Sr. Director Public Policy & Advocacy

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Organization and Position Summary:

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. The Reeve Foundation is the only national organization of its kind with a dual focus: Today's Care. Tomorrow's Cure. A pioneer in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) research, the Foundation has funded approximately $145 million in research, underscoring our commitment to bringing meaningful solutions to people with SCI. The Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) - the only federally funded entity dedicated to directly supporting the paralysis community - provides the most comprehensive knowledge, tools, and personalized services for individuals impacted by paralysis through dedicated Information Specialists, a Quality-of-Life Grants Program, Peer & Family Support Program, Military and Veterans Program, and Public Policy.

About the Role:

As an advisor to the President & CEO, and the Board of Directors, the Senior Director, Public Policy & Advocacy is responsible for the creation and implementation of an advocacy and public policy strategy in support of the Reeve Foundation's priorities and mission. Ensure the ongoing commitment of Congress to the National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) through the annual appropriations process of approximately $10M in funding. They work closely with Congressional leaders, regulators, and administrators in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country and work to expand their knowledge of paralysis and the work of the Reeve Foundation and the NPRC. The Senior Director monitors ongoing federal legislative and regulatory activities and contributes to the advancement of existing policies for the mobility impaired community. Additionally, they represent the Reeve Foundation on national public policy or issue-related committees and coalitions when appropriate.

They are an integral member of the Executive Leadership team, which oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the Foundation. The Senior Director embodies the values and mission of the Reeve Foundation and as a result inspires and motivates others internally and externally to fulfill our mission. They supervise a staff of 2 internal employees and oversee a Washington, DC based consultant.

Additionally, the individual will be responsible for performing job duties, interacting with the community and coworkers, and managing themselves in a manner consistent with and in support of the organization's mission and core values.

Major Responsibilities:

People:

• Leverage their relationships, expertise, and community involvement to play a leadership role in defining and advancing the policy agenda of the spinal cord injury (SCI) and paralysis communities.
• Oversee the work of the Public Policy Manager to ensure Foundation representation on 6-8 national coalitions and collaborative groups; Participate in policy briefings, public meetings, advocacy efforts and serve as spokesperson as needed.
• Build relationships with potential partner organizations and subject matter experts that can help educate members on key policy/advocacy issues.
• Provide guidance to the Grassroots Advocacy Manager who is responsible for the effective recruitment and mobilization of the Reeve Foundations' 70+ Regional Champions, and 10,000+ online advocates using regular education efforts, webinars, fact sheets, and toolkits; Create additional engagement strategies and opportunities for the paralysis community.
• Manage Public Policy Manager & Grassroots Advocacy Manager.
• Select and manage consultants on advocacy activities on Capitol Hill.

Events/Functions/Production:

• Develop a range of materials to support the public policy and advocacy agendas such as talking points, fact sheets, newsletters, reports, and media content. Maintain up-to-date content on website.
• Oversee the planning and execution of Congressional Advocacy Days, roundtables, and Regional Advocacy Training.
• Act as key Advisor to the Annual Reeve Summit.
• Prepare talking points and background information for President & CEO, if needed, for public appearances related to advocacy/public policy.

Data:

• Manage the Advocacy budget including external consultants and submit semi-annual reports to federal funder.
• Utilize impact data from 6 NPRC programs to show value and protect annual federal funding.
• Create, conduct, and analyze needs assessment and other surveys to identify priority policy issues and legislation that support the Reeve Foundation and communicate priorities to community, elected officials, and other disability organizations.

Lead:

• Develop communication and education efforts with the federal funder and other agencies and councils as needed.
• Provide leadership and consultation for Quality-of-Life Board Committee on all policy and advocacy related issues. Develop committee materials including meeting agendas and minutes, facilitate meetings and assist in recruiting and educating new committee/subcommittee/Board members on public policy and advocacy priorities.
• Develop and implement a strategic engagement and policy agenda for each established priority area including achievable goals and performance measures.
• Provide recommendations for Foundation's policy engagement activities across departments; assist with garnering corporate and foundation support.
• Serve on the Foundation's Leadership Team, providing strategic guidance and help implement strategic goals and vision for the Foundation.

Periodic Responsibilities include:

• Participate in the Qualify-of-Life grant review meetings as needed.
• Exhibit when requested.
• Participate in Organizational strategic planning.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Four-year college (bachelor's degree) and 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Significant professional experience in public policy, advocacy campaigns, research and analysis and coalition building

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in a related field
• Deep knowledge of the current disability policy climate in government as well as the private and nonprofit communities
• Knowledge of social media and current trends in the use of technology to engage a broader audience

Language Skills:

• Excellent level English verbal, written and presentation skills

Computer Skills:

• Intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Candidate should:

• Collaborate well with others and build strong partnerships both internally and externally
• Use creativity and critical thinking to solve problems
• Effectively manage direct reports and demonstrate the ability to lead, motivate and direct staff
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability and the ability to work well under pressure

Travel: Approximately 15% travel to local, regional, or national conferences

Physical Demands/Office Environment:

This position is primarily a sedentary role but will have periods of physical activity. The person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer. As stated above, the position involves moderate travel. In addition, this person may need to be able to set up live events, including exhibit booths, stages for presenters and displays. They will need to be able to lift up to 10 lbs.

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The Foundation is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment and discrimination that supports individual dignity and respect.

Please submit cover letter with your application

Salary Description

$150K - $175K per year