General Description:

Responsible for primary program support for the Institute's work in areas related child nutrition benefit outreach, and early childhood educational alignment. Reports to Program Director for Early Childhood and Family Economic Success.

Examples of Work:

Provides technical assistance and responds to requests for assistance from NLC member cities, state municipal leagues, and other organizations related to city-led efforts to increase participation in local programs utilizing federal afterschool and summer nutrition programs; and efforts to align local early childhood and elementary education systems focused on improving educational outcomes for children aged 0-8.

Leads efforts to compile information on best practices and promising initiatives within cities in these issue areas to use as resources for technical assistance, NLC publications, and newsletters, and to inform YEF Institute and other NLC staff about city initiatives.

Conceptualizes and serves as primary author of reports, strategy guides, and toolkits for NLC member cities, prepares articles for NLC's weekly newspaper, monthly newsletters, and other publications, and develops and updates material for inclusion on NLC's web site.

Plans, organizes, and leads audioconferences, conference calls, web seminars, and site visits designed to engage NLC member cities on specific topics related to child nutrition and early childhood education.

Contributes to the implementation of Institute convenings on child nutrition and early childhood education by developing meeting content, securing speakers, facilitating sessions and collaborating with the Institute's meeting planning staff to ensure success in meeting logistics.

Develops and cultivates national partnerships with federal agencies and other non-profit organizations working in the field, and identifies opportunities to draw upon these partnerships in order to broaden the array of resources available to municipal leaders in NLC member cities.

Maintains thorough knowledge of federal child nutrition and early childhood programs and tracks any new relevant policy developments.

Represents NLC at national, regional, and state conferences and meetings in order to build new partnerships, raise the visibility of NLC's work, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.

Contributes to the development of foundation proposals and long-term work plans related to future Institute activities in related areas.

Makes presentations and leads group discussions in meetings and workshops at NLC's major conferences, at partner meetings and conferences and in local communities.

Serves as a resource on relevant issues to other NLC staff.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Some travel required.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree in related field preferred; minimum six years of relevant experience in research or policy analysis; 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, and Abilities:

In-depth knowledge of issues related to federal nutrition programs and early childhood education initiatives from age 0-8; 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 preferred; ability to interact effectively with members, representatives of other organizations, consultants, and all levels of NLC staff.

SALARY RANGE: $47,000 - $63,000