Advocacy Manager

The Health Trust (THT) is committed to advancing health equity in Silicon Valley, serving Santa Clara and Northern San Benito Counties. Our goal is to change systems so that all people have access to the resources and opportunities needed to lead healthy, thriving lives. We do that by tackling the physical, political, social, and systemic barriers to health and directly fund and advocate for solutions that respond to both emerging community needs and drive systemic change.

As a Funder, Advocate, and Catalyst, we work to ensure all residents can thrive, regardless of income, immigration status, race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status.

Under general supervision of the Director of Advocacy and according to The Health Trust's (THT) general policies and procedures. The Advocacy Manager provides essential support for the organization's policy and advocacy work to advance health equity. This position assists with research, outreach, communications, project management, and community stakeholder engagement to help strengthen THT's role as a community catalyst.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the day-to-day administrative operations of the Advocacy Department, inclusive of scheduling and coordinating internal and external meetings; coordinating communications and meetings with external partners; preparing correspondence and meeting materials; maintaining digital and physical filing systems; taking meeting minutes, and providing general administrative support to ensure efficient departmental workflow.
• Assist with the execution of a strategic advocacy agenda that addresses systemic health disparities.
• Draft policy briefs, advocacy alerts, public comments, and position statements.
• Represent The Health Trust in public forums, legislative hearings, and coalition meetings.
• Support the planning and execution of advocacy campaigns, events, and public education initiatives.
• Support robust community engagement to ensure the Advocacy Department is responsive to community concerns.
• Conduct policy research and analyze legislation, regulatory developments, and emerging trends.
• Develop and update the map of key stakeholders and relevant initiatives in the health equity ecosystem.
• Support the development and maintenance of advocacy tools and infrastructure, such as community surveys, opinion polling, and narrative materials.
• Collaborate with the communications and grantmaking teams to develop inclusive messaging strategies that elevate community voices.
• Coordinate grassroots mobilization efforts, including community education campaigns, advocacy actions, and coalition-building initiatives.
• Support grant writing and reporting for advocacy-related initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Work, or related field OR equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum two years of experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relations OR equivalent combination of training and experience.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in food insecurity and food systems is highly preferred.
• Experience working with philanthropic, corporate, and community partners to advance advocacy and funding goals.
• Four years of experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relations, ideally with a focus on health equity and/or social justice.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY

• Familiarity with the root causes of health disparities, systemic inequities, and their impact on communities.
• Ability to research and understand public health policy and political systems, especially in Santa Clara and San Benito County governments, as well as the California State Legislature.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to communicate complex policy issues.
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach to advocacy projects..
• High emotional intelligence, integrity, and outstanding judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse cultures, ages and economic backgrounds in a culturally competent and sensitive manner.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Google products.
• Self-motivated and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and people skills, with ability to develop productive relationships.
• Ability to model and communicate the mission of The Health Trust and support a culture of empowerment and team support.
• Develop project timelines, deliverables, work plans, and tracking systems to ensure strategic goals are met.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and propose solutions to keep initiatives on track.
• Experience with research, data collection, or outreach is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, and temperature.
• Local travel required.
• Car available for daily use with valid driver's license and automobile insurance as required by the State of California.
• Some evening and weekend work required.
• Employment background screening…