POSITION OVERVIEW. Position Details. Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager. Communication and Marketing Team N/A

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1 POSITION OVERVIEW Position Details Title Classification and Level Section Reporting to Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager ECA Classification: Level 4 (range between $86,632 to $95,809pa depending on experience) Communication and Marketing Team Communications and Marketing Executive Manager Delegation/Supervision Clearance requirements N/A Working with Vulnerable People Registration and other background checks as required in accordance with ECA s policies. Early Childhood Australia Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has been operating since 1938 and is a national organisation advocating for quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years. Through its national office and network of state and territory branches ECA has built a strong reputation for the quality and impact of its leadership, advocacy and resourcing on behalf of young children. Values Integrity: we ensure informed, ethical, authentic and transparent behaviour and our conviction guides what we do and how we do it every day. Collaboration: we share knowledge, establish and maintain respectful and trusting relationships with others to support the achievement of positive outcomes for children. Leadership: we acknowledge that strong pedagogical and courageous leadership is essential to support and promote the rights and voice of children. Inclusiveness: we value and promote acceptance of diversity in our work and that of the broader community. Quality: we strive to ensure that everything we do is high quality and demonstrates commitment to our advocacy role. Last Reviewed: 4 November 2016 Page 1 of 5

2 Strategic Direction ECA s Strategic Goals are defined within ECA s Strategic Directions ( ). This is a significant document which outlines the future direction of the organisation and what we stand for. Goal 1: ECA is an effective advocate for young children Goal 2: ECA is a champion for quality outcomes in early childhood education and care Goal 3: ECA is a strong, progressive and sustainable organisation We hope that you will be inspired by our goals and values, and that you will be a key part in the success of Early Childhood Australia. Position Summary The Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager is a key position within the Marketing and Communications team and is responsible for overseeing ECA s work in the social policy, advocacy and research arena to have a positive influence on outcomes for young children in Australia. The role requires an understanding of existing policy and legislative frameworks as well as options for the future and contemporary directions in research and practice. The Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager will regularly review research and practice evidence to inform policy positions and advice developed by ECA. They will be responsible for developing submissions and advice to governments (including the Federal and State/Territory Governments) informed by ECA s values, the available evidence and consultation with ECA members and the early childhood sector more broadly. They will also manage research and development projects commissioned or undertaken by ECA, working with partners and funding bodies to ensure project objectives are achieved. The position has a key role in ECA advocacy and is responsible for productive stakeholder management, in particular with parliamentary representatives and the media. The role will develop and implement ECA advocacy strategies for Federal Politicians and also at a State level (working with staff from ECA State and Territory Branches). Working closely with the ECA Communications/Marketing Executive and the Media Manager this role is responsible for preparing responses to more complex media questions. Reporting structures This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and to the Communications and Marketing Executive Manager for daily administrative matters. The Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager will work within the Communications and Marketing team and also work closely with other key ECA Managers. As required this position will engage and work closely with external reference groups and specialists such as academic experts, researchers, administrations of government data, etc. Application Process Applications must address the selection criteria and be submitted electronically in word or pdf - 2 -

3 format. Applications not addressing the selection criteria will not be considered. Along with the response to the selection criteria applications must include a CV listing 2 referees and are to be submitted by Midnight Sunday 4 December 2016 via to: employment@earlychildhood.org.au. Contact Officer: Cath Cotter, National Operations Manager on Shortlisted candidates will be required for an interview mid-december

4 POSITION DESCRIPTION Key Responsibilities 1. Policy Management 1.1. Coordinate activities across ECA to develop a cohesive and consistent approach to policy, research and advocacy Monitor the public policy landscape including parliamentary and government consultation and inquiry processes Identify opportunities for ECA to contribute to policy debates and decision-making Monitor research and policy developments that can inform ECA s policy work Engage ECA members and stakeholders in consultation on policy issues Working with the CEO, ECA National Board and ECEC leaders, develop policy positions and submissions to parliamentary and government processes on behalf of ECA and the early childhood sector. 2. Research Management 2.1. Identify opportunities for ECA to commission, undertake and influence research into early childhood development, education and service delivery Maintain relationships with leading researchers and academics to inform our policy and project work Analyse and use research to inform ECA s policy positions and advice to government Prepare tenders, reports and proposals for research projects and projects involving sector consultation or sector development. 3. Project Management 3.1. Undertake and manage all aspects of allocated projects, as per established work plans, project budget and funding contract Ensure work plans, project plans and reporting requirements are implemented and meet the needs of the organisation Establish and maintain operational functions for project delivery and progress reporting 3.4. Undertake sector consultation and research as required by the project plan Prepare interim and final project reports and communiques Develop and maintain contracts for any sub-contractors or suppliers involved in the project. 4. Advocacy 4.1. Develop and implement non-partisan advocacy strategies for engaging Federal Politicians and representatives (Government and Opposition) Organise and represent ECA at regular meetings to inform/engage Federal politicians and representatives under the direction of the ECA CEO. Follow up contact/correspondence

5 4.3. Create and maintain a database of key Federal and State level politicians/govt. representatives with ECA priority listings/notes Develop individual State/Territory Politian advocacy templates and work with ECA State/Territory Branch staff to implement. (State level MP advocacy could also help impact COAG and the Education Council and have national ramifications.) 4.5. Engage ECA Members in general advocacy through ECA projects and campaigns eg Everyone Benefits campaign and encourage early learning centres to invite local MPs into their services, write letters to their local MPS etc Investigate consulting with, and the participation of, children voices in ECA advocacy and statements. Recommend and help implement solutions within tight budgets and resources. Eg semi-regular children advocacy consultations may combine several of our project needs at once, ie the ECA Statement on young children and digital technology, Early Learning: Everyone Benefits campaign, etc. 5. Financial Management 5.1. Monitor budget income and expenditure to ensure the project expenses operates effectively within the approved Annual Budget and meets timeframes for the achievement of objectives or tasks set by the CEO Develop, monitor and manage budgets for projects within delegated authority. 6. Organisation and Business Development 6.1. Implement the Policies and Procedures of ECA Actively engage with the content and strategic purposes of project/s and other work to meet organisational strategic goals Maintain relevant national/international contact database of key contacts in policy, research and advocacy Other duties as required

6 Selection Criteria Required 1. Tertiary qualification in social policy, law and/or project management 2. Minimum 6 years relevant experience in a policy role 3. Substantive experience in undertaking consultation and developing written submissions/reports. 4. Solid experience in the delivery of national projects funded by government including work planning, liaison with funding bodies, delivery of project outputs. 5. Experience in an advocacy role, with strong diplomacy and negotiating skills. 6. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Desirable 7. Knowledge of early childhood education and care legislation and policy frameworks 8. Experience in conducting, analysing and utilising research 9. Excellent organisational skills, including demonstrated capacity to manage multiple projects 10. Possess sound Microsoft Office skills (including experience creating graphs and charts). General Conditions of Employment Conditions The Salary for this role is at Level 4 (plus super) with a range between $86,632 to $95,809pa depending on experience, as per Early Childhood Australia s Enterprise Agreement and sets out all applicable terms and conditions of your employment. The role is full time permanent and hours are primarily during business hours 9am 5pm. The position is based in our National office at 16 Mildura St, Fyshwick ACT. The duty statement and performance will be reviewed at the end of the probationary period then annually