Director of Policy

Job type Full-time employee

Location Remote

Overview The Director of Policy will work closely in External Affairs to build and participate in coalitions to influence state, regional, and federal policies and programs with the goal to improve syndemic conditions within vulnerable groups across Appalachia. You will lead state policy and advocacy initiatives, opioid settlement tracking and advising projects, and lead the monthly Appalachian Partnership Consortium meetings. Through integrating community organizing with long-term, sustainable policy change efforts and leveraging grassroots efforts for policy research and advocacy, you would be key in making a difference in the work we do at CEG.

About Us

Community Education Group (CEG) was founded on a mission to address the health, socio-economic, environmental, and systemic challenges facing the Black community through creating and enhancing community and peer-based outreach and service programs more than 30 years ago. Since then, the organization has evolved to support all underserved communities that are affected by health outcomes and health access disparities, especially those in rural areas. CEG is successfully creating change and implementing intervention models in those communities burdened by poorer health outcomes and health access disparities. As an organization, CEG is committed to ending the HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) syndemic throughout Appalachia.

The Director of Policy will work closely in External Affairs to build and participate in coalitions to influence state, regional, and federal policies and programs with the goal to improve syndemic conditions within vulnerable groups across Appalachia. You will lead state policy and advocacy initiatives, opioid settlement tracking and advising projects, and lead the monthly Appalachian Partnership Consortium meetings. Through integrating community organizing with long-term, sustainable policy change efforts and leveraging grassroots efforts for policy research and advocacy, you would be key in making a difference in the work we do at CEG.

What’s in it for you? An opportunity to:

Support a mission-focused organization in the community by advocating for policy change

Implement CEG’s strategic vision by establishing annual policy advocacy strategy for with support

Lead policy efforts, analysis, and research related to issues that impact HIV, Viral Hepatitis, overdose syndemic, and emerging topics related to Appalachia and cultural heritage

Identify and manage state-level campaigns that align with CEG’s mission, vision, and values

Work with national and local partners to advance CEG policy priorities, and assist partner organizations across the region with their local advocacy capacity building

Develop, define, and strengthen relationships with elected officials, partners, and influencers through meetings and coalition participation

Track relevant state and federal legislation and other policy developments related to the syndemic

Own mobilization strategy through public events, listening sessions, and other key advocacy partnerships

Develop policy statements, hill briefings, and other pertinent communication to clearly articulate to national and local partners, policy makers, the media, and communities

Promote CEG's vision, mission, and standards of conduct

What do you bring? Required:

Bachelor’s degree in public policy or public health or commensurate experience (additional graduate training is preferred)

At least 3-5 years of professional experience, including:

o Serving as the subject matter expert on syndemic and rural policy matters

o Leading a team in sustainable community-driven policy change efforts and integrate policy research and advocacy

o Representing an organization in policy coalitions and at public events

o Leading opioid settlement tracking and advising projects

Strong political acumen to understand state and federal level public policy

Ability to prepare staff and constituents for meetings with elected officials and stakeholders

Previous budget management

Ability to analyze issues and work under pressure to meet deadlines as necessary

Ability to remain calm and composed in important conversations with key constituents

Excellent communication and presentation skills, including with CEG team, stakeholders, and vendors

Cultural humility, integrity, and respect for others

Collaboration and team building skills

Focus and self-management to be able to work remotely

Organization and prioritization to work independently

High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual platforms Teams and Zoom

Preferred:

Previous experience working with multi-state employers to ensure compliance

Previous experience working in nonprofit preferred

Position Type: Full-time, exempt, remote (preferably in one of the 13 Appalachian states where CEG operates: AL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV).

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits: CEG offers a benefits package that includes dental/vision insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and starting 7/1, a 401k plan.

Travel Requirements: 20%

Interested applicants should submit a resume and (optional) cover letter through our posting on Gusto, our Applicant Tracking System.

We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply. We encourage you to apply if you are interested and meet the requirements of the position.

CEG does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, veteran status, or criminal record. We encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our employees where everyone can thrive, feel a sense of belonging and do meaningful work for our community.

The Community Education Group is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about us, visit www.communityeducationgroup.org.

Salary range $70,000 - $80,000 per year