National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Director, Advocacy & Policy
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Sacramento, California, United States, 95828
WHO WE ARE:The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.Position Overview:The Director of Advocacy and Policy works closely with the AVP of State Advocacy & Policy to identify and develop the Society's policy priorities and supports colleagues across the country in evaluating legislation and advancing the Society's health policy positions at the state level. This position works cross-functionally and supports communications to activists, partner organizations, and public officials on our policy priorities.The position leads the advocacy and activist engagement work in California, including directly lobbying elected officials and engaging activists, as well as monitoring and engaging as needed in Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.Location:
This role is based locally in Sacramento, CA, with the ability to work from home.Essential Functions / ResponsibilitiesPolicy Identification & DevelopmentAnalyze legislative proposals and regulatory activity at the state level, and assist with the development of policy positions on behalf of the Advocacy Team and the organization.Provide policy analysis and technical assistance for state-focused colleagues across the country.Evaluate new and existing policy issues through the lens of social determinants of health and health equity.Develop and update resource materials and training needs around the Society's policy priorities to ensure colleagues are kept up to date on the latest policy positions.Represent Society on national coalitions and track coalition work at the state level across the country.Disseminate information and resources to team members that result from coalition engagement.Partner with other departments as appropriate to identify policy issues.Advocacy & Policy ResponsibilitiesLead advocacy strategy in California to advance 2-3 of Society's priorities.Monitor specific policies in Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming and engage if needed.Identify policy issues by evaluating existing programs and identifying gaps in services in consultation with volunteers, providers, staff, and others as appropriate.Employ strategic thinking to prioritize issues.Consult with staff and volunteers to develop state advocacy initiatives.Facilitate new alliances and collaborate with other like-minded agencies, advocacy groups, and coalitions involved in policy initiatives.Recruit and engage MS Activists in activism role(s) (Grassroots and Grasstops at both the state and federal level).Ensure MS Activists have opportunities to participate in Society advocacy events including, but not limited to, the annual Public Policy Conference in Washington, DC, Congressional In-District visits, and advocacy days at the state Capitol.Plan and implement State Action Day, the Society's state day at the Capitol.Team ResponsibilitiesParticipate in, or lead, work groups, and contribute to the ongoing functional work, including, but not limited to, policy development and volunteer engagement.Contribute to monthly meetings with the Advocacy Leadership and Management Team.Provide support and feedback to colleagues.Utilize matrix management techniques to foster relationships with local market leaders.Identify and use best practices and centrally developed materials to communicate with MS Activists on state policy and advocacy progress and engagement.Serve as external spokesperson when needed.Support local market staff as needed and within capacity.Other duties as assigned.Role QualificationsBachelor's degree required; Master's degree in political science, public policy, public administration, social science, healthcare policy, or related field preferred.6-9 years of experience in policy and government relations.Strong policy analysis skills with the ability to communicate complex topics to a broad audience.Strong relationship building and communication skills with the ability to build trust and motivate staff and volunteers.Ability to think through problems, make inclusive decisions, and lead others through complex situations.Must have the ability to present information to individuals at all levels, both inside and outside the Society.Excellent writing abilities and the ability to distill complex issues in an easily understood manner.Excellent interpersonal, emotional intelligence, and organizational skills.Understanding of, and experience in, the political landscape and legislative process in California.Technical CompetenciesCommitment to the mission, vision, cultural values, and expectations of the National MS Society.Transportation to Society business meetings, including to the state capitol(s), occasional coalition meetings, etc.Availability to work occasional nights and weekends to support events and committee meetings.Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Society database systems.Responsible for understanding department budget and ensuring accrued expenses do not exceed budget allocations.Compensation & Benefits Info:Estimated hiring compensation range for this role is
$82,000 - $100,000 . Final offers will be based on candidate geographic location and experience.The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a highly competitive, comprehensive benefits package, including Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401k with Society match, Educational Reimbursement, Professional Development Assistance, Commuter Benefit Plan, and Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits.The Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:We appreciate your consideration of our job opportunities. To apply, please attach your resume and any other required documents. Ensure you check the job posting for specific document requirements.Important:
You will not be able to modify your application after submission. If you experience any trouble submitting your materials, please check our
FAQ & Contact Us page .
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This role is based locally in Sacramento, CA, with the ability to work from home.Essential Functions / ResponsibilitiesPolicy Identification & DevelopmentAnalyze legislative proposals and regulatory activity at the state level, and assist with the development of policy positions on behalf of the Advocacy Team and the organization.Provide policy analysis and technical assistance for state-focused colleagues across the country.Evaluate new and existing policy issues through the lens of social determinants of health and health equity.Develop and update resource materials and training needs around the Society's policy priorities to ensure colleagues are kept up to date on the latest policy positions.Represent Society on national coalitions and track coalition work at the state level across the country.Disseminate information and resources to team members that result from coalition engagement.Partner with other departments as appropriate to identify policy issues.Advocacy & Policy ResponsibilitiesLead advocacy strategy in California to advance 2-3 of Society's priorities.Monitor specific policies in Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming and engage if needed.Identify policy issues by evaluating existing programs and identifying gaps in services in consultation with volunteers, providers, staff, and others as appropriate.Employ strategic thinking to prioritize issues.Consult with staff and volunteers to develop state advocacy initiatives.Facilitate new alliances and collaborate with other like-minded agencies, advocacy groups, and coalitions involved in policy initiatives.Recruit and engage MS Activists in activism role(s) (Grassroots and Grasstops at both the state and federal level).Ensure MS Activists have opportunities to participate in Society advocacy events including, but not limited to, the annual Public Policy Conference in Washington, DC, Congressional In-District visits, and advocacy days at the state Capitol.Plan and implement State Action Day, the Society's state day at the Capitol.Team ResponsibilitiesParticipate in, or lead, work groups, and contribute to the ongoing functional work, including, but not limited to, policy development and volunteer engagement.Contribute to monthly meetings with the Advocacy Leadership and Management Team.Provide support and feedback to colleagues.Utilize matrix management techniques to foster relationships with local market leaders.Identify and use best practices and centrally developed materials to communicate with MS Activists on state policy and advocacy progress and engagement.Serve as external spokesperson when needed.Support local market staff as needed and within capacity.Other duties as assigned.Role QualificationsBachelor's degree required; Master's degree in political science, public policy, public administration, social science, healthcare policy, or related field preferred.6-9 years of experience in policy and government relations.Strong policy analysis skills with the ability to communicate complex topics to a broad audience.Strong relationship building and communication skills with the ability to build trust and motivate staff and volunteers.Ability to think through problems, make inclusive decisions, and lead others through complex situations.Must have the ability to present information to individuals at all levels, both inside and outside the Society.Excellent writing abilities and the ability to distill complex issues in an easily understood manner.Excellent interpersonal, emotional intelligence, and organizational skills.Understanding of, and experience in, the political landscape and legislative process in California.Technical CompetenciesCommitment to the mission, vision, cultural values, and expectations of the National MS Society.Transportation to Society business meetings, including to the state capitol(s), occasional coalition meetings, etc.Availability to work occasional nights and weekends to support events and committee meetings.Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Society database systems.Responsible for understanding department budget and ensuring accrued expenses do not exceed budget allocations.Compensation & Benefits Info:Estimated hiring compensation range for this role is
$82,000 - $100,000 . Final offers will be based on candidate geographic location and experience.The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a highly competitive, comprehensive benefits package, including Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401k with Society match, Educational Reimbursement, Professional Development Assistance, Commuter Benefit Plan, and Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits.The Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:We appreciate your consideration of our job opportunities. To apply, please attach your resume and any other required documents. Ensure you check the job posting for specific document requirements.Important:
You will not be able to modify your application after submission. If you experience any trouble submitting your materials, please check our
FAQ & Contact Us page .
#J-18808-Ljbffr