Position Summary

The Director of Federal Policy & Advocacy leads the development and execution of Methodist Healthcare Ministries' (MHM) federal and state policy agenda to advance health equity and improve outcomes for underserved communities. This role oversees public policy strategy, advocacy partnerships, contract management, research, and operational excellence to maximize community impact.

Salary

Annual salary rate begins at $140, 942.00. Mid range at $179, 701.00. Actual starting rate will be commensurate with experience and education.

Scope and Impact

The Director of Federal Policy & Advocacy leads MHM's federal and state advocacy strategy in alignment with the organization's mission and health equity framework. This role has significant impact on advancing systemic policy change that benefits underserved communities across the Rio Texas Conference area. The position oversees a diverse portfolio of funded advocacy partners and related contracts, including budget management, deliverable review, and performance monitoring. The Director is responsible for allocating and overseeing program-related budgets for contracts, events, research, and travel. The role directly supervises departmental staff and represents MHM in high-level engagements with lawmakers, agency representatives, and executive leaders across sectors. The position requires approximately 50% travel, depending on legislative cycles

Decision-Making Authority

The Director exercises substantial independent judgment in analyzing proposed federal and state legislation, determining its impact on MHM and the populations served, and recommending policy positions and strategic responses. This role has authority to develop and execute advocacy strategies, shape the federal legislative agenda, and guide coalition-building efforts. The Director oversees contract negotiation, monitoring, and budget variance management within established organizational guidelines and recommends new strategic partnerships aligned with MHM's mission. Additionally, the role establishes departmental processes, evaluation measures, and operational improvements to ensure effective execution of policy and advocacy priorities.

Interactions / Working Relationships

The Director reports to the Vice President of Policy & Advocacy and directly supervises departmental staff. The role requires regular collaboration with executive leadership, Board members, and cross-functional internal teams to align advocacy strategies with organizational priorities. Externally, the Director maintains frequent interaction with federal and state lawmakers, legislative staff, government agencies, advocacy coalitions, community partners, and other cross-sector stakeholders. The position represents MHM in executive-level convenings and strategic partnerships and must be able to engage confidently and professionally with senior leaders across sectors to advance shared policy goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Public Policy & Advocacy (30%)

• Lead analysis of proposed policy priorities and initiatives; assess impact on MHM and populations served.
• Develop and oversee federal legislative agenda and advocacy materials (policy briefs, white papers, fact sheets, testimony, presentations, stakeholder communications).
• Research and analyze legislative proposals addressing systemic inequities.
• Develop and implement coalition-building strategies (grasstops and grassroots).
• Oversee reporting and tracking of advocacy and lobbying activities to ensure legal compliance.

Contract Management (20%)

• Oversee and manage a portfolio of funded advocacy partners.
• Negotiate, monitor, and review contracts, budgets, and deliverables.
• Support contract management processes and serve as backup when needed.
• Monitor contract budgets and timelines; ensure adherence to change control guidelines.
• Identify and recommend new strategic advocacy partners.

Program Management, Research & Education (25%)

• Lead federal program development, initiation, and execution.
• Convene senior-level stakeholders and executive partners.
• Oversee budget allocation for program-related activities.
• Develop strategic research and educational plans aligned with policy priorities.
• Interpret and translate research findings into actionable insights and educational materials.
• Disseminate research to stakeholders and ensure adherence to document storage protocols.

Communications & Partnerships (15%)

• Develop, edit, and facilitate content across multiple communication channels.
• Ensure adherence to brand and communication standards.
• Utilize social media metrics to inform advocacy strategies.
• Manage communications deliverables within advocacy partner portfolio.

Operational Excellence (10%)

• Establish and maintain streamlined processes, clear roles, and high-quality outputs within the team.
• Develop evaluation measures and contribute to Quarterly Performance Reviews (QPRs).
• Identify operational gaps and risks; recommend improvements.
• Monitor performance metrics to ensure achievement of departmental goals.

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

Directly supervises departmental staff. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, onboarding, developing, and recognizing employees; planning and assigning work; scheduling and approving timesheets; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring compliance with policies and safety standards; addressing employee concerns; and setting and monitoring annual goals.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Master's degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Health Care Administration, or a related social, behavioral, or government field.
• Licenses/Certifications: None required.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in public policy and advocacy at the state and federal levels.
  • Experience in healthcare delivery systems, public health, or related fields.
  • Minimum of four (4) years of supervisory experience.
• Other Required Skills/Knowledge:
  • Strong conceptual, analytical, and organizational skills.
  • Experience in strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Ability to interact professionally with executive leadership and board members.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage contracts, budgets, and performance metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on behalf of underserved populations and addressing health disparities.
• Experience in building cross-sector coalitions and external partnerships.
• Advanced expertise in monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Experience managing complex advocacy campaigns at the federal level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Leadership and team development
• Change management
• Collaboration and relationship-building
• Organizational and time management skills
• Adaptability in dynamic environments

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret health status reports, policy documents, professional journals, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to prepare policy positions, white papers, and presentations.
• Ability to effectively present and respond to questions from diverse audiences.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred but not required.

Technology and Tools

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to develop complex spreadsheets, reports, graphs, and presentations.
• Proficiency with internet research tools and related applications.
• Familiarity with social media analytics tools preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work Setting: Office environment and community settings with regular in-person engagement.
• Travel expectations: Approximately 50% travel required, including overnight stays, depending on legislative sessions. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays required. Must maintain a valid driver's license and auto liability insurance.
• Physical Requirements: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, and turning. Ability to lift and maneuver up to 25 pounds.