Public Policy Manager (Full-Time, Monday - Friday with flexibility as needed)

Description

Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is a statewide not for profit provider agency that partners with individuals, their families, and the surrounding communities to create environments that support long-term health and wellness. We measure success by our ability to help individuals obtain a safe home, achieve whole health, realize a meaningful purpose, and develop connections in the community. MHC envisions a future where wellbeing is rooted in respect for the condition of being human. Our dedication to this mission is evident through our focus on community education, advocacy, and direct service. 

MHC has an immediate full-time opening (Monday - Friday with flexibility based on position needs) for a Public Policy Manager within the Farmington area. The Public Policy Manager will focus on leading MHC’s advocacy and public policy activities, building relationships, and educating legislators and the general public. This position will report to, and work closely on major public policy initiatives with, the CEO. The Public Policy Manager should have exceptional skills with written and verbal communication, including, but not limited to creating presentations and speaking in front of groups, writing policy briefs, developing advocacy alerts and social media posts, identifying which communication channel should be used for the situation presented, and emitting professionalism, respect, and social awareness while engaging in conversation.

Salary, $60,000 annually. MHC offers a competitive benefits package which includes:

• Medical and Dental (Cost share split 90/10 for individual and 80/20 for family)
• Voluntary Vision
• Company paid Life and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) Retirement plan (company match is $1.00 for every dollar contributed, up to 6%)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan one time contribution of $1000 
• Paid time off (including 11 observed holidays, 2 wellness days, wellness break period, vacation and sick time 

Requirements

You are the right candidate if....

• You are passionate about public policy, advocacy, and about creating a structure that allows for decreasing discrimination that comes from mental health stigma, improving equity, and increasing access to health care.
• You understand or able to learn how CT’s state budget system works and how MHC fits into the social service system.
• You are proficient in understanding how to decipher legislation and its impact on individuals and communities when enacted, as well as policy development from idea to bill.
• You are passionate and adept about leading groups, relationship building, and engaging audiences to champion our cause.
• You care about the details of complicated and nuanced issues, from a policy, business, and relationships perspective.
• You are guided by a personal integrity aligned with serving the values and mission of MHC, despite potential differences that could arise from personal views.
• You have a good entrepreneurial work ethic and a desire to “get the job done.”
• You are able to understand and present complex concepts to various audiences, persuasively and diplomatically.
• You are self-motivated and willing to execute day-to-day tasks independently and with confidence and reliability.
• You are available to travel, as needed, to support agency initiatives.
• You are able to develop and maintain cooperative, professional relationships with individuals, other staff, and community agencies.
• You have exceptional written and verbal communication skills and an ability to speak and deliver presentations in front of large groups.
• You are highly organized with excellent time-management skills and have the ability to prioritize and balance multiple priorities and follow through effectively.
• You are adaptable, responsive, and have the ability to problem-solve.
• You have great interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative environment.
• You are diligent, persistent, and passionate about health equity, policy change, and the importance of a functioning social service system serving its residents.
• You are able to take responsibility with minimal supervision and direction.

The Public Policy Manager responsibilities include:

• Increasing awareness and education on the importance of community-based, recovery-oriented health care.
• Developing and furthering MHC’s public policy priorities that result in legislative wins.
• Actively participating in or leading coalitions and other collaborative efforts across Connecticut.
• Increasing the number of media inquiries, requests for collaboration and support, and new opportunities for MHC.
• Elevating