Policy Analyst, Childcare Policy

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

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

Posted 10/3/2026full-timeUnited 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 focus on federal and state subsidy systems and public provision of childcare. Proven ability to build partnerships and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Childcare Policy ResearchProject ManagementPublic RelationsFederal Subsidy SystemsStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy Proposal DevelopmentRegulation AnalysisResearch and DraftingData EvaluationComplex Task Management

Soft Skills

CreativityInitiativeMaturityPrioritizationCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s DegreeAdvanced Degree in Public Policy or Related Field

Industry Keywords

ChildcareEarly Childhood EducationFamily Economic SecurityHead StartConsumer Protections

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 with VPA leadership.
Lead research on regulation and public provision of childcare, including public options, utility-style infrastructure, nondiscrimination, fair access, affordability, and quality standards.
Develop policy proposals addressing federal subsidy programs, Head Start, state licensing, 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.
Build relationships and partnerships with local, regional, and national partners, stakeholders, and funders.
Research, draft, and support rollout of 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, meetings, briefings, and other programming.
Plan and execute meetings and briefings with academics, public officials, childcare advocates, and other stakeholders.
Report to the Director of Public Options and Governance.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A master’s degree is necessary.
An advanced degree 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.
Relocation to Nashville, TN or Washington, D.C. is necessary.
Candidates must submit a cover letter, CV, and list of references.