Policy Analyst-Council on Children and Families

Duties Description

This position will be supervised by B5 Project Director and support work to advance evidence-based policies to improve early childhood systems in New York State. The Policy Analyst will be responsible for conducting policy research, developing recommendations, and analyzing data to inform continuous improvement activities. The role involves close coordination with Early Childhood team leadership, state agencies, partners, and the Early Childhood Advisory Council. The Policy Analyst will also contribute to programmatic reporting and support efforts to secure new funding opportunities for policy-aligned initiatives. Regular written and oral communication with a wide array of stakeholders, including state agency leaders, program staff, and community-based organizations, is a core component of this role. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel to conferences and meetings, as well as occasional nights and weekends to support work is a part of this role. Specific duties include:

• Conduct policy research and analysis across various early childhood activities and projects.
• Support in the ideation, development, and communication of policy ideas and recommendations.
• Coordinate with team leadership to support development and management of a dashboard to monitor progress towards early childhood policy goals
• Support with the development of programmatic reports and presentations, including the analysis of policy impact and programmatic outcomes.
• Collaborate with state agencies, partners, and community-based organizations on policy implementation and evaluation, including supporting the work of the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council.
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings and webinars for CCF early childhood initiatives and topics.
  
  

Other relevant tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required (or comparable years of experience); Master’s degree preferred in public policy, public administration, early childhood education, sociology, public health, or other related human service degree program. Has demonstrated experience in policy research, analysis, and development, preferably within the early childhood sector. Knowledge of early childhood systems and policies is strongly preferred and has collaborative skills and a team-oriented approach to accomplishing work

Preferred Competencies

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to utilize and manipulate data for policy analysis and reporting
• Excellent writing, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong project management experience and ability to lead multiple projects from start to finish.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including state agencies, partners, and community-based organizations
• Ability to organize, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, data visualization, and virtual meeting and webinar tools.
  
  

Ability to listen and respond to the concerns/ideas of others.

Additional Comments

Position may be available at either listed location, but the preferred location is Rensselaer.

Background Investigation Requirements

• All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees.
• All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.
• For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.
  
  

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS’s mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned, and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.