Public Policy and Community Engagement Specialist

Voices of Tomorrow

place Renton, 98059

local_atm $28 - $30 an hour

Position Overview: Voices of Tomorrow is seeking a talented and ambitious individual to serve as a Public Policy and Community Engagement Specialist to support our new Policy and Advocacy department in transforming inequitable systems through community empowerment, education, and advocacy. In this role, the Specialist will work to build sustainable capacity within the community and lead advocacy efforts that promote social justice and equity. They will be instrumental in developing and implementing multiple projects, ensuring that each component aligns with grant guidelines, funding requirements, and our organizational mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Specific responsibilities of Public Policy and Community Engagement specialist includes, but are not limited to:

Policy Research/Tracking/Analysis

Develop expertise in early childhood policy issues such as dual language learning, childcare access, and equitable workforce development strategies
Conduct policy and legal research and analysis on topics related to impacts of inequities in the early learning system on immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC communities 
Identify, monitor, and analyze all relevant legislation at the local, state, and federal level that impacts the service ability of Voices of Tomorrow utilizing a racial equity lens; Develop internal policy and recommendations to strengthen VOT’s role in the Early Learning Public Policy  
Conduct quantitative and/or qualitative analysis on legislative priority topics.
Develop legislative priorities and agenda, Co-author reports and other publications, Draft testimony, and position papers on public policy issues 
Attend and report on briefings, hearings, coalition meetings, and other constituent meetings as needed
Develop policy recommendations or proposals in partnership with community stakeholders and organizations

Communications 

Help develop web content, electronic policy updates, legislative alerts, position statements and research reports for members and other key stakeholders 
Develop presentations, legislative summary reports, policy briefs, one-pagers, and other materials to frame policy discussion with key stakeholders and for use in external communications and engaging with media, policymakers and their staff, and community organizations 
Assist with development of advocacy communications plans, including creation of tools to inform staff, community members, policymakers, and other stakeholders 
Help organize and lead quarterly Policy Advisory Calls with internal and external committees 
Draft, proofread, and edit policy and strategy documents

Community Mobilization/Advocacy/Coalition work

Help Coordinate East African led policy committee to solicit and inform VOT policy priorities. 
Represent the organization at events, which may include some travel throughout Washington. 
Help department coordinate special events such as the annual VOT Legislative Reception, Policy brunch, Equity Policy framework seminar etc.  
Collaborate with community-based advocates to engage the public on the impacts of public policies on their communities
Coordinate with department to ensure a robust, relevant program of learning opportunities related to advocacy and public policy for VOT’s staff and board members 
Engage and/or train advocacy leaders and networks 
Develop community engagement strategies 
Represent VOT at stakeholder meetings, coalitions, committees, hearings, and in discussions with potential partners and funders

Coordination/Facilitation

Help Coordinate and facilitate community listening sessions for members of the early learning field and family childcare community.
Assist with the design and implementation of a new Advocacy 101 training program for community members, to include topics such as systems and institutions; the policy process; crafting a message; and connecting with stakeholders.  
Help plan and topical Civic Engagement boot camps to engage community members in issue-specific conversations and initiate relationships between community members and stakeholders. 
Coordinate special events, for example: VOT Legislative Reception, Policy brunch, Equity Policy framework seminar etc.   
Leading focus group discussions, designing surveys, building outreach material, and helping conduct project evaluations.   
Preparing presentation materials for internal and external trainings and program operations

Family Centered Advocacy program

Coordinate and oversee all program activities, including workshops, training sessions, and community engagement events.
Develop and maintain partnerships with local schools, community organizations, cultural institutions, and other stakeholders.
Facilitate regular feedback sessions with program participants to gather insights, identify emerging needs, and adapt program activities accordingly
Support parents in advocacy efforts, including organizing Family Advocacy Day and Policy Opportunity Workshops.
Organize and lead monthly leadership and advocacy training sessions for parents, focusing on public speaking, networking, and policy analysis.
Coordinate peer mentorship program development and provide support and training to peer mentors.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Minimum requirements include bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred in Early Childhood Education, Nursing, Public Health, or related fields.

Additional expectations include:

Bachelors in public policy and/or administration, or equivalent experience of 3-5 years’ experience working in the Advocacy and Policy and AA degree.
Understanding of and commitment to social change through building the capacity and power of low-income people and people of color to change their communities and to participate directly in changing public policies.
Excellent advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and leadership skills; demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with other staff and other organizations; demonstrated ability to work with groups and individuals across the political spectrum.
Bilingual applicants with knowledge of English and Somali, Amharic, or Oromo oral and written communication skills highly desired, but not required. 
Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral; experience as a public spokesperson and advocate; ability to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences; a “quick study” on a dynamic array of issues.
Ability to build relationships with relevant policy partners (government, advocacy groups, academic institutions, etc).
A broad understanding of federal, state, and local policies that pertain to low-income families and communities of color is required; expertise in immigration issues and early education is especially helpful.
The ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment is essential.
Proven ability to work in a team environment
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, cultural relevancy, and inclusion is required
Ability to lift 30lbs
Must pass Department of Early Learning’s Portable Background Check (PBC).

Additional expectations include:

Established interest in early childhood development and a desire to improve quality access to education for immigrant and refugee communities. 
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Proven planning and analytical skills to evaluate complex situations and recommend next steps/solutions
Public speaking and presentation skills, as well as strong written communication skills
Must pass Department of Early Learning’s Portable Background Check (PBC).

Hiring Process: To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to nabdirahman@tomorrowvoices.org. Voices of Tomorrow is an equal opportunity employer. Please let us know if you require any accommodation. 

More about Voices of Tomorrow’s (“VOT”).

VOT’s mission is to preserve immigrant & refugee children’s identity through culturally responsive child-focused programs. Our agency works closely with community partners to eliminate racial inequities in the Early Learning System which deeply affect Immigrant and Refugee children’s growth, development, and academic performances. Early childhood is the most critical phase of human development. The focus of VOT is to create early learning programs that preserves the child’s culture and language, while advancing African indigenous parenting practices and community-driven narratives. Substantial research shows that early adversity, including loss of a language, is associated with diminished health across the life course and across generations.

Our work is guided by the following foundational principles:

RACIAL EQUITY. Community representation is paramount in all of Voices of Tomorrow’s programs, policies, and activities. Program components are grounded in community needs and programs are designed with the input of the communities we serve.

CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS. We strive to create opportunities to preserve culture through the celebration of diversity. We welcome all who apply their resources, cultural knowledge, and experience to address solutions for removing barriers facing our community.

HEALTH AND SAFETY. Embedded in our work is an understanding that good prenatal and early childhood mental health is foundational to reducing long term stressors and negative impacts into adulthood.

STRENGTHS-BASED. Our programs are designed to empower families and communities to use the existing knowledge of their families and communities enabling resiliency in a manner in which they can share their knowledge through the education of core life skills.

CHILD FOCUS. We encourage parents and caregivers to foster positive relationships with children and caregivers, as strong family bonds give children their best start in early childhood development.

Pay: $28.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits: