CAREER CENTER

Supervisor: Chief Policy Officer  

Location: Washington, D.C.

Position Summary: The Senior Director will direct AFSP’s federal policy staff and carry out our advocacy agenda. This position will enhance AFSP’s advocacy presence in Congress, the Administration and relevant federal agencies.

Responsibilities: 

• Direct federal policy agenda and engage in federal advocacy; make recommendations on organization’s short and long-term advocacy and public policy goals and objectives
• Represent organization at conferences, events, meetings, and webinars; present policy material to expert and layperson audiences to educate, engage, and mobilize action
• Build and maintain relationships with members of Congress and federal agency staff and support the development and delivery of federal advocacy trainings to grassroots network
• Provide staff support for the development of advocacy communications
• Oversee the research and analysis of federal legislation and laws, and support the development of federal advocacy documents, including testimony, fact sheets, and issue papers
• Build coalitions and partnerships with like-minded organizations 
• Oversee the planning and execution of the annual Advocacy Forum
• Direct and manage contracted advocacy/policy consultants in collaboration with Chief Policy Officer
• Contribute to the budget development process annually
• Support the development of advocacy grant funding proposals

Application Instructions: Submit resume and cover letter with a compelling reason why you should be considered for this position. Please include your salary requirements. Applications without cover letters may not be considered.

No phone calls please.

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s in public policy/related field or Law degree preferred 
• 8-10+ years government relations, federal legislative, Capitol Hill, or public policy experience and proven record of accomplishments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of suicide prevention, mental health/health policy issues preferred 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs 
• Ability to think strategically and make decisions weighing potential impact, organizational mission and vision, and budget constraints
• Ability to effectively communicate complex policy issues to decision-makers and advocates, and to mobilize and inspire action
• Comfortable giving formal presentations to large and small audiences, in-person and virtually
• Ability to work collaboratively with and lead coalition work with other organizations
• Ability to manage a team and multiple priorities
• Ability to travel occasionally