Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

National Education Association (NEA)

http://www.nea.org

The National Education Association (NEA) appealed to me because of their beliefs in advocating for quality public education for all children regardless of their income and the neighborhood they live. I selected this association because it believes professional development is critical in promoting children’s success. Their goal is to unite early childhood professionals and their expertise to work together for a common goal. National Education Association (NEA) is a great organization which advocates for quality public education for all children.

Job Opportunity: Lobbyist

Job Description:

The functions of this position include developing and maintaining effective bipartisan working relationships with members of Congress, the federal executive branch, and other national policy-makers. The advocate coordinates support for NEA's position on federal policies and legislation, develops strategies and approaches for effective advocacy, and researches, analyzes, and evaluates federal issues, legislation, rules and regulations.

Skills and experiences necessary to fulfill the role:

·         Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be obtained.  Relevant advanced degree preferred.

·         Five years professional lobbying experience

·         Demonstrated high-level and effective interpersonal skills- ability to establish and maintain effective bipartisan working relationships,

·         Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively on internal and external teams.

 

National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA)

http://www.naccrra.org

The NACCRRA is the national network of more than 850 child care resource and referral centers located in every state and most communities across the nation. The centers help families, child care providers, and communities find, provide, and plan for affordable, quality child care. Their mission is “to promote national policies and partnerships to advance the development and learning of all children and to provide vision, leadership and support to community Child Care Resource and Referral”. 

Job Opportunity: Project Manager

Job Description:

The project management oversees, special needs and exceptional family member respite care growth, and child care trends related to the special needs and military community. Provide support, training to program staff; coordinate and conduct regular staff meetings on program issues; conduct annual evaluations; ensure adherence with personnel policies. Maintain collaborative and professional relationships and partnerships with other agencies and organizations. Ensure a supportive environment that promotes employees professional growth.

Qualifications, skills and experiences necessary to fulfill the role:

·         Maintain collaborative and professional relationships and partnerships with other agencies and organizations.

·         Ensure a supportive environment within and across departments that promotes employee professional growth and organizational loyalty.

·         Maintain collaborative and professional relationships and partnerships with other agencies and organizations.

·         Ensure a supportive environment within and across departments that promotes employee professional growth and organizational loyalty.

·         Maintain collaborative and professional relationships and partnerships with other agencies and organizations.

·         Ensure a supportive environment within and across departments that promotes employee professional growth and organizational loyalty.

National Head Start Association (NHSA)

  http://www.nhsa.org/

The NHSA appealed to me because it is a not for profit association that believe all children can learn regardless of their family circumstances. Their vision is all children should reach their full potential, every child can succeed, we can impact the success of at-risk children, and quality early education fundamentally transforms children and families.  

Job Opportunity: Alumni Advocacy Associate

Job Description:

Alumni Advocacy Associate is responsible for developing and implementing NHSA’s plan to organize and engage Head Start alumni and their families in coordination with the association’s advocacy efforts. This position is responsible for planning and implementation of an advocacy campaign, including coordination, communications, relationship building and more.

Qualifications, skills and experiences necessary to fulfill the role:

·         Identify Head Start graduates and their families and develop relationships with alumni in key states.

·         Coordinate an Advisory Council and gather input.

·          Maintain a database of alumni and a website containing their stories.

·          Plan and execute alumni events (receptions, speaking engagements) at major NHSA conferences.

·         Familiarity with Head Start and the diverse communities Head Start programs serve.

·         Bachelor’s degree and one to three years of work experience, preferably in communications and/or advocacy.

·          Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to be comfortable and assertive working with large and small groups.

·         A high level of energy, ability to multi-task, and sense of humor.

·          Strong attention to detail and superior organizational skills.

·          Familiarity with social media (facebook, twitter, tumblr) and basic computer literacy.