Child Welfare & Education Policy and Program Associate

Michigan’s Children has been advocating for good public policy for kids and families for decades. Kids and families are our passion and our future. We consider it an honor and a calling to get up every morning to advocate on issues that strengthen Michigan kids, youth and their caregivers!

This Associate will focus on issues related to the child welfare and education systems in Michigan. We define these issues broadly, including child abuse/neglect prevention, foster/kinship care, supports for youth and families involved with the child welfare system, juvenile justice, LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized youth populations, run away & homeless youth, K-12 education, school discipline, school & youth mental health, higher education/career training, tobacco policy, etc. We work on these issues in different ways – sometimes investing deeply and driving change, sometimes working systemically with partners, and sometimes just lending our voice. We use our resources strategically and aim to have an out-sized impact.

What you’ll do:

  • Monitor policy and legislation affecting children and families. We focus on state-level policy but also work with a wide range of national partners when the need arises – to make sure Michigan’s kids and families are represented in the rooms “where it happens.”
  • Collect, evaluate and synthesize information related to public policy issues to create timely reports and briefs for policymakers, the media, advocates and the public.
  • Build strong partnerships with other nonprofits with aligned interests and support advocacy from grass roots to grass tops.
  • Represent child and family issues in legislative hearings, and in meetings with partners and communities. Sometimes we speak on behalf of kids and families, but this Associate will also work to bring youth and child advocates to decision makers and create opportunities to elevate their lived experience and voice.
  • Use an equity lens to ensure our work never loses sight of the most vulnerable, marginalized kids.
  • Assist with programs (podcasts, webinars, candidate forums, and child/youth advocate forums, etc.)
  • Many other things… we all pitch in.

You’ll love this role if you:

  • Get excited about research, writing and analyzing data. Data geeks and policy wonks will feel at home on our team!
  • Have a knack for presenting complex issues in understandable ways for a wide range of audiences – within sometimes tight timelines.
  • Have knowledge of child welfare issues and systems affecting children, particularly foster/kinship care. Lived experience is especially valuable. An understanding of social determinants, ACEs, prevention, abuse, neglect, etc., is a plus.
  • Have a strong working knowledge and/or experience in policy and state government processes including legislative processes.
  • Are good at developing strong relationships with governmental departments, legislative staff and elected representatives.
  • Are self-organized and a strong multi-tasker across multiple issues.
  • Have experience networking, building strong working relationship and coordinating with partners and managing events.
  • Have a bachelor’s degree with major in public policy, social science, or a closely related field. Lived experience will also be considered.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must have reliable transportation and be able to travel throughout the State of Michigan. Position requires some travel (mostly day trips), and potential for occasional overnight stays.

Why join the Michigan’s Children Team?

  • Full-time salaried position with a range of $55,000-$75,000. Starting salary commensurate with experience.
  • Excellent package of benefits, including employer-paid health insurance and a 401k plan
  • Dynamic team and an opportunity to make an impact. We’re passionate about working for kids and families. If child & family policy isn’t central for you, this probably isn’t a good fit.

Research shows that marginalized groups of people may not apply for jobs unless they meet 100% of the qualifications. If you believe you could shine in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Michigan’s Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Instead of writing a standard cover letter, please send us a letter that answers these three questions: 1) How have kids and families been a central focus of your work/life? 2) What do you see as two key issues in child welfare in Michigan today? 3) Tell us one area you would be great at in this position and one area you would have to grow in. Email cover letter and resume to info@michiganschildren.org. Applications received by August 3rd, 2025, will be prioritized; applications received after that date will be reviewed on an as needed basis. No calls, please.