PUBLIC POLICY MANAGER

WHO WE ARE:

The mission of Maryland Family Network (MFN) is to ensure that very young children have strong families, quality early learning environments, and a champion for their interests. We work in collaboration with public and private funders, community-based organizations, parents, and other individuals and agencies to support those who care for young children as families strive to reach their goals. Through two-generation programs that support parents to become economically self-sufficient, raise healthy, successful children, and find quality child care; through regional services that help child care professionals improve their practice; and through public policy advocacy of programs and policies that benefit families with young children, MFN strives to ensure that all Maryland children are cared for by adults who are skilled to raise them in environments that are conducive to growth and development.

 POSITION PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Public Policy Manager position is to support the execution of Maryland Family Network's (MFN) public policy initiatives. This position involves developing, advocating for, and supporting policies that align with MFN's mission and values. Additionally, the Public Policy Manager plays a vital role in building relationships with stakeholders, conducting research and analysis, and coordinating with MFN leadership on internal and external communications related to MFN’s public policy agenda. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes, excellent communication skills, strategic thinking, understanding coalition and group-work dynamics, and a commitment to advancing MFN's goals through effective public policy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Assists in the development, advocacy, and implementation of MFN’s public policy agenda
• Coordinates internal and external public policy communication to key stakeholders, including using Voter Voice to create legislative campaigns and email updates
• Manages the legislative tracking efforts of the public policy department
• Supports the Director and Deputy Director of Public Policy 
• Attends and assists in the coordination of the coalitions that MFN is a part of, including the Public Policy Committee
• Informs and assists in organizing parent and provider engagement activities, including Families Leading Maryland
• Serves as a liaison to a diverse network of community groups, organizations, and agencies
• Assists in planning, organizing, and supporting MFN’s Day in Annapolis
• Facilitates advocacy opportunities for MFN staff, parents, and stakeholders during the legislative session

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supports MFN colleagues in carrying out agency external events, including Community Fest and First Years
• Drafting and submitting legislative testimony on behalf of MFN and our coalitions, as well as potentially providing oral testimony during the Maryland General Assembly session 
• Understanding and supporting MFN’s use of social media to engage external audiences to support our public policy agenda
• Stays updated and informed of federal and state policy initiatives and changes in programs and communicates these to the Director and Deputy Director of Public Policy and/or MFN leadership 
• Monitor and coordinate updates to the public policy section of MFN’s website

SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not include supervisory responsibilities at this time. 

EXPERIENCE:

• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to grasp complex policy issues and make informed recommendations. 
• Experience drafting written communications quickly and effectively. Strong persuasive writing and editing skills are essential. 
• Exhibited ability to synthesize complex information and communicate it clearly to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain influential relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners. 
• Familiarity with Maryland’s legislative process, the Maryland General Assembly, and the pace of Maryland’s 90-day legislative session
• Experience tracking legislation, regulatory actions, and other policy-related changes in Maryland 
• Familiarity and/or ability to quickly learn Maryland’s early childhood landscape and the related policies that impact Maryland families
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills. 

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, and LICENSURE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, social work, public policy, education, and/or a related field preferred. 
• Minimum of three (3) years working in advocacy or in a public agency, non-profit, or community-focused organization with knowledge of public policy work. Significant relevant course work and/or master-level internships can contribute toward this knowledge. 

MINIMUM TECHNICAL SKILLS and EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Forms, and PowerPoint
• Experience using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and/or other online meeting platforms
• Experience with Voter Voice or other advocacy communication tools preferred
• Experience with Airtable or other legislative tracking tools preferred
• Experience with Smartsheet preferred

IDEAL SOFT SKILLS:

• Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines, sometimes with little turnaround time during the Maryland Legislative Session
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment. 
• Established oneself as a self-motivated, creative thinker with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 
• Demonstrated flexibility and understanding of the time demands for a public policy professional in Maryland, such that longer hours may be required during the Maryland Legislative Session with often slower periods of demands outside of the legislative session. 
• Able to develop collaborative relationships with diverse groups of stakeholders and partners, including legislators from all political views, coalition members, parents, staff members, board members, donors, and other key community members. 

 ESSENTIAL LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

The physical demands described here are those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing this role, the employee is regularly required to lift boxes weighing up to 50lbs, sit for extended periods, and use repetitive wrist and hand motions for sorting and handling documents. The employee is also required to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color perception. The employee will have frequent visual contact with a computer monitor. 

MARYLAND FAMILY NETWORK STAFF ENJOY A HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE & GREAT BENEFITS TO INCLUDE: 

• 15 Holidays per year plus 4 Floating Holidays
• Vacation Leave is accrued starting at 12 days per year
• 12 days of sick leave per year. Sick leave is prorated based on hire date
• 403(b) Retirement Plan including discretionary employer contributions at 5% after 6 months of service with 3 years vesting schedule.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (HMO & PPO Plans)
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Medical and Dependent Care
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (Company Provided)
• Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Supplemental Insurance Plans

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT:

Maryland Family Network is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any protected characteristic or status. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the employment process. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact Human Resources at HR@Marylandfamilynetwork.org We will engage in an interactive process to determine a reasonable accommodation, barring undue hardship.