Director of Policy, Community Relations, and Communications

At Jefferson Center, it is our policy and our mission to be inclusive and mindful of the diversity of everyone who comes through our doors. We are passionate about building a community where mental health matters and equitable care is accessible to all races, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, cultures, and languages.

The Director of Policy, Community Relations, and Communications is a multifaceted role that involves leading Jefferson Center’s strategies related to policy initiatives, advocacy, communications, marketing, and community relations. The position will serve as the organization’s Public Information Officer and be a primary ambassador for Jefferson Center in the community. The position will manage a team of communications, community engagement, and policy specialists. 

Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in public policy, communications, political science, or a related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: 10 years’ experience in policy development, communications, public health, or a related field. 10 years leadership experience.
• Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and work under pressure.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Development and Advocacy:

• Develop and lead Jefferson Center’s Policy Action Network (PAN) communications plan, including external communications, event notifications, and action requests to support Jefferson Center’s policy platform
• Activate and grow PAN membership
• Advise senior management and the board on policy issues and regulatory developments
• Cultivate strong relationships with elected officials, state agencies, mental health, and other aligned advocacy organizations
• Engage with lobbying firm and actively serve on committees/workgroups to advance policy, legislation, and state agency rules and regulations that advance Jefferson Center’s mission

Communications Management:

• Oversee the creation and dissemination of promotional and educational materials, including press releases, digital campaigns, and social media content to promote Jefferson Center’s programs, services, and community offerings
• Lead the organization’s internal communications plan to support leadership communications, workforce engagement, and nurture Jefferson Center’s culture
• Act as the organization’s Public Information Officer and serve as a primary spokesperson for the organization at media events and public engagements
• Ensure consistent and positive messaging and branding across all communication channels
• Coordinate internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals and priorities
• Lead organizational crisis communication response efforts

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Cultivate strong and positive relationships with referral partners and community-based organizations
• Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and other public forums

Leadership and Management:

• Manage the communications and community engagement teams, providing guidance and support to ensure effective performance and department alignment around organizational goals and priorities
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic and business plans
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of communication and community engagement strategies and policy initiatives

Other:

• Participate in Department and Senior Leadership team meetings
• Exhibit enthusiasm, courtesy, adaptability, flexibility, and spirit of cooperation in the work environment
• Maintain effective interpersonal relations with consumers, peers, subordinates, upper management, visitors, and the public
• Embody and promote Jefferson Center values
• Effectively respond (within a maximum of a 24-hour period) to client/ consumer needs and problems; initiate and maintain positive interactions, timely response to phone calls, email, and other requests
• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work nights and weekends as necessary
• Must have reliable transportation to attend meetings and events
• Other duties/projects as assigned        
• Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.

Salary Grade 18: $94,100 - $116,700 annually*

Additional Salary Information*:

• The salary range above is based on 1.0 FTE (full time equivalent) or 40 hours per week. Less than 40 hours/week will be prorated and adjusted to the appropriate FTE.*

Application Deadline: 12/20/2024. Review of applications will begin immediately. 

Salary : $94,100 - $116,700