Description
The California Alliance of Child and Family Services is the unifying force in charge of leading change and providing support for the state’s children, youth, and families. For those dedicated to improving the lives of these at-risk populations, the California Alliance stands apart as the champion and leading voice for organizations that advocate for children and families, and for advancing policy and services on their behalf.
The Catalyst Center leverages connections between research, policy, and practice to inform and lead capacity-building efforts amongst service providers across the state of California who work in the fields of child and family services.
The California Alliance of Child and Family Services and the Catalyst Center serve a statewide network of professionals and collaborate with advocates, community-based service programs, national and state organizations, legal, health, and mental health professionals, researchers, and advocates from social justice organizations working to support the health and wellbeing of children and families. The California Alliance of Child and Family Services and Catalyst Center offers a rich working environment that includes connecting with inspiring activists and frontline providers, an opportunity to understand the experiences of children, youth, and families, and how all these forces contribute to sociopolitical change and systems transformation. Both the CA Alliance and its Catalyst Center are committed to ensuring that our work is centered on equity and social justice, working to ensure that the voices of those most impacted are part of any decision-making processes.
The Center and the Alliance are dedicated to maintaining an environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We denounce white supremacy, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of prejudice and intolerance. The only thing that will not be tolerated in our organization is intolerance itself.
The Senior Policy Advocate, under the supervision of the Director of Public Policy and as part of the CA Alliance policy team, leads the development of policy positions related to education and Prevention. This position actively works with the Legislature, state agencies and other advocacy groups to assure the adoption of those positions in statute, regulation or as part of statewide policy. The Senior Policy Advocate works closely with member organizations to support and forward policy issues developed through member committees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED)
Legislation, Regulation and Policy Development
Actively work with Board, assigned program committees and other staff in the development of policy goals in assigned interest areas as needed.
Work with appropriate state agencies to have Alliance policy objectives adopted into state policy or regulation.
Work with appropriate members of the Administration, Legislature and their staff in moving policy positions into law from conceptualizing legislation through passage of a bill and signing into law.
Review, analyze and develop a position and priority on all bills, in assigned policy areas and of relevance to Alliance member agencies, and complete tasks necessary to support, oppose or amend targeted bills.
Track and advocate on bills and be able to explain and defend bill positions as well as complete bill reports for members and stakeholders.
Develop analyses, positions, options and strategies in assigned policy areas to ensure representation of Alliance member agencies in the state budget development process and coordinate budget communications between the Alliance, the Alliance contract lobbyist, the Legislature and the administration.
Lead in drafting legislative language for sponsored bills and budget asks as developed with CA Alliance member agencies, which can include developing advocacy materials for bills staff is leading, completing budget and background forms as required by the Senate and Assembly, participating in legislative visits, staffing advocacy days, facilitating meetings with CA Alliance members and Legislators and the Administration, and working with partners on these efforts.
Testify as appropriate before legislative and budget committees and offer public comments during state led meetings including but not limited to DHCS advisory committees, stakeholder convenings, and other related meetings a requested.
Monitor, comment and participate in stakeholder meetings related to regulations, including but not limited to all county letters (ACLs), all plan letters (APLs), and behavioral health information notices (BHINs) release by the Administration.
With feedback from committee members, respond to guidance and implementation of bills and relevant programs.
Support Education Committee, the Prevention Committee and other committees as assigned.
Leadership as a Senior Advocate:
Identify potential partnership opportunities to enhance the organization's advocacy work.
Monitor the effectiveness of policy initiatives and make recommendations for adjustments as needed.
Proactively and independently plan projects by identifying goals, desired outcomes, and steps needed and engage the team for feedback.
Participate in developing and executing strategic plans to advance the organization's advocacy efforts and maximize impact.
Provide input to the leadership team on policy-related matters.
Work with the CA Alliance policy team to ensure that policy committees are staffed to be effective.
Proactively mentor (guide) and influence others (team members) toward professional growth, planning, shaping work and anticipating needs.
Independently and strategically plan with deep knowledge of policy issues, political climate, potential partners, and stakeholder perspective.
Member Services
Staff Alliance program committees, as assigned.
Actively support member committee chairpersons and committee members by connecting the need for, and opportunity for legislative and policy development.
Respond to member inquiries and provide technical assistance and loop in the Catalyst team when appropriate.
Interface between members and state departments as needed.
Assist in planning and coordinating member conferences, including creating and organizing sessions, developing materials and participating in Advocacy Day.
Represent Alliance at selected member events.
Communication
Assure full communication to members regarding progress of legislative agenda through:
o Legislative Tracking Report.
o Legislative and Budget Alerts.
o Articles for monthly Policy Round up.
o Development of Policy Briefs.
Speak at membership conferences, meetings and other member related conferences as assigned.
Keep CEO, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Director of Public Policy, policy team, Catalyst Center leadership and other staff members fully informed of actions and trends affecting applicable policy areas.
Work in close partnership with the Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Strategy and the Director of Public Policy by maintaining regular and clear communication regarding legislative / sponsored bill efforts, regulations, and strategizing framing for member communications.
Collaborate with Catalyst Center team on a regular basis to align efforts across the organization.
Develop written materials (fact sheets, policy briefs, research papers, etc.) as needed to promote advocacy positions.
Strategic Partnerships
Build and maintain positive working relationships with representatives of the Administration, state agencies, the Legislature, and other governmental bodies.
Build and maintain positive working partnerships with representatives of advocacy groups with shared interests.
Represent Alliance in formal and informal child and family-focused advocacy groups.
External Relations:
Represent CA Alliance in external meetings, conferences, and coalitions to promote our policy objectives.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with external partners, including other advocacy organizations, think tanks, and industry associations.
Collaborate with external stakeholders to build broad-based coalitions in support of our policy positions.
Monitor and analyze policy developments in the broader landscape and advise the organization on potential implications and opportunities.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Must have reliable means of transportation.
Must reside in the greater Sacramento area.
Must have secure internet accessibility and connection.
Must be able to work in a hybrid environment successfully.
Become registered in California as a lobbyist and complete necessary training and reporting requirements.
SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Highly self-motivated and able to work independently.
Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in personal practice and policy matters.
Exceptional organizational skills, ability to analyze and synthesize information efficiently and thoroughly.
Excellent writing skills with demonstrated experience conveying key messages clearly, timely and succinctly.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Personable and engaging, responsive to member inquiries and concerns.
Team player who enjoys working collaboratively with other Alliance staff, representatives of other advocacy groups, and members of the Legislature and staff.
Demonstrated capacity to absorb complex issues, organize effective strategy, and actively carry the strategy out to completion.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Education, Public Health, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative affairs, or a related role.
Deep understanding of education systems, prevention initiatives, and public policy processes.
Proven success in influencing legislation, regulations, or public policy initiatives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities.
Strong analytical and research skills, with ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable strategies.
Experience managing projects, campaigns, or coalitions.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.