Application Guide

How to Apply for Reach Out and Read National Policy Manager

at Positively Partners

🏢 About Positively Partners

Reach Out and Reach is a national nonprofit that uniquely integrates literacy into pediatric primary care, reaching 4.8 million children annually across 6,800 clinics. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that directly impacts early childhood development and health equity, with a proven model backed by evidence.

About This Role

As the National Policy Manager, you will drive the organization's public policy agenda at both federal and state levels, shaping legislation that expands access to early literacy programs. This role offers the chance to work with state affiliates, train advocates, and influence health policy affecting millions of children and families.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start your day reviewing federal legislation or a state bill tracker, then jump on a video call with an affiliate to advise on a local advocacy campaign. Afternoon could involve drafting a policy brief or designing a virtual training module, followed by a meeting with coalition partners on children's health policy.

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🎯 Who Positively Partners Is Looking For

  • Has 5-6 years of experience in legislative, executive branch, or nonprofit public policy, with a focus on health policy issues like Medicaid and CHIP.
  • Possesses strong analytical and writing skills, with a track record of drafting policy briefs, testimony, or advocacy materials.
  • Is skilled in designing and delivering virtual advocacy training, and creating toolkits for grassroots advocates.
  • Is comfortable working remotely and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including state affiliates and national coalitions.

📝 Tips for Applying to Positively Partners

1

In your resume, highlight specific policy wins or legislative outcomes you've contributed to, especially related to children's health or literacy.

2

Tailor your cover letter to explicitly mention your experience with Medicaid and CHIP, and how you've used that knowledge to advance policy.

3

Include examples of advocacy training you've developed or delivered, preferably virtually, and describe the impact on participants' advocacy effectiveness.

4

Research Reach Out and Read's current state-level legislative efforts and reference one or two in your application to show genuine interest.

5

Emphasize your ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities, as this is a remote role with national scope.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for early childhood literacy and health equity, and why you're drawn to Reach Out and Read's unique model.", "Specific experience with Medicaid and CHIP policy, including any direct advocacy or policy analysis you've conducted.", 'Your track record of building capacity in others through training and resource development, especially for virtual audiences.', "Your ability to navigate both federal and state policy landscapes, and how you've successfully advanced a policy agenda in a similar role."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Reach Out and Read's current federal and state policy priorities on their website, including any recent legislative updates.
  • → Read their annual report and research page to understand the evidence base for their model and how policy supports it.
  • → Look into their state affiliate network and identify which states have active legislative campaigns.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the AAP's policy statements on early literacy and how they align with Reach Out and Read's work.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach developing a state-level advocacy strategy for a new affiliate?
2 Describe a time you trained advocates on a complex policy issue. How did you make it accessible?
3 What experience do you have with Medicaid or CHIP policy, and how does it relate to early childhood literacy?
4 How do you stay current on federal and state health policy developments?
5 Tell us about a time you adapted a national policy strategy to fit a specific state's political context.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention early literacy or pediatric health policy.
  • Overlooking the importance of virtual training experience; be sure to highlight any digital advocacy tools you've created.
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of the role's dual focus on state and federal policy, and how they interconnect.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Positively Partners!

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