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General Description:

Responsible for providing program and research support for the Institute's work in areas related to family economic and early childhood success.  Reports to the Program Director for Early Childhood and Family Economic Success, Institute for Youth, Education, and Families.

Examples of Work:

Gathers information on initiatives in NLC member cities and other communities that are designed to promote early childhood and family economic success, including efforts to promote early-grade reading, expand access to key public benefits (e.g., EITC, SNAP, afterschool and summer meals, and free/low-cost health insurance), and build financial stability among low- and moderate-income families.

Organizes conference calls, webinars, and other activities for members of Institute peer networks and city officials receiving technical assistance from the Institute in areas related to early childhood and family economic success.

Prepares articles and descriptions of best practices and promising initiatives at the city level for use in peer network monthly newsletters, NLC's weekly newsletter, publications, and the NLC City Practices Database.

Develops program summaries and other related content for posting on the YEF Institute's pages of NLC's web site, and on project-related online community forums and blogs.

Assists senior staff with technical assistance activities and responds to requests for information from NLC member cities, state municipal leagues, and other interested parties on issues related to early childhood and family economic success.

Identifies and utilizes relevant research and program information available through other national organizations and federal agencies engaged in the topics of early childhood and family economic success, and contributes to efforts to build partnerships with such organizations when appropriate.

Collaborates with the Institute's meeting planning and administrative staff to plan logistics and ensure effective communication with participants in Institute convenings on early childhood and family economic success, and assists senior staff in planning these meetings as well as program workshops and other events at NLC's two annual conferences.

Contributes to the development, with direction from senior Institute staff, of long-term work plans for future Institute activities on issues related to early childhood and family economic success.

Attends conferences and meetings sponsored by local, state, and national organizations in order to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.

Prepares program impact and evaluation information related to early childhood and family economic success projects for use in reports to funders and other YEF Institute materials.

May serve as a resource on related issues to other NLC staff.

Some travel required.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree in related field preferred; minimum two years of relevant experience in research, program development, or policy analysis related to early childhood and/or family economic success issues; experience with association or membership organization preferred; or, a combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Substantial knowledge of issues and program strategies related to early childhood and family economic success; strong research and writing skills; experience working with city officials and/or knowledge of city initiatives in these areas preferred; knowledge of computer database programs, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; ability to interact effectively with members, representatives of other organizations, consultants, and all levels of NLC staff.