Early Childhood Policy Associate

Organization Overview 

Advance Illinois is a not-for-profit policy and advocacy organization that works toward a healthy public education system that prepares students to achieve success in college, career, and civic life. Founded in 2008, we are committed to an aligned education system across the B-20 continuum that strives for equity, stresses college and career readiness and completion, and supports the whole child from the earliest years through adulthood. We believe every child should have access to high-quality education and care, regardless of race, geography, or income. 

Spanning the early childhood through higher education continuum, Advance Illinois analyzes research, data, and best practice; engages practitioners, families and partners; and develops and promotes policies designed to strengthen public education, higher education, and early childhood education and care in Illinois. We are seeking a passionate and committed individual who is looking to grow in the not-for-profit space and is able to thrive in a fast-paced and high-energy workplace to work on the Policy Team, supporting initiatives related to early childhood education and care in Illinois.   

Position Summary  

Advance Illinois seeks an outstanding policy associate to conduct research and data analysis and support policy development and advocacy efforts related to early childhood education and care policy. The ideal candidate is a systems thinker, with knowledge of the early childhood field – including system challenges and opportunities – preferably with knowledge of and experience with Illinois-specific policies, stakeholders, and context.  

The Early Childhood Policy Associate will work closely with the Senior Policy Advisor for Early Childhood. We are looking for a strategic thought partner who actively listens to diverse viewpoints, makes progress on multiple projects simultaneously, works effectively both independently and in a highly collaborative small team environment, and is comfortable partnering not only with fellow staff members but with a broad network of outside partners and stakeholders.    

Competencies 

Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment 

Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to quickly synthesize large amounts of information 

Ability to extract, clean, analyze, and interpret trends from complex data sets 

Demonstrated ability to create visualizations or graphics to communicate complex ideas and information 

Excellent communication skills, including writing, speaking, listening, advising – and political savvy 

Demonstrated ability to take independent action, assume responsibility, and raise issues of concern and potential solutions to colleagues 

Knowledge of early childhood education and care policy, programs, and systems that support young children and their families, as well as understanding the context at the state and national levels 

Understanding of the systems and structural barriers that lead to inequities in the early childhood system, especially those related to funding, governance, and workforce 

Proficiency in using software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and willingness to master additional software and systems  

Essential Functions 

Conduct research and analysis to inform Advance Illinois’ priorities and strategies in early childhood education and care, including financial analysis. 

Develop issue briefs, fact sheets, testimony, presentations, slide decks, and memoranda for internal and external audiences. 

Provide policy analysis to colleagues to inform their participation in committees, task forces, working groups, and coalitions; occasionally offer direct analysis to these groups or attend meetings to keep the organization informed of key developments.  

Organize, participate in, and lead workshops, conference sessions, and seminars.  

Perform other duties as needed. 

Education and Experience 

Bachelor’s degree plus relevant quantitative analytic, design, and writing skills required 

Working Location 

The position is located in Advance Illinois offices in either Chicago or Springfield. Advance Illinois is a hybrid workplace. Employees are expected to work from the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a floating day of their choice as well as be present at in-person meetings with partners as needed. The organization abides by CDC and other health and safety guidelines, and staff are expected to be vaccinated. 

Compensation 

The salary range is $53,000 to $57,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, employees have the opportunity to earn a bonus of 10% of annual salary for a total annual compensation of $58,300 to $62,700. Excellent benefits package includes: health/dental/vision insurance; short-term/long-term disability plans; 401K with a company match plan; flexible spending account; holidays and vacation accrual; and ability to pay into a Health Savings Account. 

Commitment to Diversity 

Advance Illinois is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, people from low-income households, people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQIA+), people with disabilities, and other people from diverse backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, mental or physical disability, age, marital status, family status, or veteran status. People from these and other historically marginalized backgrounds and communities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

To Apply  

Complete this survey and submit a resume to policy@advanceillinois.org. All submissions will be acknowledged.  Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please do not call Advance Illinois.