Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

In my research of jobs and roles in the ECE community at the national and federal level, I found the following organizations and agencies:

1. U.S. Department of Education - I chose this because I ultimately want to work for the Department of Education at either the state of national level. This agency not only advocates for increased educational excellence, but controls most of the public policy efforts in education. The U.S. Department of Education also provides information on federal student loan and grant programs and gives valuable data that can be used by members of the education community.

The following job openings have been posted on the Department of Education website, but more jobs can be found at USA Jobs:

Associate Education Research Scientist/Analyst, AD-1730-00

requires a doctoral degree or equivalent experience in an appropriate field pertinent to the needs of IES (e.g., cognitive, developmental, educational, or social psychology; economics; education; statistics). Associate Research Scientist must have experience conducting research in education-related fields or topics (e.g., reading, teacher professional development, psychology); and demonstration of research skills and knowledge.

Legislative Director (Supervisory) GS-0301-15 (All Sources)

Experience to oversee a staff Experience with regulations, programs, policies, operations, and procedures as they relate to elementary and secondary education.

Experience with interrelationships of the Department with the White House, Congress and other Federal agencies in order to identify emerging issues and conduct analysis.

 

2. Child Care Aware – Provides information for parents and child care facilities about quality education programs and how to locate them.  According to their website, “we lead projects that increase the quality and availability of child care, undertake research, and advocate child care policies that positively impact the lives of children and families,” (www.childcareaware.org).  

 

The following job opportunty that I am interested in is:

Chief of Public Policy and Research

A Master’s degree or higher in public policy, early childhood or related field, and a minimum of 10 years of directly related, progressive work experience in child care or related policy areas.

A successful record of creative leadership in the development and implementation of comprehensive policy, research and communications programs in a complex, multi-layered, work environment.

 

3. National Education Association – This organization is the largest agency aimed at connecting professionals in the field and advancing educational efforts for children from early childhood through college (www.nea.org).  All of the teachers that have insprired me and I have deemed amazing educators are all members of the NEA.  

The employment opportunity that I am most attracted to was Senior Program/Policy Specialist/Analyst, this position is an internal applicant only position.  The following qualifications are required for this position,

A Master’s degree in Public Policy, Education, Communications or other discipline related to the position, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge or skills may be obtained. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Five years progressively responsible professional experience in policy analysis. Extensive professional writing experience for research papers, informational pieces, articles and professional pieces. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Samples of recent work products may be required at time of interview. Must be able to occasionally work extended hours on evenings and weekends. Some travel required, (www.nea.org).