Policy & Research Manager - Ohio

Job Description

The policy and research manager will lead and manage Ohio’s advocacy, movement building, and research programs ensuring that policymakers and the public receive timely, accurate, and evidence-based research information. The position will lead the development of policy recommendations informed by the lived experiences of Ohio’s youth, young adults, parents, caregivers, and faith activists, aligned to our client’s mission, values, and strategy. The policy and research manager will also take a lead role in assisting with grant development and fundraising strategies, including prospecting as assigned by the State Director.

The policy and research manager will supervise all aspects of the organizations-Ohio research program and Ohio KIDS COUNT project. The policy and research manager will ensure that public dissemination of all research information and KIDS COUNT data is relevant, informative, and accessible. The research manager will ensure that all research data and information will inform Ohio’s development of a research agenda, research questions, policy priorities, and advocacy.

The policy and research manager will supervise all aspects of the organization’s movement building strategies with Ohio’s Freedom Schools, youth, young adults, parents, caregivers, and faith-based activists, including the collection and dissemination of their lived experiences.

Requirements

Advocacy

§      Manage our client’s Ohio advocacy strategy which includes :

o    Developing Ohio’s policy priorities

o    Disseminating and communicating Ohio’s policy priorities

o    Drafting policy and agency rule proposals

o    Monitoring bills and agency rules

o    Attending legislative and agency rule committee hearings,

o    Preparing and presenting legislative and agency rule testimony

o    Negotiating with legislators and agency decision makers

o    Leading coalition building activities around direct and grassroots advocacy

o    Representing the organization at speaking engagements, in the media, and with decision makers

§   Track national policy issues impacting Ohio children in collaboration with our client’s team and participate in advocacy meetings on federal policy issues.

§   Serve as Ohio's lead collaborating with other nonprofit partners to form, join or manage state coalitions.

§   Serve as Ohio's lead collaborating with our client’s national, state, and regional offices on policy issues impacting Ohio’s children.

§   Ensure our client-Ohio meets advocacy and lobbying compliance as unit within a 501 c3 organization and state registered lobbyist organization.

Movement Building

§    Manage the organizations movement building strategies in Ohio to build authentic relationships with constituents, organize constituents, and mobilize Ohio’s Freedom Schools® network and constituents to share their lived experiences with decision makers.

§   Manage the development and execution of Ohio's policy forums community gatherings and policy forums aligned to their movement building strategies.

Research

§   Lead the conceptualization, development, and delivery of Ohio’s primary research responsibilities, reports, and projects.

§   Manage the execution of research projects including planning, participant recruitment, data collection, data analysis, data synthesis, and dissemination of findings.

§   As a part of developing a research agenda and products, managing the development and execution of constituent interviews, listening sessions, focus groups, and surveys to obtain data and information on their lived experiences with policies in Ohio.

§   Author, execute, and communicate an annual research agenda and questions in collaboration with Ohio’s policy associates, which will inform the policy agenda.

§   Lead the determination of quick response research topics and questions to ensure the timely delivery of research projects outside of the research agenda.

§   Serve as Ohio’s team lead collaborating with our policy associates and organization partners to proactively identify opportunities to present the organization-Ohio’s research products and findings through policy forums and workshops.

§   Serve as Ohio’s team lead to collaborate with the organizations communication team to present research products and findings in various settings including dedicated launch events, panel discussions, conferences, press conferences, and media interviews.

§   Create and lead a guest-research fellows’ program.

KIDS COUNT Program

§   Collaborate with the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Ohio’s team to develop, execute and complete related to KIDS COUNT Ohio and the national KIDS COUNT projects.

§   Research data sources and verify data collection for the KIDS COUNT program.

§   Perform data analysis and write data profiles for the annual KIDS COUNT data release.

§   Create, monitor, and oversee Ohio’s webpage for the KIDS COUNT data center.

§   Create, monitor, and oversee the production and publication of KIDS COUNT data products in collaboration with Ohio’s team.

§   Collaborate with the organization’s communications team to develop a media strategy to announce KIDS COUNT data and product releases.

§   Represent Ohio with media communications on KIDS COUNT research and products.

§   Present KIDS COUNT products at meetings, conferences, and with different audiences.

Management and Administration

§   Direct and supervise Ohio’s policy associates and organizer associates to meet office goals and objectives.

§   Serve as the primary contact and lead the development of grant applications as assigned by the State Director, in addition to supporting Ohio's overall fundraising and grant development strategies.

§   Support Ohio’s state director with strategic planning, key performance indicator development, and data monitoring, and other performance management operations.

§   Provide support for Ohio’s programs and operations.

§   Serve as the team lead on Ohio’s response to data and information requests from external constituents.

§   Coordinate with State director in conducting interviews with media, speaking at, or otherwise participate in press conferences or other speaking duties as assigned

§   Write, review, edit, and publish opinion editorials, articles, and social media content related to priority issues and other speaking engagements.

EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCE

§   A master’s degree in public policy, economics, education, social work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relevant to the job responsibilities.

§   Supervisory experience of 1-3 years developing, coaching, and directing a team.

§   Direct experience with fund development, grant reporting, and relationship management.

§   Experience working with community members, advocates, policymakers, media, and legislators.

§   Experience using research and data management as a part of an advocacy strategy.

§   Fluency in the Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), data analytic software, and ability and willingness to learn new research and data analysis software programs.

§   Coursework or field experience using quantitative and qualitative research methods.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

§   A doctorate degree in public policy, economics, education, social work, or related field.

§   Experience conducting lived experience research and organizing constituents.

§   Project management experience.

COMPETENCIES

§   Racial equity analysis and application in the social sector.

§   Community awareness and prioritization of proximity to inform decision-making.

§   Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

§   Ability to gain insights from data and research that are relevant for policy making.

§   Attention to detail and be adept at critical thinking, forward thinking, and problem-solving.

§   Organized and able to work independently.

§   Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a team environment.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

§   Orientation to and background of servant leadership.

§   Passion for our client's mission and an ability to communicate this passion to others.

§   Ability to serve as an advocate and exemplary for our client’s mission, vision, and values.

§   An equity and justice-oriented mindset.

§   A “get it done,” results-driven, proactive attitude, capable of working independently and under pressure, an ability to take initiative, set priorities, efficiently and effectively organize work, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Requirements

Strategy

• Build relationships with key stakeholders and promote HR services across the organization
• Partner with the leadership team to develop, implement and evaluate strategic HR initiatives aligned with organizational goals and vision to ensure a positive and compliant workplace.`
• Assess current organizational culture and develop strategies to strengthen and promote a positive workplace environment.
• Foster effective communication channels across all levels of the organization to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Lead cultural initiatives that foster CDF’s values and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the workplace.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to leadership, managers, and employees to enhance performance and career development opportunities.
• Identify ways to increase staff retention and productivity, including strategies to enhance employee engagement, leadership and staff development, regular feedback and coaching, career path development, and promoting a cohesive and inspiring organizational culture.
• Design and implement a strategy to optimize and integrate HR technology, enabling managers and employees to easily perform people-related transactions (e.g. benefits enrollment), facilitates delivery of effective HR services, securely stores employee data, and supports people-related decisions. Administration
• Oversee and administer all human resources programs including, but not limited to, compensation, benefits and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; legal compliance; payroll; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
• Maintain current knowledge and application of all relevant laws and regulations at the local, state and national level relating to employment and ensure organizational compliance. This includes educating and advising managers and senior leaders on HR-related legal and regulatory matters and ensuring HR programs, practices and policies are aligned. Ensure that employee files and records are properly and securely maintained.
• Manage and review payroll to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other pays and deductions. Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates.
• Lead the effective and efficient administration of the performance management process, making sure that the organization’s managers are equipped to engage in constructive and ongoing feedback and coaching, collaborate effectively when co-managing staff, and encourage staff to actively participate in identifying and addressing performance gaps. Ensure regular updating of job descriptions, core competencies, salary banding, standards of performance and performance evaluation instruments.
• Develop and drive talent management strategies to ensure effective staffing alignment with the needs of the organization. Create systems to attract talent, identify critical talent needs, develop core competencies and corresponding development opportunities, and engage leadership in succession planning.
• Work with COO and managers to align and implement company-wide, team, individual and position-focused training and development.
• Mitigate legal risk to the organization through proactive training and education, clear systems and processes for managing conflicts with and between employees, handling and investigating complaints of harassment / discrimination and other unjust practice allegations. Education and / or Experience
• A minimum of 10 years of HR leadership experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience with HR compliance and building HR systems.
• At least 10 years of employee relations experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in HR, Business or related field is preferred. Years of experience may be considered for education and / or years of education above the BA / BS degree may be considered for years of experience. Preferred Qualifications
• Extensive experience building HR Systems.
• Experience with DEI Initiatives
• Experience leading executive level staff strategically
• SPHR Preferred Competencies
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communications and negotiation skills.
• Highly professional demeanor and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience managing a hybrid workforce and coaching others about managing hybrid employees.
• Experience leading organizational change and transformation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high ethical standards.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• A self-directed individual who is an independent thinker and a team player
• Analytical ability is required to gather and summarize data for reports as well as find solutions to business challenges.