Director of Policy and Strategy

Job Summary

ACL/ACLAIMH is a statewide member organization that advances the work of providers across New York State who serve people facing behavioral health challenges by offering housing and supportive services. Our vision is that everyone who experiences a behavioral health challenge has a place to call home.

The Director of Policy and Strategy is the lead coordinator in the development and execution of ACL/ACLAIMH’s statewide advocacy plan to further the organizations’ mission and vision as set forth in their strategic plan. The Director also will research policy and best practices, as well as analyze data and member expertise and experiences to develop advocacy campaigns that further ACL/ACLAIMH’s legislative agenda. This position is full time, offers paid vacation/holidays/personal and sick days, as well as a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plan contributions and health insurance. Remote/hybrid work environment is possible. Some travel within New York State is required.

Duties

Policy and Strategy

• Under the supervision of the Executive Director, and in collaboration with the Associate Executive Director and Board, the Director will oversee legislative and administrative advocacy efforts on issues that impact the mission and policy priorities of the association and its members to achieve established outcomes. This includes identifying policy goals and strategies, and conducting timely research topics of priorities and goals as set forth in the organizations’ strategic plan.
• Develop, organize and execute statewide advocacy campaigns, regionally and community-based when needed, including coordination of grassroots and social media efforts and with the organizations’ media strategy.
• Tracking and reporting outcomes to the Executive and Associate Executive Directors, Board, members and stakeholders.
• Assist the Executive Director with the development and delivery of written and oral testimony to policymakers; monitor and lobby stakeholders; coordinate all digital advocacy strategies.
• Collaborate with advocacy partners.

Executive, Legislative and Stakeholder Engagement

• Schedule and facilitate meetings and tours with executive and legislative branch policymakers.
• Represent ACL/ACLAIMH at meetings with policymakers, agency officials and leaders, and participate with other advocacy groups and coalitions to advance ACL/ACLAIMH’s policy agenda as required to advance the organizations’ mission, vision and goals.
• Plan, coordinate and promote all advocacy and legislative events, including an annual lobby day.
• Develop and implement stakeholder trainings on advocacy initiatives and provide policy and advocacy communication training.
• Help the organizations’ members to cultivate relationships with policymakers.
• Ensure the necessary lobby/ethics reports are timely and properly filed.

Research and Data Analysis

• Conduct and supervise research related to ACL/ACLAIMH’s legislative priorities, including conducting focus groups, listening sessions, regional meetings, and surveys to gather information needed to develop policy priorities.
• Conduct research and prepare best practices information that draw from industry expertise and experience to advance advocacy and further the organizations’ goals.

Marketing/Communications and Material Development

• Serve as the organizations’ central communication liaison for all advocacy activities, coordinating with media efforts, and ensuring consistent and professional communications with relevant stakeholders.
• Edit and/or write public-facing, written research, memoranda and other documents needed for advocacy and education.

General Operations

• Staff and support the early career professionals committee and any other committees as needed.
• Facilitate regional meetings and other meetings as needed.
• Serve as in-house expert on on advocacy goals and strategies and development of best practices and technical assistance; increase staff and board awareness of these topics and strategies.
• Assist with facilitation of conferences, presentations and meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bachelor’s Degree plus three years experience in or with community mental health, preferably with residential provider issues; or a Master’s Degree in Human Services, Business or Public Administration plus one year experience in or with community mental health, preferably with residential provider issues. Experience with advocacy and understanding of New York State’s budget and legislative process required. Understanding of mental health housing in New York State, including its regulations, funding and development preferred. Familiarity with other supportive housing services and substance use disorder programs a plus. Ability to build consensus and relationships, facilitate meetings, and think strategically. Excellent judgment, communication and organization skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office 365, especially Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and with social media platforms.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Clifton Park, NY 12065

Salary : $85,000 - $105,000