Director, Policy & Advocacy

Director of Policy & Advocacy

The NYS Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare represents the interests of 150 community-based mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction organizations serving children, youth, families, and adults across the state. For over a decade the NYS Council has led the fight to expand access to care for New Yorkers seeking care through New York’s public mental hygiene system. Our outcomes are impressive and far reaching.

The Council’s new Center for Insurance and Reimbursement Reform will increase our capacity to lead successful advocacy campaigns that promote timely access to care in local communities across NY.

Responsibilities:

-Implement our ambitious 2025 state policy agenda.

-Advance our budget and policy priorities in advocacy meetings with lawmakers, state agency leaders, regulators and the executive branch.

-Lead advocacy campaigns designed to advance our policy goals by bringing together members, relevant coalitions, and other groups which share this mission.

-Represent the NYS Council with advocacy partners, relevant steering committees, and in other venues.

- Facilitate meetings with members to coordinate advocacy activities, including supporting local activities around the State.

-Prepare testimony, policy memoranda, memos of support, and reports as requested.

-Prepare materials to support advocacy campaigns.

-Present to media outlets, professional conferences, and other venues on behalf of our members.

- Prepare lobbying reports and reports for funders.

Qualifications:

-5+ years of experience advocating for the needs of providers to include organizing and implementing successful advocacy campaigns. Preference will be given to those with specific experience advocating for mental health, substance use disorder programs and services through New York’s public mental hygiene system (OASAS, OMH, DoH).

-Ability to analyze state budget proposals, legislation and other fiscal and policy documents/reports.

-Deep understanding of NYS public and private insurance programs to include Medicaid, commercial insurance, etc.

-Experience researching and writing policy memos and delivering testimony, and ease with public speaking.

-Visit member organizations and meet with local officials, facilitate presentations and assist with local advocacy events, as needed.

This is a hybrid position. Some travel is required. Proximity to Albany is preferred.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range between $120,000-140,000 annual.

-35 hours/week however Director can expect some work on weekends & after normal business hours during legislative session.

-Ability to travel throughout the state and (infrequently) to stay overnight.

-Paid vacation, health insurance, holidays, personal days, and sick time as accrued.

-3% employer contribution to SEP IRA/annually after probationary period.

The New York State Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare does not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

Send your resume and a list of 3 references by September 25 to:

Lauri Cole, Executive Director

NYS Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare

911 Central Avenue, P.O. Box #152

Albany, NY 12206