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Economic Security Policy Advisor

Overview:  

The Economic Security Policy Advisor advocates to improve the economic security of Kansas children and families through policies related to food security, cash assistance, housing, and other anti-poverty programs. 

Economic stability increases positive outcomes for Kansas kids, and this position focuses on understanding and promoting policy solutions that help families meet basic needs to support adequate nutrition, stable housing, and family economic security.  

The Economic Security Policy Advisor’s interest in child well-being includes several subjects, including race equity in policy, Kansas’ food systems, and an understanding of nutrition and anti-poverty programs.  

Reporting to the Vice President, the Economic Security Policy Advisor will work in the Kansas Statehouse and from our office located in downtown Topeka, Kansas. Some remote/hybrid work during non-legislative session times of the year is offered. This position is represented by Communication Workers of America Local 6400 and is a bargaining unit position.

Essential Job Functions: 

  • Develop expertise in economic security policy, including the social determinants of health; food assistance programs including SNAP, free and reduced-price lunches, and summer nutrition programs; cash assistance programs like TANF; and stable housing programs.  
  • Monitor applicable legislative committee meetings, educate and build relationships with lawmakers, and provide legislative updates to the KAC team and external partners. 
  • Track relevant legislation throughout the legislative biennium.
  • Build a high level of knowledge of program, policy, and social issues, particularly anti-poverty policies that affect the lives of Kansas children and families. 
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state and federal food policy initiatives -- and advocacy strategies used in other states -- to identify potential issues and opportunities for state partners and provide technical assistance. 
  • Develop and maintain relationships with state agency staff and coalitions that advocate for food security, including identifying and implementing collaborative opportunities.  
  • Provide strategic guidance, technical assistance, and training to national and state community leaders, advocates, and policymakers to assist them in improving policies and practices. 
  • Inform key stakeholders, policymakers, agencies, the news media, and the public at large about data findings, trends, and policy implications.    
  • Write reports, policy analysis, issue briefs, and blog entries that address policy issues, often by providing subject matter expertise or research to inform the discussion. Provide a Kansas context for national reports and issue briefs. 

Qualifications: 

  • 3-5 years of experience in social work, public policy, public health, or a related field. 
  • Strong desire to use data, policy, and advocacy to ensure all children reach their potential.   
  • Relationships that ideally include community-based organizations, direct service providers, and policy, advocacy, and grassroots organizing groups and the ability to cultivate new relationships.  
  • A mix of strong analytical, research, and communications skills, emphasizing the ability to creatively apply research to policy problems and communicate solutions, both verbally and in writing. 
  • Ability to communicate complex information, research, and technical details to a variety of audiences and partners, both verbally and in writing, as evidenced in writing samples and application materials. 
  • Exceptional project management skills, strong attention to detail, and an ability to manage complex projects and work in cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.  
  • Demonstrated capacity to set priorities; work on multiple complex and detail-oriented projects, often on a time-sensitive basis; and work effectively individually and as part of a team.  
  • Ability to flexibly apply existing skills and knowledge to new content areas, tasks, or projects, and to do so with increasing independence. 
  • Deep commitment to race, equity, and inclusion evident through efforts to improve the health, education, and economic opportunity for Kansas children and families of color.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $56,500 — $60,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

WORK CONDITIONS

Our organization follows a hybrid work structure. This position requires an in-person presence in the Statehouse during the legislative session, and in the office for specific tasks, team meetings, and formal and informal collaboration. This position requires an ability to work long hours during legislative session and commute to meetings and events throughout the state and to national conferences, as needed.

At Kansas Action for Children, we believe in a comprehensive approach to rewarding and supporting staff. We work to balance financial stability with competitive pay and meaningful benefits – while offering unmatched schedule flexibility and mission-based work. This includes:

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (available immediately upon hire)
  • Remote work when the position does not require you to be onsite
  • Retirement plan employer contribution of 3%, with 100% vesting of the match upon hire
  • Health insurance coverage with generous individual and family portions paid by the organization
  • Paid Family Leave

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kansas Action for Children is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all applicable Federal and Kansas State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action in its programs and activities. Kansas Action for Children does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy or parental status and veteran’s status.

Kansas Action for Children recognizes and honors diversity in race, ethnicity, culture, age, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, and places where people live. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.