As a respected state leader in advocacy for young children and their families, First 5 Contra Costa helps young children start school healthy and ready to learn. The agency invests in programs and advocates for policies focused on children during their first five years, the most important time in children’s development. In Contra Costa County, First 5 stands as an independent public agency. As such, First 5 has maintained a practice of nimble program development that has continually evolved as opportunities for change and improvement have emerged. One of the many strengths of our team is the ability to collaborate seamlessly across initiatives with an understanding of our shared responsibility to fully support and advocate for families with young children. In keeping with the nature of the work, First 5 maintains a family-friendly culture that recognizes the challenges of balancing work and family life.
The Policy, Strategy and Evaluation Director (PSE) is a key member of the First 5 Contra Costa Executive Team (along with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Finance and Operations Director), reporting to the Executive Director. The PSE will be dedicated to aligning and strengthening organizational efforts in the areas of policy advocacy, evaluation of programs and services, and overall strategy (communications). This focus will enhance the organization’s role as a leader in the development of effective and sustainable services for children and families. This ongoing strategic shift will expand and augment First 5’s dedicated efforts to serve as an advocate for policies that sustain and expand systems for those it serves. The PSE Director is expected to position this role as a leader in Contra Costa County supporting advocacy efforts relating to children 0-5 years old and will participate in county, regional and state initiatives to advance policies improving the status of young children and their families.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and excellent leader, with experience and knowledge in advocacy, research and communications, and a proven ability to lead and influence organizational change, and impact social policy. This position requires a minimum of seven years management experience, including direct supervision of middle-level management staff along with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Policy, Education, Child Development, Program Evaluation, Social Welfare or similar field. Possession of a Master’s degree is highly desired and will require a minimum of four years of management experience.
The salary range is $110,129-$131,489 annually, DOQ.
To be considered, please visit the Avery Associates Career Portal at www.averyassoc.net/current-searches/ to upload your letter of interest, resume and contact information including email addresses for five work-related references to Paul Kimura by August 31, 2022.