Policy and Communications Director; FFCC

Posted on March 19, 2019

First 5 Contra Costa is making a strategic shift to play a larger role as an advocate for policies that will sustain and expand systems for young children and their families. To that end, the Policy and Communications Director is responsible for aligning and strengthening our efforts in advocacy, evaluation, research and communications to better support First 5 Contra Costa’s (First
5) role as a leader in the development of effective and sustainable services for children and families.

The Policy and Communications Director will be responsible for devising a comprehensive approach to formulating First 5’s advocacy strategies, from eliciting broad community engagement, to developing useful strategic information, to steering a robust communications effort. S/he will serve as a leader in the County supporting advocacy efforts relating to children 0-5 years old and will participate in county, regional and state initiatives to advance policies improving the status of young children and their families.

The Policy and Communications Director will engage in strategic and thought partnership with the leadership team, particularly with the Executive Director, Deputy Director and the Finance and Operations Director. S/he will seek out and maintain strong relationships with local, regional and statewide organizations similarly advocating for young children. The Policy and Communications Director also plays a key role in the development and monitoring of the Commission’s strategic plan.

The ideal candidate is a strong strategic thinker with experience and knowledge in advocacy, research and communications, and a proven ability to make the case for change in organizational practice and social policy. S/he is a problem-solver and strong analytical thinker who can quickly adapt to changing needs and opportunities. S/he is a forward thinker who excels at using data to create persuasive information.

The Policy and Communications Director must have high standards for excellence as s/he oversees the work of a team of staff and contractors engaged in advocacy, program evaluation, research and communications. S/he is comfortable representing First 5 Contra Costa while engaging stakeholders, including residents, providers, agency directors, and First 5s around the state.

First 5 Contra Costa helps young children grow up healthy and ready to learn during the most important time in their development. We have nearly 20 years of experience funding innovative programs and advocating for policies that produce better futures for our children. Since our inception, First 5 Contra Costa has invested more than $140 million in Prop. 10 revenues to programs and services that help Contra Costa’s children get the best start in life.

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• Ensures First 5 has a coherent and aligned set of advocacy, evaluation, research and communications activities that promote First 5’s mission, sustain services for children, families and providers, and communicate the status and needs of children and families in Contra Costa County.
• Oversees First 5’s engagement strategies with stakeholders, elected officials, business leaders and others in advocacy activities to promote policies that support young children and families. Directs the development of timely and persuasive information describing the countywide trends for children and families in Contra Costa County, collaborating with other agencies as needed.
• Ensures timely communication of overall impact of programs and activities funded and engaged in by First 5 Contra Costa.
• Collaborates closely with staff to ensure that data and information development is closely aligned with First 5’s strategic plan and with emerging strategic directions.
• Participates as a key staff leader in developing and reporting progress on First 5’s strategic plan. Plans periodic events, publications, and updates relating to local advocacy and policy for children and families, including using existing data and information from local and state agencies, as well as commissioning…