Childcare Policy Analyst

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

. Develop and implement VPA’s childcare and early childhood policy research agenda and advocacy portfolio .

Posted 10/12/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in childcare and early childhood policy research, advocacy, and project management, with a strong ability to develop policy proposals and manage stakeholder relationships. Proficient in drafting various policy-related documents and conducting comprehensive evaluations of childcare systems.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Childcare Policy ResearchProject ManagementPolicy Proposal DevelopmentStakeholder EngagementFederal and State Subsidy Systems

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy AnalysisRegulation EvaluationWhite Paper DraftingAcademic Publication WritingPress Release WritingSocial Media CopywritingEvent ManagementData AnalysisAdvocacy Strategy DevelopmentLicensing Frameworks

Soft Skills

CreativityInitiativeMaturityPrioritizationCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

Advanced Degree in Public PolicyAdvanced Degree in LawAdvanced Degree in Social WorkAdvanced Degree in Education Policy

Industry Keywords

ChildcareEarly Childhood EducationFamily Economic SecurityHead StartConsumer ProtectionsWage and Labor StandardsChildcare DesertsMarket FailuresPublic Provision of ChildcareChildcare Workforce Policy

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement VPA’s childcare and early childhood policy research agenda and advocacy portfolio
Evaluate pressing challenges in childcare and early childhood policy
Lead research on regulation and public provision of childcare across relevant actors
Develop policy proposals addressing subsidy programs, licensing frameworks, consumer protections, wage and labor standards, childcare deserts, and market failures
Perform administrative and coordination functions for the childcare policy portfolio
Assist with public relations, media, press, and internal and external communications
Contribute to project management of key initiatives
Develop relationships and partnerships with local, regional, and national partners, stakeholders, and funders
Research and draft white papers, academic publications, policy briefs, press releases, social media copy, and op-eds
Support and advise policy analysts assigned to the childcare portfolio
Manage and support conferences, events, programming, meetings, and briefings with academics, public officials, advocates, and stakeholders

Requirements

What you’ll need

An advanced degree (i.e. master's) in public policy, law, social work, education policy, or a related field is preferred
Five years of experience is necessary
Experience in childcare, early childhood education, family economic security, or related social policy areas is preferred
Familiarity with federal and state childcare subsidy systems, Head Start, and/or early childhood workforce policy is preferred
Ability to demonstrate maturity, creativity and initiative is necessary
Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is necessary
Candidates must submit a cover letter, CV, and list of references

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal-opportunity employer
Hybrid work arrangement
Remote work can be considered on a case-by-case basis