JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• At least a BA degree in public health, public policy, political science, economics or other related health or human services field

• At least three years’ experience, and excellent skills, as a professional in the public health, public policy or health and human services field

• Demonstrated highly developed written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively organize large amounts of information, quickly complete succinct, cogent and easy to understand summaries of potentially complex issues, and the ability to speak clearly, persuasively, and rationally about these issues

• Excellent policy research skills, strong analytical skills and the ability to handle and utilize quantitative data to deliver balanced, honest policy analysis

• Experience and demonstrated knowledge and skills in policy/issue analysis

• Clear understanding of how policy is made and influenced and the operation of local and state governments (including legislative process and state government organization), and a high level of interest in being involved in these processes.

• Experience and demonstrated success in project planning, project coordination, and achievement of project goals and objectives

• Demonstrated ability to think and work quickly, be flexible, handle multifaceted tasks and changing priorities with ease, manage time efficiently, and complete high quality work products on-the-fly

• Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional, productive relationships with policy makers, key leaders, the public, and coworkers

• Advanced computer, keyboarding, word processing and spreadsheet skills

• Demonstrated ability to both work independently and cooperatively as a positive, productive, strong team player

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as:  preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, expansive reading.

• Must be able sit or stand for prolonged periods: eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer terminal, telephone, photocopies and other office equipment. 

• Must have normal physical mobility, which includes movement from place to place on the job.

• Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Reliable vehicle; valid driver’s license and insurance

Desired

• MA degree in public health or public policy or related field

• Specific health policy experience, knowledge and skills

• Demonstrated success in influencing policy

• Knowledge/expertise in a variety of public health/healthcare issues, including healthcare reform, healthcare access, preventive healthcare, mental health, and oral health

• Knowledge of special district operation

• Demonstrated interest and experience in macro level (community and policy) interventions

• Demonstrated creativity and creative problem solving skills

REPORTS TO:         Director of Community Impact

GENERAL DUTIES:

The Health District acknowledges that achieving changes in public policy is a key element in improving the health status of our community.  The Policy Coordinator, under the direction of the Director of Community Impact and the Executive Director, coordinates the public policy work of the organization.  This work may include, but not be limited to:

• Monitoring legislation;

• Researching and formulating objective background papers and policy analyses on issues of concern to the Health District;

• Developing relationships and communication links with organizations interested in our identified issues;

• Creating recommendations for policy positions;

• Communicating Board positions (once taken) to key policy and decision-makers when directed; and

• Evaluating the impact of our policy work.

The Policy Coordinator will be required to register as a lobbyist in the State of Colorado, fully understand and assure compliance with any federal or state laws and regulations regarding policy work, and perform all necessary tracking and reporting requirements.  Tasks range from performing research, analyzing potential policy implications, writing, planning, organization, coordination of meetings and mailings, presentations, meetings and phone contacts with legislators, attending hearings, and other related duties.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

1. Assists in identifying and prioritizing local, state and federal policy and/or regulation issues likely to impact the health of our community and/or Health District operations. 

1. Once priorities have been identified, assures that the top issues are researched and that timely, objective, understandable papers are prepared for the Executive Director’s review and inclusion in board packets.   The papers’ length and format (e.g., primer, background paper, analysis) will differ, depending on the issue and its current status.   Assures that presentations are made to the Board or other audiences as requested.

1. Tracks and reports the progress of key issues and alerts key staff when priority changes may be in order.

1. Organizes and staffs the internal public policy committee.  The committee is an informal group of Health District staff set up to review and brainstorm recommendations on policy issues, analyses and stances.  (Note:  The final determination of what goes to the Board rests with the Executive Director, and the final determination of stances to convey to policy makers rests with the Board.)

1. Cultivates and maintains positive, professional relationships with decision-makers and others. 

1. Networks with advocacy and other health related organizations to keep abreast of the variety of different perspectives on policy issues, and of analyses already completed.  Coordinates lobbying strategy with other advocacy organizations or state departments as appropriate.

1. Attends Health District Board meetings, providing education, updates and other information to the Board to assist the Board in taking positions and making decisions on Health District policy related activities.

1. In conjunction with instructions by the Executive Director or the Community Impact Team Director, communicates the Board’s position to legislators, policy makers, advocacy organizations and/or the general public (i.e., prepare letters or emails, conduct personal visits, provides testimony, etc). 

1. Works closely with the Executive Director, Director of Community Impact, and Medical Director to formulate strategy for ensuring that information and analysis is provided to lawmakers in a form and at a time when it will have maximum impact. 

1. Prepares and provides informational presentations to members of the legislature on topics relevant to session as requested.

1. Prepares presentations to local press such as newspaper editorial board, and drafts press information pieces and letters to the editor on priority issues as directed by the Health District Board.

1. Conducts research projects on topics as assigned.  These projects require a survey of current scientific research, an evaluation of the quality of the research, a synthesis of the available evidence, and development of policy recommendations.

1. Works with special initiatives and partnerships convened by the Health District such as the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Partnership and the Dental Health Partnership of Larimer County to provide information, research, guidance, and assistance with policy issues related to the work of the group.

1. May supervise or provide and oversee work assignments to a policy assistant and/or student intern(s), providing guidance and review and editing of work products.

1. Creates, edits and maintains the Health District’s Policy Tracking and Advocacy policy manual, and advises Health District staff and Board members to ensure compliance with internal policies and IRS and state laws governing political and lobbying activities by the Health District considering its dual non-profit and special district status.

1. Works with the Communications Director to update and manage policy-related website and newsletter content including communicating Board positions taken.

1. Participates in relevant agency, local, state, or national committees, organizations, and trainings, as requested.

1. Works effectively as a positive, productive team member, participating in group meetings, retreats, and special events.

1. Performs necessary administrative duties, such as tracking time spent by staff and Board on legislative activities, data entry for reporting purposes, filing, scheduling meetings, sending out mailings, etc.

1. Evaluates the impact of annual public policy activities.

1. Performs other duties as assigned by the Community Impact Director of the Executive Director.