Job Description
The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.
The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is an agency within the Executive Office of Education and reports to the Board of Early Education and Care. EEC's vision is that children, youth and families reach their full potential now and in the future. EEC's mission is to, in partnership with families, educators, programs and other stakeholders, use data driven decision-making to inform work around the following objectives:
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- Family Access: Families have equitable access to quality and affordable early education and care in the communities in which they live, learn, and work.
- Program Stability: Early education and care programs are operationally stable and financially sustainable.
- Program Quality: Early education and care programs support children's health and safety and provide high quality environments that are culturally responsive, inclusive, and support children's learning and development in partnership with families.
- Workforce Supports: A diverse field of educators, leaders, and program staff is competitively compensated and supported by clear professional pathways that promote quality, retention, and advancement.
- Agency Infrastructure: EEC has sufficient internal capacity, organizational structures, and diverse perspectives and expertise to carry out its mission and strategic objectives.
The agency employs more than 280 people across one central and five regional offices, which work collaboratively with public and private partners to ensure the safety and quality of early education and care programs and residential care and placement services.
EEC seeks a detail-oriented, highly organized, mission-driven professional to serve as the Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) Policy Specialist on a time-limited, project-based assignment. This position will lead the project management, coordination, and finalization of updated CCFA policies and procedures. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring alignment between Massachusetts regulations and federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) requirements, while supporting the development of a comprehensive CCFA Policy and Procedure Guide for use by internal and external stakeholders.
The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, a thorough understanding of child care financial assistance regulations at both the state and federal level, and the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear policies and user-friendly guidance and tools.
This role will serve as both a project lead and a contributing member of the Family Access and Engagement team at EEC.
This is a project-based role currently funded through December 31, 2025, with potential of extension based on funding availability. Candidates must be able to begin work promptly and manage deliverables within the project timeline.
Please note that pursuant to Massachusetts general law, contracted employees are not paid for the eleven scheduled holidays, do not receive any paid, vacation, personal leave benefits, are not reimbursed for travel, or contribute to the state retirement system or social security. As a state contracted employee, you must participate in direct deposit and contribute towards the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state alternate retirement plan, ("OBRA Plan").
This position may be remote or hybrid, with occasional in-person meetings or events required depending on agency needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the project lead for the CCFA policy and procedure update initiative, managing timelines, deliverables, stakeholder coordination, and reporting
- Project manage the development and finalization of CCFA policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with updated Massachusetts CCFA regulations and federal CCDF requirements.
- Lead the creation of a comprehensive and user-friendly CCFA Policy and Procedure Guide, designed for Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs), child care providers, and EEC staff.
- Interpret and apply federal CCDF rules, regulations, and policies, ensuring state-level implementation remains in compliance with federal mandates.
- Work closely with internal teams (e.g., legal, operations, data analytics, CCR&R support, IT, and fiscal) to identify policy impacts, address operational needs, and develop implementation strategies.
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement, including workgroups and review sessions, to gather feedback and ensure clarity, equity, and practicality of guidance.
- Track timelines, milestones, and deliverables related to CCFA policy development and provide regular updates to leadership.
- Draft, revise, and maintain clear and consistent policy documents, guidance materials, FAQs, and internal communication tools.
- Support training and rollout efforts related to new CCFA policies and procedures.
- Maintain thorough documentation and version control for all policy development activities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3-5 years of experience in public policy, regulatory compliance, program administration, or project management-preferably within early education, child care subsidy programs, or human services.
- Strong knowledge of federal CCDF regulations, including allowable uses of funds, eligibility requirements, provider standards, and reporting expectations.
- Familiarity with Massachusetts CCFA system, regulations, and operations is strongly preferred.
- Excellent organizational, writing, and editing skills with a strong attention to detail.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working with diverse teams and engaging stakeholders in collaborative policy development.
- Knowledge of equity-focused and family-centered approaches in public service or early childhood systems.
Travel may be required for this position.
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Martine.laine@mass.gov.
Qualifications
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.