Job Title: Policy Analyst II
Department: Planning & Development and Policy Department
Reports To: Policy Analyst III
FLSA Status: Exempt


ABOUT FIRST 5 LA
First 5 LA is a unique child-advocacy organization created by California voters to invest tobacco tax revenues in programs for improving the lives of children in Los Angeles County, from prenatal through age 5. First 5 LA champions health, education and safety causes concerning young children and families.

SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Policy Analyst III and the Director of Planning & Development and Policy, the Policy Analyst II assists with the analysis of public policy alternatives and the development and implementation of policy strategies to enhance the organization’s ability to achieve its policy agenda and overall mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Participate in the development and implementation of policy positions and strategies to support the organization’s early learning, health, and child safety initiatives for children ages 0 – 5.

Track issues, trends and policies affecting young children and families in Los Angeles County, including those related to public health, early childhood development, child care, child safety and school readiness. Analyze emerging trends and assess their policy implications.

Analyze current and emerging First 5 LA initiatives to develop policy recommendations and identify opportunities for policy coordination with key stakeholders, grantees and strategic partners at both the local/neighborhood and county/state levels.

Monitor and analyze relevant evolving public policies, identify opportunities to forward the organization’s Policy Agenda with a range of partners, and provide information regarding emerging child and families’ program policy issues to inform policy strategies and planning.

Research policy alternatives and conduct economic analyses of current and potential funding sources to sustain the organization’s initiatives.

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders and strategic partners involved in children’s issues across the public, private nonprofit and business sectors.

Assist in the development of board related reports and materials.

Participate in meetings with the Board of Commissioners and committees as assigned.
Coordinate meetings, draft, post and distribute agendas, notify/confirm participants and arrange for the distribution of materials for meetings.

Prepare, edit and produce reports, memos and other materials.

Assist in the collaboration and coordination of projects across the organization.

Represent the organization at external meetings, workshops and conferences as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION*
Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) or equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university; degree preferred in public policy, social sciences, psychology, health, early childhood education, social work, education, behavioral sciences or related disciplines. A Masters’ Degree is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE*
A minimum of eight (8) years experience in working in policy development. Experience in a health or human services agency, the non-profit sector, the legislature, foundations, and or public entities is preferred.

*An equivalent combination of training and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement. Two (2) years of professional experience will be credited for every one (1) year of post-secondary education required for this position.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, fact sheets and policy briefs. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from grantees, board members, policy partners, government bodies and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add and subtract two (2) digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only a limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

COMPUTER SKILLS
MS Office Suite (Works, Excel, PowerPoint)
Internet Explorer

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS
Valid California Driver License and automobile liability insurance.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES
Ability to travel locally up to 30% of the time.

Familiarity with the local and statewide legislative process and governmental structures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee will stand and walk up to 2/3 of the time. The employee will sit, talk, hear and use hands to finger, handle or feel up to 2/3 of the time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

To Apply online please visit the website http://www.first5la.org/About-Us/Employment

Job posted on 11th July 2008
Please mention Policy Jobs when applying to this position