The Policy, Partnership and Outreach Advisor advances community and policy support for early childhood and First Things First (FTF) by building strategic relationships, increasing public awareness, and strengthening community engagement. The position partners with community, business, workforce, economic development, and policy leaders to elevate early childhood as a community and economic priority through outreach, education, presentations, partnerships and community forums. The Advisor also monitors local policy and budget activity, provides strategic recommendations, and serves as a connector between regional leaders, community partners, FTF staff and regional partnership councils.
The ideal candidate is a strategic relationship-builder with strong communication, facilitation and collaboration skills who can work independently while maintaining a visible public presence. Through coordinated engagement efforts, the Advisor advances FTF's public awareness, policy and systems-change priorities. This position reports to the Director of Policy, Partnership and Outreach.
This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.
The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.
● Strategic Community Outreach & Education. Deliver tailored presentations, workshops and community conversations that introduce First Things First (FTF), raise awareness of early childhood needs, and inspire action by educating new audiences about the importance of early childhood.
● Relationship Building & Stakeholder Engagement. Build and maintain strong relationships with local policymakers, community leaders, organizations, economic development groups and other partners to expand FTF's presence and impact within the assigned region. Leverage organizational meetings, special events and social media to strengthen partnerships and maintain ongoing engagement.
● Collaborative Planning & Implementation. Partner with FTF teams, regional partnership councils and community organizations to develop engagement strategies, convene and facilitate community forums, and lead planning discussions. Serve as a connector among community leaders, state legislators, local officials, economic development partners, coalitions, associations, task forces and other stakeholder groups.
● Capacity Building & Coordination. Equip regional partnership councils, FTF staff and community partners with tools, talking points and training to effectively engage priority audiences using consistent FTF messaging.
● Public Forums & Policy Engagement Activities. Plan and support roundtables, site visits, recognition events and community conversations that elevate early childhood priorities and strengthen collaboration with community and legislative leaders. Advise and partner with programs, regional teams, Government Affairs and Public Affairs staff to translate information into presentations, briefs, editorial content and other communications that demonstrate FTF's value and build support for continued investment in early childhood.
● Government Affairs Monitoring & Insight. Monitor local policy, legislative agendas, budgets, ballot measures and strategic plans to identify opportunities for collaboration, education and advocacy that advances early childhood and FTF's mission. Provide timely intelligence and strategic recommendations on emerging policy issues, risks and opportunities. May serve as a registered lobbyist within the assigned region under the direction of the Senior Director of Government Affairs.
● Organizational Values. Perform all duties in a manner that reflects FTF's mission and values through respect, collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
● Additional Responsibilities. Perform other duties as assigned. Statewide travel and occasional evening and weekend work are required. Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license and provide proof of automobile insurance.
● A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the assignment (ie: public administration and policy, political science, communication, education) is preferred;
● Ability to work at a First Things First office located within the Metro Phoenix area is preferred;
● Familiarity with the Arizona legislative and electoral process;
● Experience with community outreach and engagement work;
● Previous work with local, state or federal policymakers or their staff is preferred;
● Organized, detail‐oriented, and able to handle multiple projects under deadlines with excellent interpersonal communication skills, in verbal and written communication (i.e. active listening, public speaking and facilitating conversation with diverse audiences);
● This position requires regular day, evening and overnight travel across Metro Phoenix and surrounding area, and the ability to work evenings and weekends with occasional overnight travel. A valid driver’s license and evidence of automobile insurance required. State resources and accommodations are provided.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page