Child Care Policy Analyst (Operations & Policy Analyst 3)

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is excited to announce a permanent opening for a Child Care Policy Analyst (Operations & Policy Analyst 3). Help shape the future of child care in Oregon! We are looking for a policy-minded professional to lead and innovate within the state’s Child Care Assistance Program. In this role, you will turn legislation into action, developing policies, improving systems, and collaborating with partners statewide to make quality child care more accessible for families. If you enjoy big-picture thinking, strategic problem-solving, and making a real impact on children and working parents across Oregon, this is your opportunity to drive meaningful change. 

This position will work a hybrid schedule of working both in the office and at an alternate location (home). In office work will take place at our Salem office approximately once per quarter, or as needed for in-person meetings.  

About the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC): 

At DELC, we are dedicated to helping Oregon’s young children and families learn and thrive. As the state agency responsible for early learning programs, child care licensing, and family support services, we play a crucial role in shaping the future of Oregon’s children from birth to kindergarten. 

We administer state-funded early learning programs, including home visiting and site-based infant, toddler, and preschool services. We also develop coordinated systems through Early Learning Hubs and collaborate with Child Care Resource and Referral organizations to provide training, coaching, and quality improvement opportunities for early learning providers. 

With over 275,000 young children in Oregon, we have a unique opportunity to transform early childhood support systems, creating a brighter future for families across the state. Research shows that investing in early childhood has lifelong benefits, and now is your chance to be part of an agency making a lasting impact for generations to come. 

Why Join Our Team? We are passionate about equity in early childhood education. At DELC, we value dedication, integrity, and collective wisdom, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace where all employees can thrive. We challenge ourselves to lead with courage, refine practices, and drive meaningful change for children and families statewide. 

What We Offer: 

• Comprehensive Benefits: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family, plus optional benefits like life and disability insurance, deferred compensation, and flexible spending accounts. 

• Work-Life Balance: 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 1 special day, monthly sick leave, and vacation accruals that increase every 5 years. 

• Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential federal loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments. 

• Inclusive Culture: A diverse, welcoming workplace committed to equity and continuous improvement. 

Our Commitment to Equity: Equity is at the heart of our mission. We strive to remove barriers, foster inclusiveness, and create meaningful change for underrepresented communities. Our goal is to ensure all DELC employees, child care providers and the children and families we support thrive. If you are ready to make a difference and help shape Oregon’s future, we would love to have you on our team! 

What you will do: 

This position works on the Child Care Policy team that lead the design, implementation, and oversight of Oregon’s statewide Child Care Assistance Program, ensuring that policies and operations align with federal and state regulations, legislative intent, and agency goals. The role involves researching and interpreting complex laws, regulations, and audit findings to develop and implement program policies through administrative rules, contracts, and operational guidance. It collaborates across agencies, community partners, and executive leadership to develop policy direction, resolve conflicts, and assess program impacts. The position also manages program monitoring and evaluation by analyzing data, system performance, audits, and field reviews to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Additionally, it oversees system improvements, advises on legislative initiatives, supports audits, and provides detailed policy guidance to staff, and partners, to promote a high-quality, compliant, and equitable child care assistance program statewide. 

To view a complete job description, click here 

What we are looking for (minimum qualifications): 

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Political Science, Public Policy, Early Learning, or related degree; and four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work. OR;  

• Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work 

In addition, we are looking for applicants that have the following Desired Attributes (requested skills): 

• Strong knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies related to child care or human services programs. 

• Experience developing, interpreting, and implementing program policies, administrative rules, or operational procedures. 

• Skilled in researching complex issues and translating findings into clear policy recommendations or program improvements. 

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, and external partners including legislators and community organizations. 

• Experience with program monitoring, evaluation, and performance analysis to ensure compliance and effectiveness. 

• Ability to analyze and interpret data, audits, and reports to guide decision-making and corrective actions. 

• Demonstrated experience preparing executive-level reports, legislative analyses, or policy briefs. 

• Familiarity with large-scale program operations or eligibility systems, and the ability to identify and implement system enhancements. 

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, evidenced by experience applying an equity lens to program design, ensuring accessibility and fairness for historically under-represented communities. 

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Candidates of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as bilingual/multicultural individuals, are encouraged to apply. 

To Apply: 

The screening of candidates will be based on a review of an attached resume (limit to two pages). While a cover letter is not required, it is highly encouraged. If you submit a cover letter, please tailor it to the position and address your experience with the desired attributes listed above. Candidates whose backgrounds most closely match the desired attributes and experience section as outlined in this announcement will be invited to interview. For helpful tips on putting together your application materials and interviewing, visit our Resources for Job Seekers page.  

Additional Information: 

This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.