Assistant Director Policy Advocacy

Role Overview:

An enthusiastic and dedicated professional to advocate for policies supporting addiction recovery and represent our recovery community organization. This entry-level position combines grassroots advocacy, community engagement, and policy research to advance recovery-friendly legislation and programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Advocacy & Policy Work:

·       Track local, state, and national legislation affecting the recovery community

·       Attend legislative sessions and committee hearings

·       Prepare written testimony and public comments

·       Build relationships with elected officials and their staff

·       Support the development of policy positions and advocacy strategies

·       Help coordinate advocacy days and legislative visits

·       Document policy developments and maintain issue tracking systems

Community Engagement:

·       Engage with people in recovery to gather input on policy priorities

·       Support recovery community members in sharing their stories

·       Organize community education events about policy issues

·       Create accessible materials explaining complex policy issues

·       Build coalitions with allied organizations

·       Participate in recovery community meetings and events

·       Support grassroots advocacy campaigns

Communications:

·       Write advocacy alerts and call-to-action materials

·       Draft letters to legislators and decision-makers

·       Help develop fact sheets and position papers

·       Assist with newsletter content and advocacy updates

.     Support communications about advocacy victories and challenges

Required Qualifications:

·       Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

·       Strong Microsoft Office skills required (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

·       Certified Peer Recovery Specialist or equivalent

·       Lived experience in recovery preferred (personal or family)

·       Strong written and verbal communication skills

·       Basic understanding of legislative processes

·       Comfort with public speaking

·       Ability to work some evenings/weekends for community events

·       Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications?

·       Knowledge of recovery support services and programs

·       Experience in community organizing or grassroots advocacy

·       Familiarity with addiction policy and recovery advocacy

·       Understanding of health policy and healthcare systems

·       Experience working with diverse communities

·       Bilingual skills

Physical Requirements:

·       Ability to lift and move items up to 25 pounds

·       Extended periods of computer work

·       Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events

·       Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally