NCSL POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE:                           Program Director        

PROGRAM:                          Children and Families

LOCATION:                          Denver, Colorado

SALARY:                               $7,082/month

ABOUT NCSL: 

Are you ready to join an organization with an extraordinary mission? The National Conference of State Legislatures offers careers where you can use your skills, knowledge and experience to truly make a difference. NCSL’s mission is purposeful – strengthening the legislative institution. From informing effective policies and promoting communication among state legislatures, to ensuring states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system, our team works in service of legislatures. And, with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet the evolving needs of members, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation’s most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff. Our success serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join our team and contribute to this unique, essential mission.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Does the well-being of children and families keep you up at night? If so, do you have substantial knowledge of one or more of the following policy domains: 1) early care and education, 2) child welfare, 3) family economic security, 4) housing and homelessness, or 5) child support and family law. NCSL’s Denver-based Children and Families Program seeks two individuals with project management, fundraising and team leadership experience to join its growing lineup of policy professionals. If you love to learn, write and contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence, let’s talk. This position reports to the Children and Families group director.

Expect to travel by air approximately 10 times per year. Most trips are for one to three nights. Due to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, no travel is anticipated until August 2021. This date is subject to change.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Organizes, plans, manages and coordinates work across multiple projects, activities and funding streams
• Supervises, supports and coaches 3-6 staff members.
• Develops and manages project budgets, allocates resources, and assigns staff to carry out project activities
• Oversees or completes policy research and writing tasks, often involving careful interpretation of political nuances. (This is NOT a scientific research position.)
• Manages or coordinates planning of educational meetings and technical assistance efforts for legislators, generally requiring astute political judgments, a high degree of responsiveness to constituents and an understanding of NCSL’s priorities and concerns.
• Ensures quality standards and contract specifications are met.
• Contributes to fundraising efforts under the direction of the group director.
• Works with other NCSL units and external partners to develop innovative project proposals.
• Develops and implements communication strategies for disseminating and raising the visibility of NCSL’s educational products and services.
• Maintains an extensive network of relationships with federal agencies, funders, private-sector partners and interest groups.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

This position is a mostly performed in an office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  You will be required to utilize standard office equipment such as filing cabinets, copy machines, laptops, printers, scanners, and smartphones. Travel by airplane including overnights and weekends required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience and Education

• Bachelor's degree plus nine years of relevant and progressive work experience or post-baccalaureate / graduate degree and eight years of experience. The following work experience or some equivalent combination is preferred: at least four years of state policy or legislative experience, two years of professional policy experience in the assigned subject area, two years of project or research supervisory experience, and one year of management experience directing and allocating personnel and budgets in multiple projects or activities.  Post-baccalaureate education is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Substantial knowledge of one or more of the following policy domains: 1) early care and education, 2) child welfare, 3) family economic security (e.g., Earned Income Tax Credit and other family tax credits, benefits cliffs, barriers to employment, opportunity youth, TANF, SNAP or two-generation strategies), 4) housing and homelessness, or 5) child support and family law.
• Excellence in developing and executing educational/informational products and services for adult learners (i.e., legislators, legislative staff and others).
• Knowledge of state lawmaking processes and government structures.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Ability to clearly and credibly present information to NCSL members, funders and other audiences.
• Ability to work in a politically neutral manner with legislators and legislative staff and maintain confidentiality when required.
• Excellence in staff supervision and development (i.e., delegating, supervising, evaluating work and coaching).
• Excellence in fundraising, primarily through philanthropic organizations and federal contracts.
• Ability to manage multiple projects (including budgets) in a fast-paced office environment.

BENEFITS:

NCSL offers an outstanding benefits package including low-cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution after 6 months and full vesting, life & disability insurance, 3-weeks paid vacation with 5+ years of paid full-time work experience, paid family leave, telework, pet insurance, discounted bus / train passes, in-office dry cleaning pick up, access to 24-hour fitness memberships, and more! Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume highlighting skills and qualifications no later than January 18, 2021 by 5pm.

NCSL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER