Description

EverThrive Illinois works to achieve reproductive justice in the health care ecosystem through community-driven partnership, policy action, and systems change. We envision a just and affirming health care ecosystem where individuals, families, and communities can thrive. Our work is rooted in our core values of reproductive justice, anti-racism, centering the most impacted, and bold and transformative action.

The Policy and Advocacy Director is responsible for executing the organization’s policy and advocacy strategy, which includes setting organizational policy priorities, building effective campaigns for policy change, and managing relationships with elected officials and regulatory agencies to achieve EverThrive IL’s vision. This position is highly collaborative in nature, requiring close partnership with other EverThrive IL departments and external partners to understand the experiences of community members and service providers and facilitate understanding of proposed/enacted policies and engagement in the policy making process. The Policy and Advocacy Director reports to the Deputy Director of External Affairs and may supervise direct reports in the future.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Government relations and legislative and administrative advocacy

• Lead statewide advocacy initiatives to advance EverThrive IL’s policy priorities and to engage policy makers, agencies, coalitions, and other partners in policy and systems change
• Develop and promote annual policy priorities, contribute to writing and/or negotiating legislative and administrative policy language to advance our goals, and analyze policy proposals related to our priorities
• Identify and cultivate key relationships with elected and appointed officials and staff, serving as the organization’s primary liaison with government officials, including elected and administrative officials at the local, state, and federal levels
• Represent EverThrive IL in Springfield during the legislative session and travel to Washington DC as needed
• Monitor, evaluate, research, and respond to local, state, and federal policy developments and issues, including legislative and regulatory proposals

Strategic Implementation

• Execute a policy and advocacy strategy to advance an agenda aimed at achieving reproductive justice
• Participate in and lead, where appropriate, coalitions that align with EverThrive IL’s policy priorities; build and maintain relationships with strategic partners 
• Facilitate research and dissemination of information on promising and innovative policies aimed at achieving reproductive justice
• Lead or support specific initiatives that advance EverThrive IL’s systems change work, including initiatives that seek to create change in local, state, and federal governments
• Build policy and advocacy knowledge and skills among EverThrive IL staff and Board and keep these groups informed of, and when appropriate engaged in, policy and advocacy work
• Create content to help EverThrive IL partner organizations, members, supporters, funders, staff, and Board understand EverThrive Illinois’ policy goals, process, and outcomes
• Work with the Executive team and other Directors to facilitate collaboration across the organization
• Responsible for creating and monitoring policy and advocacy department budget; Manages and drafts reports for advocacy-related grants, as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in public policy or related field and/or 5 or more years of work experience
• Knowledge of the health care landscape in Illinois, especially Medicaid
• Experience working in leadership role on issues of importance to low-income communities, communities of color, undocumented people, and/or LGBTQ communities
• Experience and ease in communicating with high-level policy makers, including those in the legislative and executive branches, opinion leaders, and their staff; experience with statehouse lobbying preferred
• Experienced with public speaking and crafting persuasive arguments
• Demonstrated ability to analyze public policy proposals, including the drafting of legislation and regulatory language
• Experience working within coalitions and collaborating with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly in writing and in oral presentations to a range of audiences
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to conduct business travel throughout the state and country, particularly to Springfield during the state legislative session and Washington to DC as needed

TALENTS AND COMPETENCIES

• Displays insight, creativity, and resourcefulness
• Exhibits vision, passion, and confidence
• Reacts well under pressure; shows ownership and sound judgement in decision-making, including others in the process as appropriate
• Acts in accordance with organization mission, vision, and values
• Thinks both big picture and process
• Understands audience and power dynamics when communicating and tailors communication accordingly
• Not discouraged by ambiguity and able to provide direction
• Champions new ideas and processes
• Gives and welcomes constructive feedback and is open to differing views
• Fosters team cooperation, support for ideas, and group problem solving

EverThrive Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The salary range for this position is $80,000-$90,000 based on experience and qualifications.  You can learn more about EverThrive IL’s culture and benefits on our website. 

While this position is primarily remote, the role requires that the employee reside in Illinois.  The position also includes in-person duties at the State Capitol, attendance at staff/board strategy sessions, trainings, meetings, and events in Illinois, especially the Chicagoland area. Comprehensive health and disability insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off are provided. EverThrive Illinois provides considerable flexibility in schedule and remote work for employees. Please send a resume and cover letter to resume@everthriveil.org. Subject Line: Application for Policy and Advocacy Director. No phone calls please.