Early Education & Child Care Fellow (One-Year Fellowship)

Organization Overview

We Are: Commonwealth Corporation is a quasi-public workforce development agency that strengthens the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults by investing in innovative partnerships with industry, education and workforce organizations.

Program Overview

The goal of the Foundation is to provide financial support to Commonwealth Corporation, whose mission is to strengthen the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults by investing in innovative partnerships with industry, education, and workforce organizations. Commonwealth Corporation seeks to meet the immediate and emerging needs of businesses and workers so that they can thrive in our dynamic economy. The Foundation focuses its efforts on three key areas:

Creating and supporting Workforce Development-focused convening to discuss and refine concepts for experimentation.

Developing demonstration projects that connect philanthropic dollars to innovative Workforce Development programs.

Enhancing proven workforce strategies to effectively scale operations and fill gaps in proven CommCorp programs where there are unmet needs.

Position Overview

The Commonwealth Corporation Foundation is seeking a Fellow to provide hands-on support in advancing the implementation of the Governor’s Interagency Early Education and Child Care Task Force initiatives. This one-year, full-time position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of public policy, philanthropy, and systems change by helping to scope pilot projects and design fundraising strategies that will drive lasting improvements for Massachusetts families.

The Fellow will be an integral member of the team, working closely with staff and external partners to move projects from concept to launch. Example projects could include developing a stipend program for Early Education and Child Care training participants, expanding the Business Front Door for Early Education and Child Care providers, developing a grant program to provide housing for early educators, and other innovative pilots that would drive forward the Task Force recommendations to action. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is detail-oriented, solution-driven, and eager to apply their skills to tangible outcomes that support families across Massachusetts. This position is ideal for an emerging leader eager to make an impact in early childhood systems, social innovation, or public-private partnerships.

Reports to : Executive Director of Foundation

Department: CommCorp Foundation

Classification : Full-Time, Exempt

Employment status: Fixed-term, one-year fellowship. This position is not eligible for severance.

Work hours: 40 hours per week - Hybrid

Starting Salary : $100,000 - $110,000 plus Employer contributes 13.2% of gross salary to a 401(a)-employee retirement plan. (Vested 100% on day 1 of hire)

Responsibilities

Pilot Scoping & Design

• Conduct research and analysis to identify high-potential pilot opportunities aligned with Task Force recommendations.
• Collaborate with state agencies, nonprofit partners, and funders to refine pilot concepts, goals, and evaluation metrics.
• Draft project plans, timelines, and resource needs for pilot implementation.
• Report into Task Force PMO team via weekly PMO meetings, monthly steering committee, and quarterly Task Force meetings to share progress with the group, leverage existing structures and research to inform pilot designs, and ensure alignment with Task Force goals.
  
  

Fundraising Strategy Development

• Support the development of fundraising strategies to advance pilot initiatives.
• Conduct funder landscape scans and identify potential philanthropic and corporate partners.
• Draft compelling materials (concept notes, pitch decks, briefs) to support fundraising efforts.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Convene and coordinate with cross-sector partners, including government, philanthropy, business, and community organizations.
• Synthesize stakeholder input and ensure alignment across key partners.
  
  

Communications & Reporting

• Develop presentations, updates, and reports for state partners, funders and stakeholders.
• Track progress against fellowship goals and contribute to knowledge sharing across teams.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, family support, and systems change.
• Experience in project design, strategy, or fundraising/development is highly desirable.
  
  

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package, including medical insurance,HRA(Health Reimbursement Account) (Employer pays first 75% of participant deductible expenses);Dental insurance (80% employer / 20% employee), vision, 13 paid holidays, 3 weeks accrued paid vacation per year, generous paid sick time, paid time off, Short-Term, Long-Term and AD&D Insurance, Life insurance up to 250k, Pre-tax parking and commuter benefits (debit card) and Health Flexible Spending Account (debit card). Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Professional Development: Opportunities to work closely with leaders in early childhood policy and philanthropy, gain exposure to system-level strategy, and build a robust professional network.
  
  

EEOC statement

Equal Employment Opportunity: Commonwealth Corporation is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Research suggests that qualified women and Black & Indigenous POC may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CommCorp to apply for this role.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

As a leader in workforce development, CommCorp is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). We strive to center DEIB in every facet of our work. This commitment requires us to identify and dismantle historical and existing barriers within systems, policies, and practices to create long-term economic opportunities and access for all.

 

The successful candidate is required to complete CORI background checks.

Please send your resume and cover letter to:[email protected]