Business Planning and Policy Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Tennessee.

📋 Description

• The Business Planning and Policy Specialist will play a vital role in supporting program leadership by advancing business development, strategic initiatives, and government relations within their designated states.

• Engages with state and other Youth Villages executives (including CSO, COO, and CEO) regarding opportunities for growth and new ventures.

• Assists in or leads efforts to respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) pertinent to the organization, aiming to enhance services in the designated states.

• Takes the lead or contributes to meetings and presentations with key external stakeholders, including potential funders, state and county agencies, and legislators.

• Aids state leadership in addressing policy and legislative priorities along with actionable steps.

• Provides support in technical writing (including proposal writing) and is involved in drafting letters and emails, as well as creating PowerPoint presentations.

• Develops budgets and analyzes financial data to inform business development decisions.

• Collaborates with internal leadership and other support departments (such as Strategy, Strategic Partnerships, Communications, Finance, etc.).

• Investigates growth opportunities, nurtures relationships, and presents proposals and services to potential funders alongside state and department leadership.

• Reviews legislation, policies, and bills that may influence strategy and interactions with key stakeholders, especially those affecting child welfare, Medicaid, and other state systems serving children, families, and young adults.

• Conducts research on the designated states to bolster the growth, expansion, and strategic development of Youth Villages services, utilizing various information sources including economic analysis, funding streams (local, state, federal), legislation, government structure, political landscape, competitors, new business opportunities, and trends related to transitioning youth, disconnected youth, and at-risk children and families.

• Collaborates closely with state leadership to promote the expansion of Youth Villages services in the assigned states.

⛳️ Requirements

• Master's degree (preferred).

• Bachelor's degree (required).

• Relevant degrees and coursework in public policy, public administration, political science, and/or social work (required).

• At least 6 months of leadership experience (preferred).

• Experience in negotiating contracts with funders and/or familiarity with funding sources (preferred).

• Background in government relations, proposal writing, desk research, and budgeting (preferred).

• Strong organizational capabilities and attention to detail.

• Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities at the same time.

• Proficient in engaging audiences effortlessly in both in-person and virtual settings.

• Capacity to think critically and conceptualize complex issues.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (specifically Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, and Outlook).

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage, and Vision.

• 401(k).

• Paid Time Off: 2 weeks of paid vacation (for full-time) / 1 week of paid vacation (for part-time).

• 12 paid sick days annually.

• 11 paid holidays.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• Mileage and Cell Phone Reimbursement (if applicable).

• Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision.

• Opportunities for growth and development through ongoing training.

• Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities.