Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy

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The Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy, in partnership with the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), develops and manages Thresholds' federal, state, and local public policy priorities, advocacy strategies, and government relations activities to improve access to mental health and substance use care, affordable housing, and other essential public services. This position reports directly to the President & CEO; and is part of the agency's C-Suite team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops concrete public policy initiatives in partnership with clinical and program leadership across the agency to advance access to care and affordable housing, address disparities in access to treatment and housing, and to achieve the goals of the agency's strategic plan.
• Develops public policy expertise in mental health and substance use care, Medicaid, affordable housing, homeless outreach services, and budget policy.
• Develops and implements Thresholds' government relations activities at the state, local and federal levels including public policy analysis, grassroots mobilization, lobbying, budget and funding analysis and advocacy, and public education/communications.
• Serves as Thresholds' principal staff on state policy, legislative and budget issues. Directly responsible for all communications with state legislators, and agency officials and staff, including the Governor's office.
• Represents Thresholds at various meetings and forums, and acts as an agency representative with our numerous trade associations and other partners.
• Leads coalition efforts across the state to support Thresholds-led advocacy initiatives, as well as those of our partner organizations.
• Supports the President & CEO interactions with various state agencies; including Illinois Departments of Healthcare and Family Services, Corrections, Human Services, Office of the Governor, and others on mental health-related public policy development and funding.
• Produces public policy-related external communications, including public policy briefs, fact sheets and other materials to support public policy priorities.
• In partnership with the Chief Communications Officer, along with other Thresholds staff, develops and implements grassroots and grasstops engagement and mobilization strategies to improve access to mental health and substance use care, affordable housing, and human services.
• Cultivates strong working relationships with partner organizations, and works to nurture other advocates, including people with lived expertise, across the state.
• Manages outside relationships with lobbyists and consultants.
• Assists with agency-wide activities as needed, including rallies, benefits, campaigns, etc.
• Assists with other related agency activities as directed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Duties & Responsibilities Related

• Overall, travel is required 25% of the time.
• Typically required to travel to Springfield IL during legislative sessions (January-May); or based on specific need.
• Estimated number of trips to Springfield, IL annually is ~10.
• Periodic travel to Washington, DC is also required on an as needed basis.
• Typically, also required to present or share in presenting at local, state and national conferences.
• Occasionally provides agency-based training as needed.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in policy or political science preferred.

Experience

• Five+ (5+) years of experience in a related public policy or government affairs position(s) preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health, civil rights and healthcare policy preferred.
• Public policy familiarity and expertise in mental health and substance use care, affordable housing, homeless outreach services, and budget policy preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with lobbying, grassroots organizing, and statewide government preferred.
• Strong computer skills, including comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office products. May also be required to have knowledge or learn other pertinent software products.

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive Pay: $150,000.00 - $180,000.00
  • Based upon education and experience
• Generous PTO
• Dental insurance, vision insurance, 4 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plans with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Public service loan forgiveness

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency's mission. Click here to learn more.

One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.

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