Manager, Public Policy

What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation's leading voice on mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Today, we are an alliance of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and a national office who work in communities across the United States to raise awareness, provide support and education, and advocate to address systemic barriers impacting people with mental health conditions. NAMI's Government Relations, Policy and Advocacy team fights discrimination that keeps people from accessing the mental health care they need to get well and stay well. In particular, we work to address inequities and injustices and to promote dignity and inclusion for all people with mental illness and their families. NAMI's policy work spans a wide range of key issues, from fighting for quality of care and insurance coverage to diverting from criminal justice system involvement and addressing social determinants of health.

We currently have an open position for a Manager, Public Policy. The Manager, Public Policy is responsible for monitoring, analyzing and articulating how federal regulatory policy impacts people with mental health conditions and their families. The Manager will do this by drafting NAMI comments on regulatory proposals, representing NAMI at national coalition meetings, and engaging the expertise of internal and external subject matter experts (SMEs), as appropriate. The Manager will also to the development of NAMI's official public policy positions.

This position is based in Arlington, VA (hybrid).

Salary Range: $74,000 - $84,000, depending upon experience

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyzes federal policies and drafts comment letters on proposed federal regulations related to public policy issues impacting people affected by mental health conditions
• Tracks, researches, and analyzes opportunities for NAMI to weigh in on proposed regulations, regulatory changes, and sub-regulatory guidance related to NAMI public policy priorities and provides analysis and recommendations for NAMI's involvement
• Articulates public policy positions in compelling position statements, issue briefs, fact sheets, and other public policy-related documents
• Writes succinct and actionable memoranda, policy tools, presentations, and reports on mental health-related policy issues to engage NAMI partners, NAMI state and local leaders, and other key audiences
• Researches peer-reviewed literature and reports to assess evidence-based strategies related to mental health policy topics
• Supports the development of strategies to promote NAMI public policy priorities and responds to time-sensitive opportunities at the state and federal level
• Works with NAMI's Advocacy and State Affairs colleagues on the Government Relations team to develop public policy resources for NAMI state and NAMI affiliate organizations as necessary
• Develops and sustains strategic relationships with key national and state coalitions and stakeholders on mental health and related public policy priorities
• Where appropriate, engages with federal agency staff and represents NAMI at Administration briefings and events
• Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required; advanced degree preferred
• Three to five years of experience in relevant field, with experience analyzing or engaging in federal regulations
• Knowledge of issues related to mental health public policy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced, team environment and across teams
• Experience in forging collaborative and effective relationships with diverse groups, including national nonprofit organizations, coalitions, and policymakers/staff
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to challenges, using problem-solving and fact-finding skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail
• Must pass background check

Your salary is only one component of the total compensation package. NAMI offers a range of standard and unique benefits that are reviewed annually:

• Generous and comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, Personal, and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health care, dependent care and commuter expenses
• Life Insurance and Disability coverage paid by NAMI
• Flexible Work and Telework programs
• Professional Development Reimbursement program
• A variety of wellness offerings to support team members
• Employee Referral Program
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which provides support for personal and family problems common in contemporary life

NAMI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. NAMI prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information or any other legally protected group status. We also provide reasonable accommodation for candidates with disability.

Salary : $74,000 - $84,000