Director of Advocacy

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Director of Advocacy will lead the organization’s policy and advocacy efforts to influence decision-making that impacts health equity. This role is responsible for shaping the policy agenda, building and managing coalitions, cultivating strategic relationships with policymakers, and mobilizing communities to drive meaningful change. This role will operate under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and according to The Health Trust’s (THT) general policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead development and execution of a strategic advocacy agenda focused on health equity, and social determinants of health.
• Develop and execute a strategic plan to expand THT’s civic engagement infrastructure, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and policy priorities.
• Build and strengthen Health Equity advocacy networks locally and within the state.
• Monitor, analyze, and educate stakeholders on legislation, policies, and regulations that impact health disparities and access to care.
• Represent THT at public forums, advocacy events, and coalition meetings to strengthen partnerships and increase visibility.
• Draft and deliver policy briefs, advocacy alerts, public comments, and position statements to the public, executive leadership, community partners, and the THT board.
• Coordinate grassroots mobilization efforts, including community education, action alerts, and advocacy campaigns.
• Partner with communications and grantmaking departments to develop inclusive messaging strategies that elevate community voices.
• Speak and present at conferences, coalition meetings, partner events, trainings, and more.
• Meticulously monitor legislative initiatives and other outcomes, with a primary focus on the local and state level, to ensure that THT leadership remains well informed.
• Guide the analysis, synthesis, and translation of research findings into actionable and accessible insights via published reports, briefings, presentations and other materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Work, or related field or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relations, ideally with a focus on health equity or social justice.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

Master’s degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Work, or related field.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY

• Deep understanding of the root causes of health disparities and systemic inequities.
• Strong knowledge of public health policy.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus, manage coalitions, and lead effective advocacy campaigns.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex policy issues to a variety of audiences.
• Lived experience with, or deep understanding of, communities disproportionately impacted by health inequities.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse cultures, ages and economic backgrounds in a culturally competent and sensitive manner.
• Self-motivated and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and people skills, with ability to develop productive relationships.
• Ability to model and communicate the mission of The Health Trust and support a culture of empowerment and team support.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY

• Working knowledge of the California Legislature
• Working knowledge of Santa Clara County government
• Working knowledge of San Benito County government

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, and temperature.
• Local travel required, including events outside of standard office hours.
• Car available for daily use with valid driver’s license and automobile insurance as required by the State of California.
• Employment background screening required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the Chief Executive Officer

The Health Trust provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, gender identity or expression, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management may revise the job or require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.