Policy Manager Job Posting

Family Voices is a family-led organization that transforms systems of care to work better for all children and youth, especially those with special health care needs or disabilities. By putting families at the forefront and centering their leadership and lived expertise, we build a culture that includes everyone and fosters equitable outcomes. 

Summary: Plans, implements, and coordinates federal policy and regulatory activities in support of Family Voices’ programs and its network of Family Voices affiliates and 59 Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2Fs) 

Position Status: Full-time with benefits; FLSA exempt 

Work Location: Remote with periodic travel to Washington, D.C. and other locations.  Dedicated home office working space required. 

Compensation and Benefits:  Starting salary range of $89,000 – $100,125 commensurate with experience.  Family Voices offers paid time off; health, vision, and dental insurance; short- and long-term disability; flex spending plans; and a 401(k) plan with employer contribution. 

Reports to: Director of Strategy and Communications

General Responsibilities and Duties

• Collaborate with program managers to develop strategies and approaches to actualize Family Voices’ mission and strategic plan through public policy.
• Develop an annual policy agenda which outlines the areas of focus and opportunity during a federal legislative session and through administrative advocacy.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to legislative and regulatory communications and proposals of importance to children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families.
• Cultivate strong relationships with select branches of government, the maternal and child health community, advocates, grantees, and other funders.
• Participate in coalitions working on child health and disability issues. Collaborate with organizations to advance child health policy.
• Respond to inquiries from congressional staff, administration officials, and other organizations about issues related to CYSHCN and their families or about Family Voices’ positions on specific proposals or policies.
• Respond to requests to identify family leaders to speak, share policy-related narratives or nominate for federal boards or commissions seeking family advisors.
• Participate on the Board of Directors Policy Committee as a means to advancing Family Voices’ policy agenda.
• Develop presentations, tip sheets, reports, and other materials in collaboration with the communications area.

Family Engagement and Leadership in Systems of Care Technical Assistance to Network of Family-Led Organizations

• Write a monthly plain language e-newsletter on CYSHCN policy-related information from Congress, the Administration and other federal and private organizations.
• Collaborate with staff and consultants to plan and host quarterly child health policy webinars for the national network of Family-to-Family Health Information Centers and Family Voices Affiliate Organizations.
• Collaborate with staff and consultants to gather information, experiences, stories and needs from the network of family-led organizations about matters related to federal policy development, such as challenges with Medicaid programs and the ongoing impact of the pandemic on children and families.
• Collaborate with staff and consultants to provide policy information, analysis and input to the network upon request.
• Advocate for continuous and increased federal funding for the Family-to-Family Health Information program

Policy Analysis and Input for Family Voices Projects and Programs

• Seek and utilize information, experiences, stories and needs from Family Voices’ projects/programs to drive policy work.
• Provide relevant CYSHCN policy-related information tied to advancing Family Voices’ program work. Work with staff to create plain language materials translating complex policy issues into practical implications that can be used in program work.
• Collaborate with program managers to determine cadence for regular policy discussions with program staff.
• Provide policy information, analysis and input upon request from program managers and staff.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required. Law degree or master’s in public health, public policy, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of relevant work experience in a government affairs or related position at the state or national level.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, with special attention to writing in plain language to ensure policy information is accessible to all.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and interest in health equity.
• Understanding of and commitment to systems change.
• Ability to connect narratives of lived experience to inform and drive policy.
• Knowledge about federal health care programs, particularly Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, and how federal health policy translates to state implementation.
• Familiarity with Congress and the agencies within the federal government administering health and related programs, such as Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), Administration for Community Living (ACL), Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Office of Minority Health (OMH), etc.
• Familiarity with health and policy research and data tools. Research and investigative skills that enable quick gathering of information, data, legislation, law/regulations, governmental programs, and other topics as needed.
• Ability to work with policymakers and staff of all ideologies.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, values, and goals of Family Voices.
• Flexibility and a growth mindset.
• Commitment to cultivating trust and building community within our working environment.
• Experience with special health care needs preferred.
• Candidates with intersectional, minoritized identities are strongly encouraged to apply.  

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to apps-policy-manager@familyvoices.org by August 19, 2024. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please do not send private communications.

Family Voices provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, or sexual orientation), parental status, disability status, genetic information (including family medical history), military service, political affiliation, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections apply to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, promotions and training, and career development programs. Consistent with these obligations, Family Voices also provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices.