Policy Associate

Position description

TheSociety for Research in Child Development (SRCD)is a professional research society established in 1933 by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. Our diverse membership of more than 4200 scientists contributes to the child development field. Within our Policy and Government Relations team, we advance our members’ interests in science advocacy in Congress, we implement a Policy Fellowship program, and we connect our members’ work with policymakers, to evidence-based policymaking that aims to improve children’s lives.

We are looking for a motivated and skilled Policy Associate to join our Policy Team and help us improve the lives of children and families. In this work, you will be helping us to design and implement new initiatives that have come out of our strategic plan for policy. Specifically, you will drive forward the growth and improvement in our Policy Fellowship program, help build our members’ capacity to engage in policy issues, and play a crucial role in advancing evidence-based child and family policymaking.

You will report directly to a Policy Manager and work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization to achieve these goals. As our Policy Associate, you will have front-row access to the professional development activities that our Policy Fellows have, allowing you to grow your understanding of the policy field. You will be an ambitious policymaker, with a passion for evidence-based policymaking. You will have experience in program management and will be driven to make children and families’ lives better. You will need exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to make smart decisions to guide our Fellowship and policy work.

Major Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• • Support and contribute to the growth and improvement plan for theSRCD U.S. Policy Fellowship program, including reviewing how to drive greater diversity, equity and inclusion within the Fellowship program, building relationships with state agencies, implementing a formalized alumni program and writing grant proposals.
  • Support the operations of the Policy Fellowship program, including coordinating monthly seminars, reimbursement requests, the application process, and messaging to fellows.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including federal and Congressional staff, think tanks, advocacy organizations and coalition groups, and others, with a goal of creating stronger evidence-based policymaking for children and families.
  • Support Fellow alum and other policymakers to stay abreast of the latest research, by authoring and producing policy briefs and other materials (e.g., fact sheets, memos, briefings, presentations, webinars, and website content).
  • Monitor science and child & family policy activities in relevant agencies, in Congress and at the state-level.
  • Develop targeted dissemination plans for policy-related products tailored to key policy audiences.
  • Assist with the production of the regularPolicy Updatee-newsletter,policy briefs, webinars, and other activities or events, as needed.
  • Assist in the coordination of SRCD’s other policy-related activities and events, as needed.

Required Skills (these will be assessed in your written and interview applications)

• • Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Organization: Excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and work strands at once.
  • Good judgement: Ability to make sound recommendations to managers, based on a range of inputs (e.g. data, evidence, relationships, strategic value etc.).
  • Ability to work together: Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain strong relationships, and to work well within our team.

Required Education and Experience (these will be assessed in your written application)

• • Minimum of 1-3 years of professional experience required, running programs or working with U.S. federal policymakers and/or Congressional staff. Child and family policy or advocacy experience strongly preferred
  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, or related discipline (for those without a Bachelor’s degree, we will accept 4 years of relevant work experience)

Application instructions

To apply, please send (1) a resume, (2) cover letter and, (3) names, titles, emails, and phone numbers for three professional references who can speak directly to your skills and qualifications for this position to [email protected], ATTN: Policy Associate bySunday , November 9, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. In your cover letter, we will score you based on your communication skills and on the qualifications and skills required for this position (as defined above). Please citespecificexamples of times you have exhibited the skills we are searching for in your cover letter. It should not be longer than two pages. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds. We strive to be an inclusive employment environment, building diversity, equity and inclusion into all of our work.

The Society for Research in Child Development is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Compensation and benefits

This is a full-time position based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (the DMV region, which includes D.C., Maryland, and Virginia).

SRCD operates primarily as a remote organization, and team members are welcome to work as often as they wish from our coworking space in Washington, D.C. Staff typically meet there once a month for collaboration and connection. Applicants must reside within the D.C. metropolitan area to participate in these in-person gatherings.

The salary range for this position is $55,000–$58,000, commensurate with experience.

SRCD offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and growth of our team members. In addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, benefits include:

• • Generous paid time off, plus federal holidays and an annual office-wide winter closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
  • A retirement savings plan with a competitive employer match.
  • Tax-free savings options to assist with dependent care expenses.

We are committed to fostering a culture of recognition, professional growth, and connection. Employees have access to:

• • An Employee Recognition Program that celebrates individual and team achievements.
  • Professional development opportunities, including an annual fund to support learning and skill-building.
  • Regular team-building activities, community celebrations, and all-staff events that strengthen our workplace culture—whether in person or online.

At SRCD, we pride ourselves on being a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team that values work-life balance and personal well-being.

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