Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:
•Leads the development of Vinfen’s public policy and government relations strategy.
•Leads the annual process of setting Vinfen’s policy priorities including gathering information from trade associations, Vinfen staff and others on their priorities.
•Monitors legislative and administrative policy at local, state and federal levels.
•Analyzes state and federal budgets and key legislation and provides written and verbal descriptions and responses in clear, concise language.
•Develops documents, presentations that describe in plain language Vinfen’s policy priorities.
•Develops and maintain trusted relationships with key state legislators.
•Provides regular updates and reports to Vinfen leadership on public policy.
•Coordinates the broader efforts of Vinfen staff to track and influence policy.
•Develops coalitions around key legislation.
•Develops policy advocacy training program for Vinfen clients and families.
•Facilitates internal efforts to collect data that can be shared with elected officials.
•Serves as liaison with elected official constituent service staff.
•Responsible for annual registration of lobbyists and biannual lobbyist reports for Massachusetts through Secretary of State
Knowledge and Skills:
•Understanding of the federal, and state government environment related to health care, human services and community mental health
•Deep knowledge of EOHHS, DMH, DDS and MassHealth programs
•Experience tracking and analyzing public policies that impact human services, behavioral health and disability services.
•Experience convening and managing coalitions for policy advocacy.
•Experience in state budget processes and procurements.
•Knowledge related to the interpretation and drafting of regulatory and policy-related materials.
•Ability to communicate effectively with a range of external audiences including leadership, clinical, government and community members.
•Demonstrated experience developing and writing policy documents, testimony and letters
•Confidence and adaptability to tackle complex and unstructured problems.
•Positive attitude and willingness to own all aspects of a project.
•Excellent organizational, analytical, presentation and communication skills.
•Ability to work collaboratively within a matrixed organization.
•High-level analytical capabilities and excellent quantitative skills and attention to salient details.
•Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability and gender issues.