welfare and related policy areas that impact youth with a foster care background and transition age youth.
• Develop subject matter expertise in assigned issue areas to inform internal and external strategy.
• Lead select coalition activities (i.e. letter writing, email campaigns, social media campaigns etc.) and manage the communications with external partners and youth advocates

Advocacy Engagement

• Coordinate logistics and provide support for youth-focused events, including forums and shadow days.
• Support legislative and advocacy efforts by coordinating logistics, ensuring alignment among youth, partners, and staff, and assisting with participant recruitment for lobby days and related events.
• Develop materials that will aid in educating and mobilizing youth and partners on FYSA issue areas and resources.
• Co-develop and co-deliver legislative, advocacy, and social media trainings for youth, families, and staff.
• Support government relations operations by maintaining database of contacts, and monitoring pertinent committee hearings at the city, state and federal levels.

Project & Operational Coordination

• Provide administrative, technical, and clerical support to the Office of Public Policy team including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and facilitating internal meetings.
• Maintain all FYSA online communications, including website, social media and advocacy alerts.
• Produce monthly communication to the alliance steering committee and working groups
• Conduct weekly check-ins with our Youth Advocate Cohort.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must possess High-School Diploma and 4 years of relevant experience in policy and advocacy role(s) required
• OR Bachelor's degree and one year of relevant experience preferred
• Lived experience in foster care and/or experience working with youth in foster care preferred
• Strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, creative and the initiative to solve or anticipate problems.
• Experience working with youth and families on advocacy-related issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to travel occasionally to Washington DC and Albany is required.
• A passion for and commitment to mission-based work and social change, especially in the area of youth with a foster care background

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not to tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.