Job Announcement

Michigan Kids Count Project Director

The Michigan League for Public Policy is a statewide advocacy organization that works to promote economic security and well-being for all people in Michigan through the policymaking process using a race equity lens. Kids Count in Michigan, a project at the League, is part of a broad national effort to measure the well-being of children at the state and local levels, and use that information to shape efforts to improve the lives of children and their families. The League seeks to hire a Kids Count Project Director with strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families through data-driven advocacy.

The responsibilities of the Kids Count Project Director include overseeing the direct project workflow and supervising project related personnel to achieve the goals and objectives of the project. The project director must maintain expertise in child well-being in several focus areas, including economic security, child safety, child health, K-12 education, family/community and early childhood care and education. The project director also conducts research and analysis of data about the well-being of Michigan’s children from state, national, and government sources. The project director writes and manages the production and distribution of Kids Count publications and products, including the biannual data book, data snapshots and other special reports. Additionally, this person oversees the strategy to inform key stakeholders, public and private sector policymakers, agencies, the media and the public at large about data findings, trends and policy implications. The project director participates in key coalitions and collaborations focused on improving policies and rules that affect family and child well-being. This person also manages the Advisory Committee for the project.

The project director also serves as State Coordinator for the national KIDS COUNT network, including attendance at KIDS COUNT conferences, participation on committees and workgroups, and other meetings as appropriate. The initiation and development of grant funding proposals and reports, along with ensuring compliance with reporting requirements of project funding source(s) is another significant responsibility of this position.

Qualifications, while no candidate will have every desirable quality, the ideal candidate would have:

  • Strong desire to use data, policy and advocacy to ensure that all children reach their potential.
  • Relevant educational experience (graduate degree preferred or bachelor’s degree combined with relevant work experience).
  • Exceptional knowledge of policy issues impacting children and families in Michigan.
  • Excellent communication, writing and verbal skills.
  • Exceptional project management skills and highly organized processes.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Familiarity with common data sources relating to income, population and demographics.
  • Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to translate data into meaningful content for broad and diverse audiences.
  • Experience with media and/or willingness to undergo media training for various types of interviews.
  • Ability to balance and prioritize multi-level tasks and work as a member of a larger team.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently, but also able to collaborate and work as part of a team and with diverse partners.
  • Values and contributes to a culture of diversity and inclusion.
  • A passion for economic, racial and social justice.

The position is full-time, grant funded and based in Lansing, MI. Salary range $70,000–$76,000.  Benefits package included.

To apply, please send 1) cover letter; 2) resume; and 3) brief writing sample to karenhm@mlpp.org with “Kids Count Project Director” in the subject line by July 15.

The League is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building and retaining a diverse and inclusive staff and workplace. To us, diversity means differing life experiences and backgrounds that may include gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation and age. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

 

Contact Us

Have a question for the League? Send us a message!