Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy

 POSITION OVERVIEW 

This position is a key leadership role responsible for the design, strategic direction and management oversight of NHCT’s future Policy and Advocacy portfolio. The Policy and Advocacy Senior Director works collaboratively with internal and external partners to create an environment to make prevention a priority in New Hampshire. The Policy and Advocacy Senior Director is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of NHCT’s policy agenda and for communicating with policymakers, stakeholders, the public, and the media about evidence-informed and/or evidence-based child maltreatment prevention strategies and child and family wellness strategies. Responsibilities include the identification, monitoring, and analysis of issues and legislation that involve and impact children and families at the local, state, and federal level. Responsibilities also include building support and mobilizing NHCT stakeholders to advocate for policies and investments to prevent child abuse and neglect. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program and Policy 

The Policy & Advocacy Senior Director leads NHCT’s implementation of a long-term strategic plan and vision to build support for policies, programs, and aligned investments that make child maltreatment prevention a priority. 

• Monitor federal and state-level legislation and administrative policy related to child well-being and family-strengthening initiatives. 
• Develop and recommend Policy Priorities in consultation with the Executive Team and thought partners.
• Develop and implement policy and advocacy strategies/campaigns in partnership with aligned organizations and champions, with a specific focus on local strategy development.
• Coordinate the implementation of strategies/campaigns with a contracted lobbyist on behalf of the organization, as needed.
• Work closely with state and national partners to execute policy/advocacy campaigns.
• Partner with agencies and universities conducting research to identify emerging and innovative solutions and strategies, best practices, and issue trends related to children and families.
• Work with communications teams, both internal and external, to translate academic research into policy briefs and other materials intended for nonacademic audiences.
• Prepare policy reports and presentations for NHCT’s Executive Team and Board of Directors, funders, and other external stakeholders. 

Coalition Building and Stakeholder Development 

• Lead and/or represent NHCT at stakeholder committee and coalition meetings relevant to policy priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders.
• Educate partner organizations about opportunities and strategies for policy and advocacy efforts that complement NHCT’s policy priorities.
• Position NHCT as a thought leader and expert on child maltreatment prevention.
• Provide staff support to NHCT’s relevant Board Committee(s), as appropriate.
• Engagement with Policymakers and Administrative Officials: Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with key elected, administrative policymakers and their staff, and champions for child wellbeing at the state, local and federal levels.
• Alongside the President, serve as liaison to the Governor’s office, NH DHHS, NH ED, Office of the Child Advocate and other policymakers to make prevention-focused policy recommendations.
• Educate policymakers about the mission, operations, and accomplishments of NHCT, as well as the broader context of maltreatment and child welfare policy, through in-person meetings, public testimony, presentations, round table discussions, workshops, events, editorial content, and site visits.
• Provide testimony and draft legislation, as needed. 

Communications:  

• Oversee the development of fact sheets, briefing materials, presentations, and other resources customized for policymakers and administrative leadership in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team.
• Serve as spokesperson on policy-related topics with press and media, as needed.
• Produce policy-focused blog posts, video projects, and other media outreach.
• Communicate effectively both orally and written on complex issues in a way that can be understood by the audience.
• Prepare and deliver internal and external policy communications. 

Administrative and Organizational Leadership: 

• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Finance, develop budget for NHCT’s policy team activities. Manage budget and report expenses in a timely manner. Ensure all expenses are an effective use of resources.
• Develop and implement a strategy to drive the implementation of the strategic plan in support of policy goals in alignment with NHCT’s Theory of Change and organizational culture.
• Serve as advisor to the President 

• In collaboration with NHCT’s Development Director, actively participate in fundraising and revenue producing initiatives to support Advocacy & Public Policy efforts, and the organization.  

• Foster ongoing collaboration within the agency and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders. Provide leadership and staff support for organizational advocacy efforts.
• Actively participate in NHCT’s staff meetings. 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality as it relates to the agency and all records/documents.
• Actively engage in initiatives and/or practices that align with NHCT's Mission, Vision and Values
• Actively participate in internal and external meetings to provide positive input and contribute to problem solving.
• Maintain professionalism in line with NHCT policies and standards.
• Participate in Board of Director meetings, sub-committees and workgroups as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient operation of NHCT.  

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

ADDITIONAL SUPPORTING INFORMATION 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES 

• Bachelor’s Degree in public policy, public health (emphasis on policy), social work (administrative or policy track), or equivalent education and/or experience. Advanced degree preferred.
• 7-10 years experience with an emphasis on child maltreatment prevention, family strengthening, or related field
• Proficient in policy development (i.e., advanced knowledge and the ability to reasonably apply that knowledge in varied contexts) within legislative, administrative, and program environments.
• Proficient in policy translation (i.e., advanced knowledge and the ability to reasonably apply that knowledge in varied contexts) to move legislative, administrative, and program policies into practice environments.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Strong relationship, collaboration, and community development skills, to interact with a range of people at various levels.
• Strong problem-solving, strategic planning, and organizational skills. Strategic mindset but be able to execute at a tactical level and drive progress.
• Foundational knowledge of equity and the implications for how equity intersects with child welfare and policy issues.
• Knowledge of programs, laws, and policies related to children and families in New Hampshire.
• Experience collaborating on quantitative and/or qualitative research projects and effective at translating research into policy and practice for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment with a positive approach.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and assess and change priorities based upon agency needs.
• Strong skills in working with ad-hoc and formal teams for positive outcomes.
• Attention to detail for precise and accurate work.  

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES 

• Familiarity with the NH non-profit sector.
• Advanced Degree/Credentials