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.
Children's Trust, operating under the Executive Office of Education, is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in Massachusetts. Our mission is to partner with organizations and communities to drive systemic change that addresses the root causes of child abuse and neglect. We provide high-quality programs and services, deliver training and technical assistance to the family support workforce, and work towards systems change, enabling MA children to grow up safe and thrive. Our values of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and celebrating successes are at the core of the work we do.
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Position Overview:
The Children's Trust is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Public Policy to spearhead its government relations and policy agenda. As a key member of the External Affairs team, the Director will lead initiatives that shape legislation, advocate for systemic change, and advance policies that strengthen families and protect children across the Commonwealth.
This is a strategic leadership role ideal for a candidate with established relationships with MA legislators, deep expertise in public policy, advocacy, and coalition-building, who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. The Director of Public Policy will work closely with other state agencies and report directly to the Chief External Affairs Officer at Children's Trust.
Key Responsibilities:
Government Relations & Advocacy (40%)
- Design, implement, and manage the Children's Trust public policy and government relations strategy.
- Lead efforts to influence legislative and regulatory systems to prevent child abuse and neglect.
- Serve as the primary liaison with local, state, and federal officials, representing the Children's Trust at high-level meetings, hearings, and events.
- Build and strengthen coalitions, partnerships, and campaigns to advance the agency's legislative priorities and promote community power.
Policy Research, Analysis & Communication (15%)
- Analyze complex legislative, regulatory, and budgetary issues related to child and family welfare.
- Produce high-quality policy briefs, reports, talking points, and advocacy materials in partnership with the communications team.
- Monitor emerging trends, policies, and opportunities that align with the agency's mission and strategic vision.
Legislative Strategy & Budget Advocacy (30%)
- Collaborate with executive leadership and the finance team to drive the agency's state budget advocacy.
- Develop strategies to influence public investments in programs and services aligned with the organization's mission.
- Cultivate and manage relationships with key decision-makers, opinion leaders, and agency stakeholders.
Capacity Building & Internal Collaboration (15%)
- Develop and facilitate training sessions for staff, the Board of Directors, the Parent Council, and partner organizations on the legislative process and effective advocacy.
- Work cross-functionally with internal departments to integrate policy goals into broader organizational initiatives.
- Serve as the policy liaison to the Board of Directors and oversee the tracking of key legislative efforts.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, government relations, or legislative advocacy, preferably within the child welfare or family services sector.
- Demonstrated success influencing public policy through legislative advocacy, coalition-building, and stakeholder engagement.
Skills & Abilities:
- Established relationships with key Massachusetts policymakers and networks preferred.
- Deep understanding of Massachusetts and federal legislative processes.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret, draft, and influence legislation, regulations, and policy proposals.
- Proven track record in managing complex projects and policy campaigns with multiple stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication skills-able to synthesize complex information and deliver clear, persuasive messages to diverse audiences.
Travel may be required for this position.
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Martine.laine@mass.gov.
Qualifications
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
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.