Group Health Foundation, a groundbreaking 501(c)(4) philanthropic organization committed to shaping and accelerating efforts to improve health and health equity in the State of Washington, seeks a Director, Advocacy and Public Policy to join our growing team.

Fueled by Group Health Cooperative’s legacy and $1.8 billion in funds resulting from the acquisition of the Cooperative by Kaiser Permanente, we have an audacious goal: health equity in Washington State. We believe opportunities for health should be available to everyone, and we are dedicated to partnering with communities across the state to advance a shared vision for a vibrant, healthy future.

We hold equity as a core value and are committed to creating and supporting conditions where people of all communities, especially those experiencing social and economic injustice, can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. We understand the impact of structural and social determinants of health, and recognize the wisdom and strengths that exist in communities, as we look to identify approaches that will foster health throughout the diverse landscape of Washington state.

Cultivating a diverse and inclusive staff and board of directors is essential to our work. Applicants who represent the broad range of diversity and lived experiences in our communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To learn more about our work and values, please visit our website.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director, Advocacy and Public Policy will work in partnership with the CEO, board of directors, community leaders, and funding partners to shape an ambitious advocacy plan to advance health equity in Washington. The Director will identify both existing and innovative opportunities to leverage the Foundation’s status as a 501(c)(4) organization to advance the goals of both statewide and community-led initiatives. The Director will also stay abreast of and participate strategically in systems change work at the regional and national levels.

The Foundation is committed to achieving impact through community-centered efforts, and the Director must have proven leadership and success in engaging and collaborating with individuals, communities, and organizations working to advance equity and social justice. The selected candidate will be a self-starter who is inspired by the mission of the Foundation and the opportunity to work in an open, collaborative culture.

In the coming year, the Foundation anticipates exciting growth and change as we welcome a new CEO, build a highly committed and ambitious program team, engage community leaders across the state, and create the strategies that will translate our bold vision into action. As the inaugural team member leading our policy and advocacy work, the Director will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the goals of the Foundation during a critical period of growth. Interest and passion for building new strategies and systems, growing a team, and working in a rapidly changing environment will be essential for success in this role.

The Director will report to the CEO in the near term but will likely report to someone else on the senior leadership team in the future.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the planning process that will shape the Foundation’s advocacy and policy priorities and strategies, which will be informed by existing state and local advocacy efforts, relevant data, and ongoing input from a diverse representation of community leaders and key stakeholders.
• Cultivate partnerships with community groups, nonprofits, industry groups, tribes, and government entities to collaborate on public policy initiatives that have the potential to improve health and reduce health disparities. Participate with local and statewide coalitions as appropriate.
• Support community organizing and power-building efforts throughout the state to strengthen the network of informed, action-oriented allies in local and regional government, tribes, and partner organizations.
• Advise the CEO, board of directors, and other organizational leaders on the advocacy landscape and implications for the Foundation’s work.
• Educate community and statewide leaders about the Foundation’s mission, programs, and goals. Create and implement an outreach strategy using relevant data and research to support the Foundation’s advocacy and policy priorities.
• Prepare research memos, briefs, reports, and presentations in a variety of formats to engage a diverse range of constituents (e.g., board members, community leaders, partners).
• Hire and mentor direct reports, delegating work effectively and holding team members to a high standard of excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to equity and social justice, and an understanding of the needs of communities across the state.
• Significant experience leading and managing policy and advocacy efforts. Direct experience with health-related advocacy is a plus.
• Solid understanding of the state and local policy and advocacy environment, and strong knowledge of how public policy initiatives can impact outcomes across the state.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with diplomacy, and to work effectively and respectfully with politically, ideologically, culturally, and geographically diverse people and communities.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and coalitions that honor a community or interest group’s own knowledge, expertise, and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to research and analyze complex issues and their targeted impact for key demographics and produce resulting talking points and policy summaries.
• Supervisory experience and a demonstrated ability to develop and lead others.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with demonstrated success managing multiple projects and priorities in a team-based environment.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and contribute to the goals of a dynamic and growing organization.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to be flexible and responsive to evolving priorities.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, combined with the ability to listen effectively and authentically.
• Ability to participate in occasional meetings and events outside of core business hours, and to travel to locations across Washington state (estimated at 10-20% for this position).

COMPENSATION

In addition to a fun and flexible work culture, we attract, retain, and motivate exceptional people with a competitive and equitable compensation package. Salary ranges are set according to an explicit compensation policy, and relevant market data is analyzed when setting ranges for each position. Compensation for this position will be discussed with applicants during the interview process. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision for the employee and dependent children (covered at 90%), a 10% retirement contribution, generous and flexible paid time off, paid parental leave, a fully subsidized transit pass, and support for professional development.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and a cover letter expressing your specific interests through our applicant portal. You will receive an automatic acknowledgement of your application once you submit your materials and can expect monthly updates from the Foundation while the search process is underway.

We will review applications on a rolling basis as they are submitted, with priority given to applications submitted by February 20, 2018. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. If the position is visible on our website, it remains open.

Thanks for your interest in being a part of Group Health Foundation!