Public Affairs Manager

POSITION TITLE:

Public Affairs Manager

DEPARTMENT:

Marketing

REPORTS TO TITLE:

Chief Development Officer

LOCATION:

Napa, CA (must be able to travel to different sites)

SCHEDULE:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours a week full-time

DLSE/FLSA STATUS: ()

_X__Exempt/Salaried position

____Nonexempt/Hourly position

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES (does this position have direct reports):

NO

About CommuniCare OLE 

Established in 2023, CommuniCare OLE is the result of a union of two health centers with a deep roots in their respective communities and reputations for providing high-quality primary care to all, regardless of insurance or ability to pay: OLE Health of Napa and Solano Counties and CommuniCare Health Centers of Yolo County. Building on a legacy established by both organizations in 1972, CommuniCare OLE is a network of federally-qualified health centers with 17 sites across Napa, Solano, and Yolo Counties. It offers comprehensive care, including medical, dental, behavioral health and substance use treatment, nutrition, optometry, pharmacy, care coordination, referrals, and enrollment assistance to more than 70,000 individuals, and no one is turned away due to lack of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay. Many services are offered outside of its sites, including mobile health, home visiting, and community and school-based programs. 

BENEFITS 

• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage 
  • Employer covers 90% of employee medical, dental and vision premium and 50% of dependent premium 
• 18 days of PTO (Vacation & Sick)
• 10 Paid Holidays 1 Float Holiday 
• 2% employer match with employee 4% Contribution 403(b) retirement plan 
• Tuition Reimbursement of up to $2,000 per Calendar Year for part-time and full-time employees (prorated per Full-Time Equivalent) 
• Life & Accidental Insurance Coverage 
• Employer contribution for Health Savings Account

JOB SUMMARY/OVERVIEW: (summarize purpose/overview of this job):

The Public Affairs Manager is a strategic, advocacy-driven role responsible for advancing CommuniCare OLE’s mission through public relations, government affairs, and policy engagement. This position elevates the organization’s voice with policymakers, media, and community partners, with a strong focus on protecting and expanding public funding, shaping healthcare policy, and advocating for the communities we serve.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in public relations and government affairs—ideally within healthcare or a mission-driven environment—and brings cultural humility, political savvy, and a deep commitment to health equity. Experience working with Latino/Hispanic communities and multilingual or cultural competency skills are highly valued.

1. Education: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communications, Public Administration or other relevant field desired, or comparable experience required.

1. Experience/Lived Experience: 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public relations, communications, government affairs, or public policy.
• Experience in healthcare, public health, government, or a mission-driven organization strongly preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills (Spanish highly desirable).

1. Special Skills/Training: 

• Demonstrated success working with policymakers and managing media relationships.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to translate complex healthcare and policy issues into clear, compelling messages.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in the healthcare safety net, FQHCs, or community-based organizations.
• Experience working with all levels within a mid- to large-size organization.
• Experience working with diverse populations, particularly Latino/Hispanic communities.
• Knowledge of California and federal healthcare policy and funding environments.

Key Responsibilities and Competencies

1. 1

Proficient in multiple software and database systems, including Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively

Maintains a high level of professionalism; performs effectively in fast-paced environments, responds well under pressure, treats others with respect, takes accountability and follows through on commitments.

Demonstrated commitment to delivering excellent customer service, is collaborative, adaptable and action-oriented

Maintains strong relationships with internal staff, vendors, community members, and colleagues through courteous and clear communication.

Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competency, particularly when engaging Latino/Hispanic communities. Support bilingual or culturally tailored communications when appropriate

Advocacy and Government Affairs

1. 1.

Lead and coordinate advocacy strategies that support FQHC sustainability, healthcare access, and health equity at the local, state, and federal levels.

1. 2.

Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, government agencies, Chambers of Commerce, legislative staff, and policy influencers.

1. 3.

Support the CEO with tracking, analyzing, and responding to legislation, regulations, and policy developments impacting community health centers.

1. 4.

Organize and support legislative visits, site tours, briefings, coalition work, and advocacy campaigns.

1. 5.

Draft policy briefs, testimony, fact sheets, and advocacy communications that clearly articulate CommuniCare OLE’s impact and policy priorities.

1. 6.

Coordinate with Outreach, Enrollment and other internal teams on advocacy campaigns

Public and Media Relations

1. 7.

Develop and execute proactive public relations campaigns that raise awareness of CommuniCare OLE’s role in the overall eco-system in the communities we serve.

1. 8.

Serve as primary media contact; pitch stories and manage relationships with local, regional, and healthcare media.

Maintains and updates contact records in the CRM, including campaign tagging and data integrity.

1. 9.

Write and edit press releases, statements, op-eds, talking points, and messaging for executives, board members and clinicians. 

Prepare organizational leaders for media interviews, public speaking, and advocacy engagements.

Curate and create quarterly newsletters that elevate patient and community stories in an ethical, respectful, and culturally appropriate way.

Identify, track and submit for awards and speaking opportunities. 

Support crisis communications and rapid-response advocacy as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.