Environmental Health Policy Lead

Job Title: Environmental Health Policy Lead

Position Summary:

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Environmental Health Policy Lead position. The Foundation is a global leader in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research and advocacy, committed to driving policy change that improves lives and advances understanding of the disease. Recognizing that environmental exposures play a critical role in the development of PD and other neurodegenerative conditions, the Foundation is expanding its focus on environmental health policy at both the federal and state levels.

We are seeking a mission-driven Environmental Health Policy Lead to develop and lead a comprehensive policy and advocacy agenda aimed at reducing environmental risk factors linked to PD. This individual will serve as the Foundation’s lead strategist and registered federal lobbyist, actively engaging with lawmakers, regulatory agencies, and public health stakeholders across all 50 states and at the national level.

Reporting to the Chief Policy & Government Affairs Officer, this position will drive policy development, coalition building, and government relations that address chemical safety, pollution, occupational exposures, and broader environmental health protections—all with a focus on real-world impact for people at risk for or living with PD.

This position must be based in the greater Washington D.C. metro area, with the ability to travel to the Foundation’s New York office and all 50 states on an as-needed basis.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Policy Strategy & Leadership: Develop and execute the Foundation’s environmental health policy platform to address preventable environmental risk factors contributing to PD. Monitor and respond to legislative, regulatory, and scientific developments in environmental health and public health policy. Propose and advance evidence-based policy solutions, emphasizing prevention, environmental justice, and public health investment

• Federal & State Legislative Affairs: Serve as a registered federal lobbyist and maintain active compliance to lobby in all 50 states as needed. Build and maintain relationships with members of Congress, federal agencies (EPA, NIH, CDC, ATSDR, FDA, VA), and state legislators and governors. Draft legislative proposals, policy briefs, testimony, and official correspondence related to chemical regulations, pollution control, and environmental safety. Advocate for increased funding, transparency, and accountability in environmental health protections.

• Regulatory & Agency Engagement: Guide the Foundation’s engagement with federal and state regulatory bodies on toxics, air and water quality, and occupational exposure rules. Draft public comments and coordinate expert input on regulatory actions affecting PD risk. Identify opportunities for interagency collaboration (e.g., EPA-NIH partnerships) to advance environmental health research and data sharing.

• Scientific & Coalition Engagement: Collaborate with the Foundation’s Research team, partner organizations, and scientific advisors to translate emerging evidence into policy recommendations. Represent the Foundation in national and regional coalitions focused on environmental health, disease prevention, and environmental justice. Partner with universities, think tanks, and community-based organizations to support research-informed advocacy.

• Public Engagement & Advocacy: Work with Director of Policy Advocacy to build and support a community advocacy infrastructure around environmental health and PD risk. Train and mobilize patients, caregivers, and researchers to advocate at state and federal levels. Contribute to public education efforts and help shape the Foundation’s communications around environmental exposure risks and prevention.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MPH, MPP, JD, MS) is strongly preferred
• Must be a registered federal lobbyist (or willing to register as a federal lobbyist) with demonstrated ability and willingness to lobby across all 50 states
• Proven experience in environmental health policy, public health, or government affairs, with significant work in both legislative and regulatory environments
• Deep knowledge of relevant federal laws and regulations (e.g., TSCA, FIFRA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act)
• Proven track record of direct engagement with federal and/or state legislators and agencies on public health or environmental issues
• Exceptional writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical capabilities and comfort interpreting complex scientific and regulatory material
• Highly self-directed, strategic thinker with experience leading cross-functional initiatives
• Passion for improving lives through science-based policy change and public engagement
• Ability to establish and communicate long term plans and refine planning based on multiple and fluid stakeholder feedback
• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills evidenced in part through successful presentations
• Familiarity with the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act and federal public health strategy is preferred
• Experience working on or with Capitol Hill, federal agencies, or national advocacy coalitions is preferred
• Background in environmental justice, occupational health, or community-based environmental initiatives is preferred

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $135,000 - $160,000. In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15 options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
• Competitive dental and vision plans
• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer paid life and disability insurance
• 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4
• Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work. We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.

About Us:

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, the Foundation has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.

Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information.

Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.