Director - Advocacy & External Affairs
Apply NowCompany: Mental Health Partnerships
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19120
Description:
Job Type
Full-time
Description
COME BUILD HOPE WITH US!
The Director of Advocacy & External Affairs leads Mental Health Partnerships' strategic efforts to shape and amplify the organization's voice, presence, and impact across public, media, and governmental arenas. This role is responsible for setting and executing a cohesive strategy across advocacy, government relations, and public relations to advance MHP's mission and policy priorities. The Director will serve as a visible and influential leader representing MHP at all levels-locally, regionally, and nationally-building strong relationships with elected officials, policymakers, the media, grassroots partners, and the broader public. Through legislative engagement, media relations, storytelling, and cross-sector collaboration, the Director will elevate MHP's role as a leader in community-based, peer-driven mental health services, training and advocacy. This position also oversees internal and external high-level messaging, guides participant-led advocacy initiatives in collaboration with the Senior Program Manager, and supports organizational fundraising and marketing goals.
The position is located at 833 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, with a hybrid schedule, Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (some flexibility in start and end time). The Salary will be a range of $90,000 - $100,000 based on experience.
As an MHP full-time employee, you will have access to the following benefits:
MHP is the proud recipient of Mental Health America's 2023 & 2024 Platinum Bell Seal Award-an national recognition for our commitment to nurturing mentally healthy workplaces. Join us in revolutionizing workplace well-being and raising the bar for mental health excellence!
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Government Affairs and Advocacy Oversight:
Develop and implement comprehensive advocacy and government relations strategies at local, state, and federal levels.
Build relationships with elected officials, political appointees, government and regulatory agencies, and advocacy stakeholders.
Implement branding and awareness strategies for MHP with key elected officials, positioning the organization as an expert on mental health issues.
Represent MHP's interests in public forums and government bodies.
Monitor and analyze government policies impacting MHP, providing timely updates, reports, and strategic recommendations to leadership and stakeholders to guide advocacy efforts.
Organize advocacy events at City Hall, Harrisburg, and Washington, DC, including roundtables, protests, and rallies.
Plan and execute advocacy awareness campaigns on select MHP issues, coordinating with digital media and event planning team.
Establish and lead an advocacy committee to drive policy priorities based on participant and stakeholder data.
Collaborate with grassroots organizations and stakeholders in advocacy work.
Provide high-level oversight, including implementation and strategy, of direct participant advocacy and empowerment programs.
Policy Development and Research:
Coordinate policy research efforts in partnership with universities and think tanks to advance evidence-based policy recommendations.
Develop reports, articles, and briefs on mental health and peer support issues.
Draft white papers, testimony, and position statements on key legislative and regulatory issues.
Media and Public Relations:
Oversee media engagement and crisis communications.
Enhance crisis response strategies by implementing a rapid-response plan for emerging policy threats or media crises.
Draft press releases and op/eds.
Serve as a spokesperson in media and public forums.
Lead media training workshops for participants, staff, and Board members to prepare them for public speaking and interviews.
Develop storytelling initiatives to amplify the voices of individuals with lived experience in media, advocacy campaigns, and legislative testimony.
Serve as the organization's main point person to coordinate participation in panels, conferences and other public speaking opportunities.
Other Duties:
Serve as the staff liaison to the Board Advocacy Committee and any related Board Ad Hoc Committees.
Perform other duties as assigned to fulfill MHP's mission...
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a related field required; advanced degree in public policy, law, communications, or a related field strongly preferred.
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy, government affairs, public policy, communications, or nonprofit leadership, with at least 5 years in a senior or strategic role.
Expertise in mental/healthcare-related public policy and a commitment to advancing the agenda surrounding mental health and peer support;
Lived experience with mental health or peer support systems, or a demonstrated commitment to centering such voices, is strongly valued.
Extensive knowledge of legislative processes; experience researching, analyzing and interpreting legislation and regulatory language.
A deep understanding of contemporary advocacy communications and advocacy strategies and tactics.
Demonstrated experience drafting compelling policy materials, public testimony, and media content, and engaging effectively as a spokesperson in public and political forums.
Ability to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences;
Excellent advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and leadership skills; demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with other staff and other organizations; demonstrated ability to build relationships with groups and individuals across the political spectrum (government, policy shops, academic institutions, etc.).
Experience leading strong teams and managing staff, consultants, and contractors.
Ability to balance strong day-to-day management needs with visionary thinking.
Strong organizational skills, including financial oversight and planning capability, and ability to troubleshoot, multitask and manage several projects at once.
Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and to adjust to frequently changing demands, prioritizing tasks and delegating when appropriate.
Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
Must possess the necessary computer skills to perform essential job duties including desktop computing, e-mail, timesheet management, reporting, internet research, etc. using relevant software and digital applications.
Unimpeachable integrity and ethical standards.
Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate self-confidence, common sense, and good listening.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
Sit at a desk with ergonomically appropriate equipment.
Maintain regular, punctual attendance and be available for flexible work schedule, including evenings and/or overtime as needed.
Must be able to travel within the community that may not be handicap accessible: walking and/or drive agency vehicles, depending on the needs of the program. Ability to use public transportation, move around inner-city neighborhoods daily, including in inclement weather, carry computer equipment, and ascend/descend stairs carrying computer equipment. Must be able to travel to all sites supported, and MHP's main offices as needed.
Must be able to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly and accurately; possible exposure to loud and/or vulgar language and hostile gestures, given participant mental health diagnoses and challenges.
Salary Description
$90,000 = $100,000
Full-time
Description
COME BUILD HOPE WITH US!
The Director of Advocacy & External Affairs leads Mental Health Partnerships' strategic efforts to shape and amplify the organization's voice, presence, and impact across public, media, and governmental arenas. This role is responsible for setting and executing a cohesive strategy across advocacy, government relations, and public relations to advance MHP's mission and policy priorities. The Director will serve as a visible and influential leader representing MHP at all levels-locally, regionally, and nationally-building strong relationships with elected officials, policymakers, the media, grassroots partners, and the broader public. Through legislative engagement, media relations, storytelling, and cross-sector collaboration, the Director will elevate MHP's role as a leader in community-based, peer-driven mental health services, training and advocacy. This position also oversees internal and external high-level messaging, guides participant-led advocacy initiatives in collaboration with the Senior Program Manager, and supports organizational fundraising and marketing goals.
The position is located at 833 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, with a hybrid schedule, Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (some flexibility in start and end time). The Salary will be a range of $90,000 - $100,000 based on experience.
As an MHP full-time employee, you will have access to the following benefits:
- Generous Paid Time Off (Up to 39.5 paid days off per year!)
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (Effective after first month!!)
- No Cost Life and Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- No Cost Employee Assistance Program
- Retirement Plan with Annual Discretionary Employer Contribution
- Employee Referral Bonuses
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program
- Continuous Growth & MHP Sponsored Training Opportunities
MHP is the proud recipient of Mental Health America's 2023 & 2024 Platinum Bell Seal Award-an national recognition for our commitment to nurturing mentally healthy workplaces. Join us in revolutionizing workplace well-being and raising the bar for mental health excellence!
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Government Affairs and Advocacy Oversight:
Develop and implement comprehensive advocacy and government relations strategies at local, state, and federal levels.
Build relationships with elected officials, political appointees, government and regulatory agencies, and advocacy stakeholders.
Implement branding and awareness strategies for MHP with key elected officials, positioning the organization as an expert on mental health issues.
Represent MHP's interests in public forums and government bodies.
Monitor and analyze government policies impacting MHP, providing timely updates, reports, and strategic recommendations to leadership and stakeholders to guide advocacy efforts.
Organize advocacy events at City Hall, Harrisburg, and Washington, DC, including roundtables, protests, and rallies.
Plan and execute advocacy awareness campaigns on select MHP issues, coordinating with digital media and event planning team.
Establish and lead an advocacy committee to drive policy priorities based on participant and stakeholder data.
Collaborate with grassroots organizations and stakeholders in advocacy work.
Provide high-level oversight, including implementation and strategy, of direct participant advocacy and empowerment programs.
Policy Development and Research:
Coordinate policy research efforts in partnership with universities and think tanks to advance evidence-based policy recommendations.
Develop reports, articles, and briefs on mental health and peer support issues.
Draft white papers, testimony, and position statements on key legislative and regulatory issues.
Media and Public Relations:
Oversee media engagement and crisis communications.
Enhance crisis response strategies by implementing a rapid-response plan for emerging policy threats or media crises.
Draft press releases and op/eds.
Serve as a spokesperson in media and public forums.
Lead media training workshops for participants, staff, and Board members to prepare them for public speaking and interviews.
Develop storytelling initiatives to amplify the voices of individuals with lived experience in media, advocacy campaigns, and legislative testimony.
Serve as the organization's main point person to coordinate participation in panels, conferences and other public speaking opportunities.
Other Duties:
Serve as the staff liaison to the Board Advocacy Committee and any related Board Ad Hoc Committees.
Perform other duties as assigned to fulfill MHP's mission...
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a related field required; advanced degree in public policy, law, communications, or a related field strongly preferred.
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy, government affairs, public policy, communications, or nonprofit leadership, with at least 5 years in a senior or strategic role.
Expertise in mental/healthcare-related public policy and a commitment to advancing the agenda surrounding mental health and peer support;
Lived experience with mental health or peer support systems, or a demonstrated commitment to centering such voices, is strongly valued.
Extensive knowledge of legislative processes; experience researching, analyzing and interpreting legislation and regulatory language.
A deep understanding of contemporary advocacy communications and advocacy strategies and tactics.
Demonstrated experience drafting compelling policy materials, public testimony, and media content, and engaging effectively as a spokesperson in public and political forums.
Ability to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences;
Excellent advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and leadership skills; demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with other staff and other organizations; demonstrated ability to build relationships with groups and individuals across the political spectrum (government, policy shops, academic institutions, etc.).
Experience leading strong teams and managing staff, consultants, and contractors.
Ability to balance strong day-to-day management needs with visionary thinking.
Strong organizational skills, including financial oversight and planning capability, and ability to troubleshoot, multitask and manage several projects at once.
Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and to adjust to frequently changing demands, prioritizing tasks and delegating when appropriate.
Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
Must possess the necessary computer skills to perform essential job duties including desktop computing, e-mail, timesheet management, reporting, internet research, etc. using relevant software and digital applications.
Unimpeachable integrity and ethical standards.
Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate self-confidence, common sense, and good listening.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
Sit at a desk with ergonomically appropriate equipment.
Maintain regular, punctual attendance and be available for flexible work schedule, including evenings and/or overtime as needed.
Must be able to travel within the community that may not be handicap accessible: walking and/or drive agency vehicles, depending on the needs of the program. Ability to use public transportation, move around inner-city neighborhoods daily, including in inclement weather, carry computer equipment, and ascend/descend stairs carrying computer equipment. Must be able to travel to all sites supported, and MHP's main offices as needed.
Must be able to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly and accurately; possible exposure to loud and/or vulgar language and hostile gestures, given participant mental health diagnoses and challenges.
Salary Description
$90,000 = $100,000