Position Summary

The Director of State Policy & Advocacy provides senior-level leadership for Methodist Healthcare Ministries' state and local public policy and advocacy efforts. This role leads strategy development, research, coalition-building, and program execution to advance health equity and address systemic inequities impacting underserved communities across Texas.

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

• Leads statewide and local policy and advocacy strategy aligned with MHM's mission and health equity framework
• Oversees state legislative agenda, advocacy initiatives, research, communications, and community engagement
• Manages a portfolio of advocacy contracts, funded partners, and program-related budgets
• Directly supervises staff and influences cross-functional and executive-level decision-making
• Engages with policymakers, community leaders, coalition partners, and senior stakeholders

Decision-Making Authority

Exercises significant independent judgment in setting advocacy strategy, policy priorities, research direction, and operational processes. Makes recommendations to and collaborates closely with the Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, while independently leading execution, partner selection, contract oversight, and team management.

Interactions / Working Relationships

• Internal: Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, executive leadership, program teams, communications staff, and Board members (frequent)
• External: State and local policymakers, advocacy coalitions, community organizations, funded partners, grassroots and grasstops leaders, and external consultants (frequent)
• Convenes executive-level stakeholders and cross-sector partners as needed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of state and local policy priorities and initiatives, assessing impact on MHM and the populations served and developing strategic responses (20%)
• Oversee development of the state legislative agenda and creation of advocacy materials including policy briefs, white papers, fact sheets, testimony, presentations, advocacy alerts, and coalition letters (15%)
• Build and manage coalitions and community partnerships to strengthen grassroots and grasstops advocacy efforts (15%)
• Direct contract management for advocacy partners, including negotiation, monitoring, budget oversight, deliverables, and compliance with change control guidelines (15%)
• Lead program definition, research, education, and implementation aligned with public policy priorities and best practices (15%)
• Oversee reporting and tracking of federal and state advocacy and lobbying activities to ensure legal and regulatory compliance (10%)
• Establish and maintain operational excellence through process improvement, performance monitoring, risk identification, and contribution to Quarterly Performance Reviews (QPRs) (10%)

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

• Directly supervises departmental staff
• Responsible for hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance evaluations, goal-setting, and professional development
• Oversees work planning, scheduling, timesheet approval, and compliance with organizational policies
• Develops future leaders and fosters a high-performing, collaborative team culture

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 8 years of experience in public policy and advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels
  • Minimum of 4 years of supervisory or people-management experience
• Other Required Skills/Knowledge:
  • Strong strategic, analytical, organizational, and change-management skills
  • Demonstrated ability to convene and lead cross-functional and cross-sector initiatives
  • Proven ability to engage senior leaders, board members, policymakers, and community stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience focused on state healthcare delivery systems, public health, or related policy areas
• Experience working on behalf of underserved populations or addressing health disparities
• Experience in strategic planning, program evaluation, and building multi-sector coalitions
• Spanish bilingual proficiency

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strategic leadership and decision-making
• Policy analysis and applied research
• Coalition-building and partnership management
• Change management and operational excellence
• Advanced communication, facilitation, and presentation skills
• Team development, coaching, and performance management
• Ability to apply a health equity lens across all policy and advocacy efforts

Language Skills

• Fluent in English (required)
• Spanish bilingual preferred

Technology and Tools

• Microsoft Office Suite (advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Internet-based research and policy tracking tools
• Data analysis, reporting, and presentation tools

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work setting: Office-based with frequent community, coalition, and legislative environments
• Travel expectations: Up to 50%, including significant travel during biennial Texas Legislative Sessions; evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
  • Physical requirements:
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move for extended periods
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds