Partnership Engagement Specialist

ABOUT ZERO TO THREE Founded in 1977, ZERO TO THREE works to ensure that babies and toddlers benefit from the early connections that are critical to their well-being and development. Our mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. At ZERO TO THREE, we envision a society with the knowledge and will to support all infants and toddlers in reaching their full potential. Our Core Values Statement: We believe that how we do our work is as important as what we do. To learn more about ZERO TO THREE, please visit our website at zerotothree.org. SUMMARY ZERO TO THREE is the fiscal sponsor for The Prenatal to Five (P-5) Federal Policy Network, a multi-issue group of national organizations engaged in strategic, coordinated action to protect and advance federal programs and policies essential for expectant parents, babies, young children, families, and their communities that support them. The Partnership Engagement Specialist will work closely with the P-5 Policy Network Officer to develop, execute, and progress monitor the P-5 Network’s operational and partnership engagement capacity. Primary duties include thought partnership with the P-5 Network Officer; project management and work planning development; facilitating relationships with external partners, consultants, and vendors; managing internal communications and community engagement across the engagement Network and tracking outcomes of the P-5 Policy Network. The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood issues, thrives in a collaborative environment, excels at juggling multiple priorities, and is creative and detail-oriented. The P-5 Network Partnership Engagement Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the P-5 Network Officer is well-prepared and well-positioned to achieve the goals of the Network. This position is contingent upon grant funding. Funding is currently secured for 2 years, with plans to continue the role. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Project Management and Operational Support Develops and manages the P-5 Policy Network project plans via Asana and related community engagement and project platforms administrative support to the P-5 Policy Network Officer, including calendar management, meeting preparation, and timely follow-up on action items. Works in close partnership with the P-5 Policy Network Officer to draft, proof, and format correspondence, talking points, and slide decks for P-5 Network meetings and events. Helps ensure clear communication and alignment across internal and external stakeholders. Coordinates regular cadence of virtual meetings/retreats and other engagement activities to build, cultivate, and sustain a strong cross-organizational culture to meet the strategic goals and outcomes of the Network and its funders. Provides onsite or virtual support during events. Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows, strengthen the P-5 network organizational and knowledge management systems, and ensure the reduction of administrative friction across the network. Implement and maintain processes, templates, and systems to support effective day-to-day operations of the network. Assists the P-5 Network Officer managing the Network’s grants by maintaining accurate records in the grants management system. Supports the full grants lifecycle and contributes to drafting proposals, assembling supporting documents, managing grant timelines, and monitoring reporting requirements in close partnership with P-5 Network Officer. Supports P-5 Network priorities by building workplans, tracking milestones, coordinating resources, and monitoring timelines and deliverables. Partnership Cultivation and Relationship-Building Builds and maintains authentic trust-centered relationships with Network members through consistent communication, active listening, and a structured approach to partnership that reflects the values of equity, respect, and shared values aligned to the Network’s vision and strategic direction. Works closely with the P-5 Network Officer and the Lead Impact Officer to develop engagement, growth, and impact goals for the Network. Identify opportunities to build partnerships with organizations or groups outside of the Network to amplify the experiences and goals of the P-5 population. Maintaining the Network’s communication hub and tracking input/feedback from Network members and partners to ensure optimal and effective partnership engagement. Other duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE 6-8 years of relevant experience in project management, community engagement, or related field. Exceptional relationship management skills with the ability to build trust, maintain engagement, and hold difficult conversations with respect and care Excellent written communication, including editing and proofreading within a reasonable timeframe. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent calendar management skills, including the coordination of complex executive meetings. Experience scheduling travel arrangements. Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills with a track record of building and cultivating relationships across diverse audiences with divergent perspectives. A team-first orientation and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Comfort with flexibility and a growth mindset – your contribution may adapt to meet the moment as you progress professionally. Ability to be flexible, work independently, and bring a level of creativity and joy to the work. Willingness to travel occasionally (up to 10%) for events and in-person gatherings. EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree in a related field, PMP Certification preferred. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS This position's salary is estimated to be mid $60,000s to high $70,000s depending on experience, geo-location, budget, and other comparable and similarly scoped internal positions. In addition to salary, ZERO TO THREE offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, HRA, retirement contributions, generous leave benefits and more. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is frequently required to use finger dexterity and sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be capable of reading a computer screen. Also, they may need to remain seated for extended periods, can perform repetitive motions, and reach for objects. An employee is frequently required to hold a writing instrument, communicate verbally, and hear well enough to detect nuances and receive detailed information. They may be required to grasp objects, push, and pull objects, bend, stand, walk, squat, or kneel. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision for data preparation or analysis, and expansive reading. May need to lift up to 30 pounds. ESSENTIAL QUALITIES Encourages and practices critical thinking Is self-reflective and empathic Recognizes the influence of workplace relationships on outcomes and results Maintains a respectful and accepting approach to others Awareness of the influence of the larger context on individual behavior Collaboratively and creatively supports the work efforts of colleagues at all levels and in all areas of the organization WORKING CONDITIONS The work conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing this job. Depending on work location, the incumbent will typically work indoors in a heated and air-conditioned office, with a mixture of natural, incandescent, and fluorescent light with low to moderate noise levels or be subject to working conditions conducive to a home environment. When travel is expected, the incumbent will be exposed to outside environmental conditions during those times. ZERO TO THREE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to provide individual feedback to candidates regarding the status of their application. If selected to move forward in the process, someone from the hiring team will contact you regarding next steps.