Application Guide
How to Apply for Policy Manager
at Partnership for Children & Youth
🏢 About Partnership for Children & Youth
The Partnership for Children & Youth (PCY) is a mission-driven nonprofit that has spent over 20 years fighting for educational equity in California, focusing on expanded learning programs like after-school and summer initiatives. They are unique for their collaborative, warm culture and their role as the operating manager of the California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3), making them a key player in statewide policy. Working here means being part of a small, passionate team that values authenticity, continuous learning, and wellness while making a tangible impact on under-resourced communities.
About This Role
As the Policy Manager, you will lead PCY's policy and advocacy efforts, shaping California's expanded learning landscape. You'll work with the CA3 coalition to develop and advance policy agendas, build relationships with legislators and stakeholders, and ensure that the voices of under-resourced communities are heard. This role is impactful because your work will directly influence funding, regulations, and programs that affect thousands of students, helping to close the opportunity gap.
💡 A Day in the Life
You'll start your day by checking emails and monitoring legislative updates, then join a virtual meeting with the CA3 coalition to align on advocacy strategies. You might draft a policy brief or fact sheet, schedule meetings with legislative staff, and analyze a new bill's potential impact. Afternoons could involve webinars, stakeholder calls, or internal team check-ins, with time dedicated to strategic planning and supporting partners in their advocacy efforts.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Partnership for Children & Youth Is Looking For
- Deep understanding of California's education policy landscape, especially K-12 and expanded learning programs, with at least 5 years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or government relations.
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including coalition partners, legislators, and community organizations, and to collaborate effectively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience translating complex policy issues into clear, compelling messages for different audiences.
- Strategic thinker who is proactive, adaptable, and comfortable in a fast-paced, small-team environment, with a commitment to racial equity and social justice.
📝 Tips for Applying to Partnership for Children & Youth
In your resume and cover letter, highlight specific policy successes you've had in California, such as passing legislation, influencing budget decisions, or leading advocacy campaigns related to education.
Showcase your experience working with coalitions or diverse stakeholder groups, and provide concrete examples of how you've built consensus and driven collective action.
Research PCY's and CA3's recent policy priorities (e.g., ASES, 21st CCLC, Expanded Learning Opportunities Program) and mention how your skills align with their current goals.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and use virtual collaboration tools effectively.
Tailor your application to reflect PCY's values: authenticity, continuous learning, collaboration, and trust-building. Use a warm, passionate tone in your cover letter that mirrors their culture.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Express genuine passion for educational equity and closing the opportunity gap for under-resourced students in California.', 'Highlight your experience in policy analysis and advocacy, specifically within the context of expanded learning (after-school, summer programs).', 'Demonstrate your collaborative skills and ability to work with coalitions, showing you can build relationships and drive collective action.', "Mention why you're drawn to PCY's specific culture and mission, and how you embody their values of authenticity, continuous learning, and wellness."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review PCY's website and recent reports/publications to understand their current projects, policy platforms, and impact.
- → Familiarize yourself with CA3's mission, members, and recent advocacy wins or campaigns.
- → Research California's expanded learning policies, including Proposition 49, the After School Education and Safety (ASES) program, and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP).
- → Look into the political landscape: current legislative priorities, key committees, and influential stakeholders in California education policy.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application that doesn't address California-specific policy or the expanded learning field.
- Avoid focusing only on your own achievements without showing how you collaborate with others, as PCY values teamwork highly.
- Don't overlook the remote aspect: make sure to address how you'll stay connected and productive in a virtual work environment.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Partnership for Children & Youth!