Job Description

THE ROLE The ECE Policy Associate supports Afton\'s consulting engagement with state and local agencies and other impact-focused organizations seeking to design equitable and sustainable policies, programs, and systems that support young children and their families and promote the development of a healthy ECE system. The Associate will work under the direction of project leads to complete tasks aligned to overall project approach and deliverables, such as: conducting independent research and literature reviews; designing and leading stakeholder engagement activities such as focus groups, interviews, and/or surveys; collecting, organizing, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data; planning for and supporting the management of advisory group meetings and convenings; monitoring policy and law changes and assessing implications for current and potential clients; maintaining project management structures; and other related work. He/she/they will work independently and/or in collaboration with teams to support development of guidance and solutions to client challenges \xe2\x80\x93 all in service of helping our public sector clients reach their strategic goals for the constituents they serve. THE ORGANIZATION Afton Partners creates meaningful change in our communities by transforming public policies and practices so they are effective, sustainable, and serve those who need it most. By partnering with public agencies and nonprofits in K-12 education, workforce development, early care and education, and human services, Afton builds capacity, strengthens governance, and ensures resources are aligned and equitably distributed. We prioritize taking on initiatives with the potential to rectify racial and social opportunity gaps nationwide. Since 2011, Afton has collaborated on more than 150 initiatives in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, unlocking human potential from birth to career. CORE VALUES AND DEI COMMITMENTS Afton team members commit to and embody our team\'s core values, which include:

• Prioritize justice. We recognize the impact of historical injustice and inequity, particularly for persons of color, and are committed to prioritizing justice. We take on public policy and practice initiatives that have the potential to identify and rectify racial and social opportunity gaps in our country.
• Act with integrity. We hold ourselves accountable to high standards and work diligently on behalf of our clients and the people they serve. We are honest, positive, and proactive in our pursuit of solutions and meaningful change.
• Collaborate inclusively. We work together with our colleagues, clients, and constituents in ways that value diverse perspectives, opinions, and ideas. We work to share decision-making power and amplify voices that have historically been silenced. We work humbly and believe answers exist in the communities we serve \xe2\x80\x93 it is our job to uplift them.
• Center human experience. We focus on the human experience in our interactions and in our considerations of public policy and practice solutions. We know the potential for our work to dramatically alter human lives. We therefore seek to deeply understand the lived experiences of those most likely to be impacted by our work.
• Be well. We value work-life balance and provide agency for our colleagues and clients to bring their whole selves to work. We support each other, uplift each other, and have fun along the way.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES The core responsibilities for this role are to:

• Support Client Engagements
  • Understand client needs, and support development/maintain project plans that allow us to achieve goals with our clients and provide effective deliverables
  • Organize planning work and develop content for facilitated stakeholder groups (such as commissions, advisory groups, councils, etc.), participate in meetings, take notes, develop minutes, and other supports
  • Identify, review, and synthesize findings from research to inform work process and products
  • Conduct stakeholder interviews and focus groups, and develop surveys
  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis to support direction of the work and recommendations
  • Prepare materials for and support briefings with client leadership and/or funders
  • Draft and support dissemination of professional and high-quality reports and presentations
  • Earn client trust and develop collaborative relationships with clients
• Support Business Development and Thought Leadership efforts
  • Support business development and thought leadership through relationship development, research, professional writing, and other methods

THE PERSON Our experience suggests that the following types of professional experiences and skills lend themselves to this work:

• Believes and embodies Afton\'s core values (above)
• Understanding of federal, state, and/or local ECE programs, policies, organizational structures, funding systems, and/or cost structures
• Demonstrates self-awareness of strengths and areas for development
• Problem solver; able to take ambiguous problems & requests and structure a path for addressing, takes initiative, leads work to deadlines, and is realistic in the work
• Works with detail and accuracy and thoroughly reviews own work; is meticulous with work product, research, and analysis
• Advanced communication skills; translates complex information to various audiences in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to complete moderately complex data analysis and modeling with guidance
• Ability to visualize data in the most effective way possible for a given project or study
• Intermediate to advanced project management skills with demonstrated ability to work independently and with team members from different backgrounds, resolve problems, and perform effectively in complex work situations under the pressure of tight deadlines
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office products, especially Excel

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Our experience suggests the following certifications and degree(s) lend themselves well to this work:

• Relevant Bachelor\'s Degree (for example, in public policy and/or administration, education, etc.); relevant Master\'s Degree preferred
• A minimum of 2-5 years of relevant work experience in government agencies, management consulting, education or human services administration, or similar
• Demonstrated lived experience, work experience, and/or personal interest in issues of racial equity and social justice
• Applicable experience and competencies will be considered in lieu of formal education

COMPENSATION The salary range for this role is $65,000-$85,000 with bonus eligibility. Afton Partners offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k) match, and paid time off and leave.