Edinburg, TX- Final Office Site Coming Soon

Position Summary

The Community Policy & Advocacy Specialist serves as a key regional representative of Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) within the organization's service area. This role supports public policy initiatives and community-based advocacy efforts by building relationships with local elected officials, community leaders, and organizations to strengthen advocacy capacity, co-create policy solutions, and increase engagement around health equity and non-medical drivers of health.

Working collaboratively with the Policy & Advocacy Department, the Specialist identifies local and regional challenges, conducts research to inform policy priorities, and serves as a connector between MHM, community stakeholders, and decision-makers. The position requires strong communication, relationship-building, and analytical skills to effectively advance policy and advocacy initiatives aligned with MHM's mission.

Salary

Annual salary rate begins at $66, 079. Mid range at $84, 251. Actual starting rate will be commensurate with experience and education.

Scope and Impact

This position plays a critical role in advancing MHM's local and regional public policy and advocacy strategy by elevating community voices and translating local insights into actionable policy recommendations. Through strategic engagement and research, the Specialist strengthens community partnerships and supports equitable policy solutions that improve access to care and address systemic barriers to health.

Decision-Making Authority

Operates under general supervision, exercising discretion and sound judgment in managing community relationships, organizing advocacy activities, and identifying local issues that impact policy priorities. Provides input on policy recommendations and local engagement strategies.

Interactions / Working Relationships

The Specialist interacts regularly with local elected officials, councils of government, community-based organizations, faith leaders, schools, nonprofits, and internal MHM teams. Collaborates with the Policy & Advocacy Department to ensure alignment of local activities with regional and state-level priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a regional liaison for MHM's policy and advocacy initiatives, strengthening relationships with community-based organizations, coalitions, and local leaders.
• Engage local councils of government and community organizations to assess regional needs and identify barriers to health and access to care.
• Support the implementation of advocacy programs, including training sessions and grassroots mobilization efforts.
• Represent MHM and the needs of local communities in forums, public meetings, and collaborative networks.
• Build and maintain relationships with local elected officials, serving as a trusted resource to champion public policy initiatives aligned with MHM priorities.
• Support bold local initiatives through advocacy, coordination, and resource development to advance identified policy goals.
• Convene partners and stakeholders in community forums to promote dialogue and visibility around key public policy issues.
• Contract and Partner Management
• Maintain collaborative relationships with advocacy partners, providing local insights to support program alignment and impact.
• Serve as the regional liaison to contracted advocacy partners, offering feedback on capacity building and technical assistance needs.
• Monitor partner deliverables, identify gaps, and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Conduct community-based research to identify regional challenges, disparities, and opportunities related to MHM's policy agenda.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to translate data insights into actionable policy recommendations.
• Develop summaries, briefs, and presentations that communicate key findings to policymakers and partners.
• Support education and awareness efforts to build local advocacy capacity and understanding of health equity and public policy issues.
• Serve as a regional policy resource for community stakeholders and MHM staff, supporting local engagement and advocacy initiatives.
• Coordinate with internal departments to increase understanding of public policy priorities and advocacy efforts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local partners, including elected officials, community leaders, faith organizations, schools, and nonprofits.
• Represent MHM in public settings, clearly articulating the organization's policy goals and commitment to improving community health.
• Support development of regional messaging and communications for policy-related events and initiatives.
• Provide community-level insights that inform MHM's broader policy and advocacy strategy.
• Identify local risks, barriers, and opportunities that impact the effectiveness of policy implementation and health equity outcomes.
• Document and communicate emerging local trends to help shape organizational strategy.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the Policy & Advocacy Department and regional activities.

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities but may provide regional leadership through coordination of local advocacy and partnership efforts.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Associate's degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Education, Social/Behavioral, Education, or Government-related field required.
• Licenses/Certifications: None
• Experience: At least one (1) year of experience in public policy and advocacy at local and/or state levels, with an emphasis on public health, local government and community engagement.
• Other Required Skills/Knowledge:
  • Strong understanding of local government operations and community-based advocacy.
  • Ability to conduct research and synthesize findings into policy recommendations.
  • Strong relationship-building and partnership development skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
  • Analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational and time management abilities to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Government, or related field.
• Experience working on public health, community engagement, or equity-focused initiatives.
• Experience supporting underserved or historically marginalized populations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local policy processes and advocacy strategies.
• Proficiency in data gathering, analysis, and report writing.
• Skilled in community outreach and coalition-building.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural competency.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with flexibility and professionalism.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on equity and inclusion.

Language Skills

• Fluent in English required; bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to write clearly for diverse audiences and to present complex policy topics in an accessible, engaging manner.

Technology and Tools

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Ability to generate reports, create presentations, and analyze data.
• Familiarity with internet-based research and communications tools.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily in office, clinic, or community settings, including direct engagement with external stakeholders.

• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking required.
• Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 25 pounds.
• Position may involve bending, reaching, and occasional setup of event materials.
• Must reside within MHM's designated service area.
• Ability to travel regionally up to 50% of the time for community engagements, meetings, and advocacy events.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required based on community events.