Director of Policy & Advocacy - Hybrid

Director Of Policy & Government Affairs

At the Washington Association for Community Health, we bring community health centers together to collaborate and expand access to high-quality health care statewide. We help community health centers navigate state and federal policy, provide evidence-based health care, and problem solve as a group. Our services include workforce development programs, technical assistance and training, and policy advocacy.

The Association is looking for a strong and highly professional individual capable of anticipating issues and addressing opportunities independently and effectively. This team player will hold the utmost standard of compliance and able to navigate communication styles between executive leaders and public leaders.

The Director of Policy & Government Affairs plans, manages, and implements the Association's policy, government affairs, and advocacy programs, representing and elevating the Association's presence before state and federal legislative and administrative bodies within the health and healthcare sectors in Washington. In alignment with WACH's core values of Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, and Learning, the Director monitors the health policy landscape and addresses issues facing Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and the communities they serve across Washington State.

The Director will manage multiple staff and contractors and work collaboratively across the organization to align policy and advocacy work with the strategic priorities of the organization in service of the mission. This position works closely with the Board of Directors and Association Executive Leadership and serves as accountable staff to its policy committees.

Essential Functions

• With support from the CEO, creates and implements a comprehensive, year-round policy, government affairs and advocacy strategy that increases the Association's presence with state and federal leaders, through oversight of all efforts related to advocacy, community organizing, research, and policy analysis initiatives.
• Serves as the primary registered lobbyist for the Association, representing the organization's positions and priorities at state and federal elected offices. Fosters and maintains relationships with key elected officials and relevant state agency leaders and staff.
• Develops and implements the regulatory and legislative agendas of the Association, coordinating with strategic communications and advocacy staff and relevant contractors, supported by the CEO and Committees of the Board of Directors.
• In collaboration with key organizational partners, oversees advocacy efforts including grassroots and grasstops efforts when warranted.
• Coordinates advocacy efforts with the Community Health Network of Washington and other external agencies.
• Develops legislative strategy and oversees coordination of advocacy to support the passage of designated policy priorities that eliminate or reduce barriers to health, employment, education, economic development, and quality of life for members and the communities they serve throughout the state and region.
• Fosters and leverages partnerships for the advocacy and policy strategy, including regional and statewide health and social service organizations as well as national partners and other state Primary Care Associations.

Board Support and Member Engagement

• Board Committee Support:
  Supports the Policy Committee and related Subcommittees of the Association's Board of Directors by preparing agendas, developing notes, and ensuring follow-through on all action items.
• Member Mobilization & Advocacy:
  Develops strategies for involving members' Boards and staff in advocacy, elevating their voices and those of allies to enhance advocacy efforts at the state and federal level. Monitors legislative initiatives and mobilizes local-level and influential stakeholders when warranted.

Supervision and Team Leadership

• Supervises multiple staff with an emphasis on supporting team collaboration, individual mentorship, and professional success.
• Ensures that policy staff engage in ongoing policy environment scanning, assessing new policies that may impact community health centers, and proactively conducting policy analysis.
• Facilitates collaborative agenda-setting and policy analysis with related stakeholders.
• Oversees development of written policy analysis and reports.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, public health, communications, healthcare administration, or a related field and 5 years of relevant experience; OR
• Master's Degree or J.D. and 2-3 years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience includes work in the legislative, political, and/or public policy arena, including experience developing and leading policy and/or legislative strategy, and experience working with elected officials and government agencies. Washington State legislative experience is strongly preferred.
• Eligibility to register as a lobbyist with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission…