POLICY & RESEARCH ANALYST EDUCATIONAL EQUITY - Early Childhood

*This is an initial hybrid position which may convert to a remote work-from-home position. - apply only if you can commute to the Los Angeles office.

Position Summary

The Policy & Research Analyst (“Analyst”) will report directly to the Senior Manager of Early Childhood Policy in the Educational Equity program. The Analyst will assist the Educational Equity team and the greater Catalyst California team to work in partnership with community-based organizations to support advocacy campaigns that advance equity and reflect community priorities statewide, with a particular focus on Los Angeles City and County. This work will include supporting the team to:

Develop campaign strategies and recognize political opportunities;

Make a case for change by identifying persuasive facts and crafting compelling messages; and

Analyze and elevate education issues across the Birth to 12th grade systems, with a focus on holistically supporting children who are dual language learners (DLL) in early childhood (ECE) , that advance racial equity and economic justice in state and local policy and practice.

Research and stay up-to-date on early childhood/DLL/English Learner (EL) policies and legislation and report relevant findings back to the team

Contribute to development of recommendations for state and local policy aimed at improving DLL/EL outcomes and eliminating disparities

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Provide research and logistical support in the areas of Birth to 12th grade policy and practice, racial equity and economic justice in education, educational opportunities analysis for highest-need communities, gap analysis in educational funding, culturally and linguistically responsive learning for children of color and dual language learners, and promising and best practices that support racial equity across the Birth to 12th grade system.
• Support policy/research/advocacy duties, with a focus on K12, which include but are not limited to:
  • Extensive literature reviews, online research and interviews on various policy topics.
• Assistance in developing policy briefs, report writing, and quantitative/qualitative analysis.
• Preparation of materials and reports for meetings.
• Experience working in early childhood settings or other work to support the early childhood field, highly preferred.
• Yearly professional development allowance and personalized professional development goals.
• 15 vacation days, 6 personal days, 8 sick days, and 2 weeks paid parental leave along with national and office holidays.
• Organizational and team wellness days to help build team cohesion and camaraderie.
• Opportunity to see the meaning and impact of your work at an organization that is actively building more equitable communities and systems across California.
• Opportunity to work in a flexible work culture that is sensitive to employee wellbeing and encourages work life balance.
• Additional benefits during the pandemic including scheduling flexibility for parents and caregivers and telework stipend.
• Opportunity to work in a company dedicated to pay equity and a diverse work culture.
• In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position is $62,500 - $72,500. If you are hired at Catalyst California, your final salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors – we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package outlined below.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with an affordable employee contribution for spouses and/or dependents, including registered Domestic Partners.
• 403B retirement plan with employer matching benefits after 90 days.
• Flexible Spending Account for eligible employees to allocate pre-tax money throughout the year.

Support the team’s efforts to work in collaboration with partner organizations, analyze political opportunities (e.g., legislative, budget) and develop winning campaign plans and strategies.

Represent Catalyst California in key policy and advocacy stakeholder networks.

Support project implementation for current and emerging cross-programmatic efforts.

Serve as liaison with community-based organizations and coalitions.

Support the team to identify, initiate, and deepen relationships within a broad array of policy, research and community-based stakeholders, relevant government staff, and political leadership.

Coordinate logistics, database development, outreach/publicity materials and distribution related to the Educational Equity team’s policy advocacy efforts.

Support coordination of the Birth to Twelfth Grade Water Cooler events that convene advocates across the state, including annual 500-person conferences in Sacramento, through outreach, publicity, event logistics (e.g., registration, catering, travel, contractors, etc.) and content- planning for events. *(Virtual until further notice)

Stay apprised of developments related to state and local policy and advocacy efforts.

Provide support and contribute ideas in team strategic brainstorming sessions.

Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that there is a clear understanding of project expectations, deliverables and progress toward achieving grant milestones.

Participate in organization-wide planning, development, and communications activities, as needed, and ensure adherence to Catalyst California goals and policies within the project area; and

Other duties as assigned, dependent on organizational needs and employee skills.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function assigned satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree in public policy, law, or the social sciences preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential job duties may be considered. Ability to conduct policy analysis, research (qualitative/quantitative), and analyze complex information/data for policy and planning.

Sincere and demonstrated commitment to advancing racial and economic justice for the highest-need communities.

Experience with the Birth to Twelfth grade education field.

2-4 years of experience in civil rights and social justice, public policy, community-based policy advocacy and/or organizing (beyond summer or short-term internships). Understanding of policy advocacy experience/landscape preferred.

Experience working with community partners (e.g. children, families, local residents, community organizations, coalitions etc.) and civil rights organizations, including experience building and working in coalitions.

Candidate Profile, Skills and Abilities:

Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and presentation skills.

Proven ability to work with diverse communities, leaders and staff.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Strong writing and editing skills.

Self-starter, organized, analytical and detail oriented.

Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

Demonstrated ability to work in a small team setting.

Flexibility to adjust and contribute to continually evolving work situation and changing priorities.

Excellent computer skills, including strong internet research skills; proficient with MS Office applications.

Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to execute projects on time and on- budget.

One year commitment required.

Physical Demands

Occasionally must be able to move office supplies and equipment weighing up to 15 pounds across the office or during events.

Benefits & Perks

Perks & Work Environment

• Yearly professional development allowance and personalized professional development goals.
• 15 vacation days, 6 personal days, 8 sick days, and 2 weeks paid parental leave along with national and office holidays.
• Organizational and team wellness days to help build team cohesion and camaraderie.
• Opportunity to see the meaning and impact of your work at an organization that is actively building more equitable communities and systems across California.
• Opportunity to work in a flexible work culture that is sensitive to employee wellbeing and encourages work life balance.
• Additional benefits during the pandemic including scheduling flexibility for parents and caregivers and telework stipend.

• Opportunity to work in a company dedicated to pay equity and a diverse work culture.

Salary & Benefits

• In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position is $62,500 - $72,500. If you are hired at Catalyst California, your final salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors – we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package outlined below.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with an affordable employee contribution for spouses and/or dependents, including registered Domestic Partners.
• 403B retirement plan with employer matching benefits after 90 days.
• Flexible Spending Account for eligible employees to allocate pre-tax money throughout the year.