Policy Analyst

WHO WE ARE

Gary Community Ventures is a philanthropic organization that combines the power of business, policy and philanthropy to increase opportunity for Colorado kids and families. We use our resources to make impact investments, fund policy, and advocacy initiatives, provide philanthropic grants, and incubate new social change solutions through our venture Lab. In partnership with our community, we bring these tools together to break down systemic barriers and build breakthrough solutions that improve outcomes in the areas of School Readiness, Youth Success, and Family Economic Mobility.

Our organizational structure includes Gary Advocacy, an entity that enables us to advance ballot initiatives, develop and advocate for policy change, and actively engage in spaces that address systemic challenges at the statewide and local levels.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Policy Analyst will serve as a member of our small policy team, reporting to the Vice President, Policy & Advocacy. The Policy Analyst will support the organization by researching, analyzing, and developing policy recommendations to address complex issues, with a particular focus on policies that impact children and families. This role will work to advance statewide and local policy efforts by collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to create innovative and impactful policy solutions.

This role does not have direct reporting managerial responsibilities.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Key roles and responsibilities

• Support the tracking, development, and advancement of policy - 70%
  • Policy Research and Analysis: Conduct research on existing and proposed policies, laws, and regulations, specifically focusing on their impacts on children, families, and community well-being. Analyze the effectiveness and strategic approach of policy initiatives to provide actionable insights.
  • Support Policy Development: In collaboration with the policy team and partners, develop and advance evidence-based policy solutions to address the needs of young people and their families.
  • Support Strategy Development: Contribute to the development of comprehensive strategies to advance organizational policy priorities across three key outcome areas.
  • Communication: Prepare and deliver policy briefs, reports, presentations, and public testimony to inform internal teams, decision-makers, and external partners about key policy developments and recommendations.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: Track ballot, legislative, and regulatory developments, providing regular updates to the team and identifying opportunities to influence policy.
  • Data Interpretation: Gather, review, and analyze state and national data and policy reports on child well-being and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Advance Initiatives: Gary Advocacy works on a wide range of policy initiatives to support school readiness, youth wellbeing, and family economic mobility. This role will support the evolving needs and opportunities that develop throughout the policy process.
• Collaboration and Partner Engagement - 25%
  • Collaboration: Work closely with the Gary Advocacy team and other members of Gary Community Ventures to align policy efforts with broader organizational goals.
  • Stakeholder Representation: Represent the organization in coalition spaces, with partners, and in meetings to advocate for policy initiatives and gather stakeholder feedback.
• Administrative duties as assigned - 5%

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Policy Development

• Strong understanding of policy development processes.
• Excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Proven ability to take initiative, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Data-driven approach with dedication to continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of advancing policy solutions for children and families.
• Takes responsibility and holds oneself accountable for outcomes, showing a strong sense of ownership over projects and tasks.

Strategic Thinking

• Uses data and collaboration to make informed decisions.
• Uses available resources and finds creative ways to overcome limitations or constraints.
• Continuously seeks out and applies new ideas, technologies, and approaches to improve programs.

Agility

• Perseveres in times of setbacks, with calmness and composure, quickly adapting to changing circumstances to create alternative solutions and paths to success.
• Analyzes incomplete or vague information to make informed decisions despite the lack of clarity.

Communication

• Possesses strong communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).
• Exhibits emotional intelligence to drive teams toward shared understanding and results.
• Builds trust amongst team members and external partners.

Values Alignment

• Demonstrates cultural competence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Makes choices and takes actions that reflect Gary’s core values, even when faced with difficult decisions or when it's not the easiest path.

Education and Experience

• 2-5 years of experience in policy analysis, research, or a related role, preferably in nonprofit or government settings.
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience will be considered.
• Knowledge and interest in policy issues related to school readiness, youth success, and/or family economic mobility preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role operates in a typical business environment working in person in our office location located in downtown Denver at Union Station. This role routinely uses a computer and its voice or video call capabilities. This role requires sitting and staring at a computer and talking via voice and video calls.

This position will be staffed through the 33rd Talent Corporation, which is an affiliate of Gary Community Ventures. The 33rd Talent Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Salary range:

$70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience.

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to be fully considered for this role.

The cover letter should include the following information:

• Address your prior experiences relevant to this role and identify one piece of legislation that has been introduced in the Colorado legislature this session that aligns with Gary's outcome areas and why you would be excited to work on it.
• Include previous policies Gary has worked on that interests you and explain why.