Director – State & Local Policy

Harlem Children's Zone

Director of State & Local Policy at Harlem Children’s Zone responsible for policy strategy and implementation. Collaborates with communities and government to enhance outcomes for children and families.

Posted 6/19/2026full-timeNew York City • Maryland, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $130,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the strategy and approach for HCZ's state and local policy implementation work.
Develop and refine frameworks, tools, and implementation models that help communities translate policy into measurable impact.
Identify opportunities to strengthen policy implementation efforts across states, municipalities, and partner communities.
Monitor emerging policy trends, implementation challenges, and opportunities that inform HCZ's work.
Serve as an internal resource and thought partner on state and local policy implementation.
Support governments, school systems, and community partners in operationalizing enacted policies and translating policy goals into implementation plans.
Develop implementation guidance, toolkits, playbooks, and resources that support effective execution.
Advise communities on governance structures, public funding opportunities, and cross-sector implementation strategies.
Support replication of promising policy models and implementation approaches across communities.
Help partners identify and address implementation barriers that could impede progress and outcomes.
Develop frameworks, tools, and implementation resources that support effective policy implementation.
Identify and elevate promising practices and lessons learned from implementation efforts.
Build and maintain relationships with governors' offices, mayors, state agencies, local governments, school systems, and other public-sector stakeholders.
Serve as a trusted advisor to government leaders implementing place-based and economic mobility strategies.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in public policy, public administration, education, law, government, or a related field.
6+ years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in public policy, government, public sector systems, or related fields, with demonstrated success leading complex initiatives and driving strategy and implementation efforts.
Demonstrated experience leading policy implementation efforts, systems-change initiatives, or cross-sector partnerships.
Experience working with governors' offices, mayors, state agencies, local governments, school systems, or other public-sector institutions.
Strong strategic planning, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience developing frameworks, implementation models, toolkits, or systems-change approaches.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to influence across organizations, navigate ambiguity, and drive execution in complex environments.
Commitment to equity, community transformation, and improving outcomes for children and families.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Highly competitive base salaries
No cost health insurance
Annual performance bonuses
Deferred bonus programs
Paid time off
Employee referral bonus
Life Insurance
Short-and long-term disability
Additional voluntary benefits
Wellness discounts
Commuter benefits
Financial wellness perks
Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

public policypolicy implementationsystems-change initiativesstrategic planningframework developmentimplementation modelstoolkit developmentstakeholder engagementcross-sector partnershipsgovernance structures

Soft Skills

facilitationcommunicationinfluencerelationship buildingproblem solvingadaptabilityleadershipstrategic thinkingcollaborationcommitment to equity

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeMaster's degree in public policyMaster's degree in public administrationMaster's degree in educationMaster's degree in lawMaster's degree in government