Public Policy Director

The right person for this job is a strong thought partner and writer, knowledgeable about governmental processes, and driven to understand and improve statewide policy to help individuals with autism be safe, healthy, and happy. They will be joining a well-established and effective team that includes government affairs counsel and colleagues who make Autism New Jersey a great place to work.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Public Policy Director is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the agency's public policy initiatives.

QualificationsExperience of increasing responsibility in government service, human services, special education, or a related fieldExperience analyzing and interpreting legislative and regulatory languageExperience building relationships with both public policy and autism community stakeholders across the political spectrumKnowledge of legislative and administrative processesKnowledge of autism, effective treatment, and privately and publicly funded service delivery systems

Responsibilities

Public Policy AgendaInfluence social and fiscal policy in priority areas to improve the lives of individuals with autism, their families and the professionals who support themDevelop, implement, and evaluate a robust policy agenda that includes broad goals, specific objectives, estimated timelines, and resources neededLead the cultivation of powerful relationships with key policymakers and influencers in TrentonProvide reliable and timely analysis and strategic guidance to shape legislation and regulationInform, strategize with, and evaluate the agency’s government affairs counselCooperatively work with the greater autism community (e.g., parents, professionals, agency partners and members, board members, sister agencies) to achieve tangible progress in priority areas

CommunicationsServe as a spokesperson for public policy initiatives (e.g., deliver testimony, participate in media inquiries)Work collaboratively with the communications team to develop and disseminate information and materials that explain and advance our initiatives to partners, policy makers, the media, and the communityAuthor status reports of advocacy initiatives for internal and external purposes with the intention to increase the autism community’s policy literacy (i.e., the degree to which individuals have the capacity to access and understand basic policy information needed to effectively advocate for change)

Partner EngagementServe as the lead staff person for the agency’s partner organizationsMaintain current relationships and develop new onesHost meetings to inform and engage partners (typically three per year)Communicate agency and policy updates to partners in a timely manner

Planning and New OpportunitiesEngage in strategic and operational planningBuild new strategic partnerships and leverage existing partnerships with political and community leaders, sister agencies, and funding sources

AdministrationMonitor, reconcile, and forecast budget lines in collaboration with the Operations Manager and others as appropriateFile quarterly and annual reports and maintain active registrations with the Election Law Enforcement CommissionIdentify, co-author, and manage policy-related grant opportunitiesCollaborate with staff on special projects such as conferences, fundraising events, autism awareness, etc.Engage in professional development activitiesMaintain all professional standards including ethics and confidentialityCarry out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director