Policy Director

Status: Full-Time

Reports To: Executive Director

Start Date: March 2025

Location: East Orange, NJ (Hybrid, Tuesdays and Thursdays in office)

Salary: $85,000 to $95,000

Commensurate with the candidate's experience

ABOUT PHEI:

The Perinatal Health Equity Initiative is a Black female led, 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating disparities in Black infant and maternal health in New Jersey. We do this by providing direct clinical care, advocacy, policy, education, research, and community engagement. We are rooted in Reproductive Justice, Social Justice, and utilize an anti racist framework designed to create health equity for Black mamas. We are also the Largest group of Black Lactation Specialists in the State of New Jersey. Our offices are based in East Orange, New Jersey and provide support to the surrounding communities.

At The Perinatal Health Equity Initiative (PHEI), we are dedicated to putting Black mamas first, driven by a deep love and passion for their well-being. Our mission is to meet the needs of Black mothers by amplifying their voices and partnering with them to reimagine a better future for Black mamas and their babies. As a team member, you will be expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics, operating with integrity and accountability to serve our communities with unwavering moral clarity. We strive to create an environment grounded in ethical principles, fostering trust and respect among our team and the families we support.

POSITION SUMMARY:

At the Perinatal Health Equity Initiative (PHEI), we’re experiencing a strong period of growth as we’re set to open New Jersey's first and only Black Maternal Health Center that will serve as a women’s health clinic, community center and our new headquarters dedicated to Black Mamas and is scheduled to open in March 2025. . To continue this trajectory, we’re searching for a highly qualified Policy Director to work closely with our leadership team. From Day One, this person will have an immediate impact on our advocacy work and expansion efforts by aiding in our new strategic initiatives.

The Policy Director will oversee PHEI’s reproductive and birth justice policy and advocacy portfolio for New Jersey aimed at eliminating inequities in pregnancy and birth outcomes for Black mamas. The Policy Director will collaborate with the leadership team to develop and inform the organization’s policy position on target issues, engage stakeholders, and mobilize coalition members through issue campaigns, and manage PHEI’s policy objectives on the federal, state, and local level. The ideal candidate is an experienced, effective, and creative Policy Director with 5-7 years of policy advocacy experience. This position will report to the Executive Director.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

PHEI is seeking a Policy Director that is an essential strategic leader that will be responsible for shaping and implementing the organization’s policy and legislative programming. This role involves working closely with the Executive Director and state and national partners to advance PHEI’s policy and legislative priorities. The Policy Director will play a key role in driving PHEI’s mission to build political power for reproductive justice and ensure that every Black Mama in New Jersey can have a successful, equitable and humane experience from preconception to postpartum. This position partners closely with the Executive Director as well as the rest of the leadership team and may require flexible hours and occasional travel.

The ideal candidate will bring at least 2-5 years of experience in legislative advocacy and successful issue-based campaigns, with a demonstrated commitment to centering the needs and voices of those most affected by reproductive, birth, and social justice. Additionally, 2 or more years of experience managing staff or consultants is required. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, experience implementing strategic planning, and strong organizational abilities are essential. The Policy Director will lead efforts to implement effective policy and communication strategies that align with PHEI’s mission and values.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Policy Director will collaborate with a diverse team and engage with stakeholders across New Jersey. This role requires a deep sense of integrity, collaboration, and dedication to equitable practices both in the workplace and the field. The Policy Director will also participate in community engagement activities and represent PHEI at relevant events and coalitions to further the organization’s impact and reach.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Perinatal Health Equity Initiative (PHEI) is at a critical moment of expansion, where the Policy Director will significantly impact the organization’s strategy and its ability to secure ongoing reproductive rights and access for all Black Mamas in New Jersey.

Opportunities And Challenges Facing The Policy Director. The Policy Director will lead in several key areas:

• Set Policy Agenda: Develop and implement strategic plans for PHEI’s policy work based on New Jersey's dynamic political climate and insights gained from national trends. Adapt strategies as new opportunities or challenges arise, ensuring alignment with PHEI’s mission and values.
• Advance Legislation: Lead efforts to advance PHEI’s agenda with local governments and among key stakeholders. Draft, analyze, and shape legislation and policy-related materials to achieve impactful results. Organize and participate in PHEI’s legislative and policy-related events, representing the organization at local, state, and national forums and coalitions.
• Advise on Policy: Provide expert policy guidance to partner organizations, legislative allies, and administration officials at all levels. Act as a key policy resource for PHEI’s staff, Executive Director, donors, members, and reproductive health care providers across the state, ensuring informed decision-making and strategic alignment. Translate and summarize pieces of legislation into brief and understandable explanations for PHEI staff and members.
• Build and Cultivate Partnerships: Develop and maintain strategic relationships that promote reproductive justice. Strengthen PHEI’s role as a valued partner within New Jersey’s diverse, progressive coalition space by cultivating new alliances with local, state, and national organizations, as well as elected and appointed leaders.
• Manage and Lead: Strengthen PHEI’s Policy Team by hiring, supervising, and mentoring a new Policy Associate and Policy Fellow. Supervise, mentor, evaluate, and professionally develop direct reports when hired. With support from staff, develop and manage a departmental budget. Contribute to PHEI’s strategic direction, departmental goals, and decision-making processes, embodying the organization’s values in all internal and external interactions. Ensure that PHEI’s policy work consistently reflects its mission, vision, and commitment to centering marginalized voices.
• Track Metrics & Impact: Track the organization’s impact with quantitative and qualitative evaluation tools and provide strategic input.

The Policy Director will navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities to further PHEI’s mission, working collaboratively with a dedicated team to advance reproductive rights and justice across New Jersey.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

• A track-record of commitment to Black Women, birth and reproductive justice, intersectional racial justice, Black communities, reparations, and Black voter engagement.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Africana Studies, Public Policy, Education, Political Science, Communications, Community Organizing and Advocacy, Cultural Studies, Environmental Studies, and/or equivalent. Master’s Degree in Public policy, education, or public administration preferred.
• 3+ years experience working in one or more of the following areas: social justice, reproductive justice, human rights, Black women's health, leadership development, community organizing, policy advocacy, culture change, grassroots networks and/or voter engagement.
• Knowledge of Black infant and maternal health inequities
• Experience planning and facilitating engaging workshops, training, meetings, and community events.
• Strong background in community organizing
• Policy and Legal Analysis: You bring at least 2-5 years of experience in legislative advocacy and successful issue-based campaigns, with a demonstrated commitment to centering the needs and voices of those most affected by reproductive or social justice. A JD or MPP is preferred but not required.
• Communication: You confidently distill complex information and advance messages in media, legislative committees, and public spaces in a clear, culturally competent manner.
• Strategic Thinking and Judgment: You understand what it takes to win and maintain support to achieve results. You recognize both long-term and short-term strategic needs and adapt to advance a policy agenda, depending on organizational, partner, and political changes. You are attuned to New Jersey’s shifting political winds and understand the intended and unintended consequences of legislative or policy proposals.
• Relationship Building: You quickly connect with others and partner to achieve results. You pride yourself on bringing allies together to solve complex problems. You understand how to navigate coalition spaces and the importance of working in interdisciplinary, culturally diverse coalitions in social and reproductive health and justice spaces.
• Project Management: You expertly orchestrate the implementation of multiple projects, building buy-in and supporting communication across teams. You plan backward and anticipate obstacles.
• Team Management: You thrive on team development and leadership. In prior roles, you built and supervised teams. Mentorship and inspiring growth across the team are your superpowers. At least 2 or more years of experience managing staff or consultants is required.
• Values and Mission Aligned: You share PHEI’s values of integrity, transparency and trust, equity, compassion and appreciation, a healthy and supportive work culture, multi-faceted growth and progress, and collective power. You strive to live these values in your work, giving grace to yourself and others in PHEI’s shared learning and efforts.
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Proactive problem solver that has a high level of professionalism
• Flexibility to travel and possible flexibility for working evening hours; if needed.
• Strong Proficiency with Google Suite, Zoom, Asana and an aptitude for learning new software and systems
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Familiarity with federal legislation
• Experience drafting legislative language.
• Knowledge of the New Jersey government budget process.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license, legally required car insurance, and use of a personal vehicle during business hours.
• Flexibility with work schedule – schedule requires some evenings, weekends and air travel.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

Standard days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. The Executive Assistant is expected to work 40 hours per work week with a minimum in-office commitment of 2 days per week.

TRAVEL

This position is based in the East Orange NJ with some required travel throughout the state of New Jersey

Regular domestic travel of up to 25% is expected for lobbying in Trenton, community organizing, attending meetings, Capitol Hill.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this role and scope. This job description will evolve to accommodate changing role requirements over time and the organization's growth.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Financial Security: Competitive salary, retirement savings plans, and life insurance options to ensure your financial well-being.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, including vacation days, holidays, and sick leave, as well as flexible work arrangements to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement through professional development programs,and access to conferences and workshops.
• Supportive Environment: A collaborative and inclusive work culture that values transparency, autonomy, and ownership, providing a supportive environment where you can thrive.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

PHEI does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, gender, ability, religious creed, national origin, marital status, age, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.