Vice President of Policy & Advocacy at HRtoGO – Sacramento, California

Organization Name: NAMI California

Organizational Background:

NAMI California is a grass roots organization of families and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. We advocate for lives of quality and respect, without discrimination and stigma, for all our constituents. We provide leadership in advocacy, legislation, policy development, education and support throughout California. NAMI California works to provide help, hope and healing for those affected by mental illness.

NAMI California strives to be inclusive of every sector of the demographics in California, reaches out and engages all communities from all walks of life, and embraces the fundamental belief that all aspects of its structure, governance, and operation should reflect the diversity of the communities being served and strive to become and remain culturally and linguistically competent.

Summary: The Vice President of Policy & Advocacy provides leadership and administration in defining, developing and implementing NAMI CA policy and advocacy agenda. The Vice President of Policy & Advocacy is a highly motivated individual who has the vision and passion to work with various key stakeholders at the state, and local level in developing and implementing advocacy and policy approaches to addressing issues of mental health equity. The Vice President of Policy & Advocacy works alongside the CEO and COO as a part of the executive team to develop and communicate a clear strategic direction that aligns with NAMI CA organizational mission, vision and values. This is a full-time position within NAMI California.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Leads and creates strategic advocacy vision for NAMI CA.
• Develops overarching policy priorities of the organization with the Executive and Senior Leadership teams.
• Leads development and implementation of a policy and advocacy plan that is aligned with the organizations communications, field and partner engagement strategies and translates NAMI Californias vision and mission into actionable goals and objectives.
• Represents NAMI California on coalitions, task forces and working groups as appropriate to support the mission of the organization.
• Directs advocacy response regarding proposed rules, policies, operating procedures, initiatives and other administrative proposals.
• Provides leadership, and works with colleagues and stakeholders (e.g. business, unions, religious organizations, law enforcement officials, civil rights organizations and other diverse stakeholders) to develop short and long-term advocacy campaigns.
• Identifies and anticipates legislative and administrative opportunities and threats.
• Monitors key legislative, executive and political developments and trends affecting immigration and analyze the political impact of breaking events as they relate to the immigration movement.

Policy & Legislation

• Plays lead role within the NAMI California office legislation and state budget analysis and advocacy.
• Collects and analyzes data on mental health policy and laws to identify the gaps in state policy and/or implementation and to determine which policy improvements can have the greatest impact for NAMI CA membership.
• Creates a short and long-term policy and advocacy agenda for NAMI CA with clear objectives, priorities, and measures of success for our work.
• Stays abreast of current events, policies, laws, proposed legislation, and issues related to the mental health system and proactively drive discussions that build the teams and our partners capacity to adapt strategies and initiatives as needed.
• Provides timely assessment of federal, state, and local programs/initiatives that impact NAMI California members and Affiliates.
• Analyzes budget proposals, legislation, regulatory actions, and court decisions that impact families, those living with a mental health condition, and state/local public mental/behavioral health systems.
• Effectively communicates with NAMI California members, the Legislature, and state agencies through written correspondence, including letters, position statements, informational updates, and fact sheets.
• Works in tandem and closely with contract lobbyist
• Speaks publicly as directed and represent NAMI California and its work to key stakeholders, including grassroots leaders, policymakers, the media, funders and other legal and advocacy organizations.

Advocacy

• Effectively communicates with NAMI California members, the Legislature, and state agencies through written correspondence, including letters, position statements, informational updates, and fact sheets.
• Ensures NAMI California affiliate members are constantly informed of NAMI California policy priority activities and provided with forums through which to advocate on these issues.
• Monitors NAMI affiliate, Community Based Organization (CBOs), community, members and others experiences with mental health programs and policies at county and local level and use information to develop advocacy agenda.
• Builds relationship with advocates throughout the state and within the NAMI CA Regional Model to increase participation in local and state grassroots advocacy.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Regular, predictable attendance is required.
• Ability to get along and work effectively with others.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervises employees and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience: Masters Degree (M.A.) in field such as public administration, public policy, social work, economics, or other related discipline; or 5+ years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: A current CA drivers license and proof of auto insurance are required. Registered as a lobbyist in California.

Compensation: $80,000-$100,000 Annually, DOE

If you experience any techical issues with your application, please contact Cassey@hrtogo.com.