Senior Director of State Affairs

ABOUT US

Inseparable is committed to life-changing progress in mental health and substance use care for all Americans. Our resolve to reshape the public policies that govern mental health care takes us deep into states and communities where we see strong potential for change. This same resolve drives our advocacy for federal policies, funding, and leadership.

Launched in May 2020, Inseparable has quickly become a driving advocacy force in the mental health field. We are proud of the unique strategic capabilities and teamwork that have led Inseparable to 57 wins in 20 states since 2022. We are advocates for hope and relentlessly focused on four policy areas: youth mental health, access to care, crisis response, and the mental health workforce.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

We are looking for a creative, knowledgeable, and passionate Senior Director of State Affairs to help drive planning and implementation of state campaigns to advance our policy priorities. This role will work closely with and manage in-state lobbyists, develop relationships with key lawmakers, state agencies, and community partners and stakeholders, and facilitate connections with national subject matter experts and organizations to advance priority budget opportunities and legislation. This role will project manage Inseparable’s work in a number of states, provide internal and external updates, track progress, and assist with development of testimony, calls-to-action, and other means to educate and persuade on policy issues. An ideal candidate has not only political and campaign strategy acumen but also an understanding of the policy dynamics that underpin legislative tactics, negotiation, and broad strategy.

This role will be an integral part of the Inseparable policy and advocacy team and will report to Inseparable’s Chief Advocacy Officer. We will consider remote work for this position. Our organization is deeply committed to creating an inclusive work environment and encourages diverse candidates to apply, including those with lived experience with mental health conditions.

The starting salary for this role is $120,000 – $140,000, commensurate with experience. We offer a competitive benefits package, including a full suite of health and wellness benefits at no cost to the employee, the opportunity to participate in a 401k plan (with an employer match), and paid time off.

Job Type: Full-time

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive planning and implementation of state campaigns to advance policy goals in collaboration with other members of the advocacy team.
• Actively manage in-state lobbyists in assigned states.
• Cultivate and deepen relationships with legislators, state officials, and key stakeholders, including Inseparable’s State Mental Health Caucus members.
• Provide policy assistance to state and local policymakers by identifying policy gaps and opportunities, reviewing the policy agenda, and offering sample legislation.
• Identify advocacy needs and work with the Inseparable team to develop policy concepts, bill language, one-pagers, talking points, sign-on letters, and other communications.
• Assist with and serve as the primary point-of-contact with community/youth partner subgrantees and identify opportunities to engage and activate partners to help advance legislation and/or administrative action.
• Provide support for policy-related social media and external communications, including calls-to-action for advocates.
• Provide effective written and oral testimony.
• Provide weekly updates on state campaigns and assist with tracking our activities and progress.
• Participate in relevant advocacy coalitions and Inseparable’s Hopeful Futures Campaign (school mental health).
• Work with lobbyists to identify and analyze introduced legislation and budgets aligned with Inseparable priorities.
• Identify and stay abreast of any key state coalitions, workgroups, task forces related to our priorities in a state.
• Attend national and regional legislative conferences and other policymaker events to enhance Inseparable’s visibility and cultivate relationships.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• 7+ years of experience in state government relations, policy, or advocacy; campaign experience a plus.
• Passionate about advancing state mental health policy; preference for background in mental health, substance use, or health policy.
• Experience in successfully defending/advancing policy priorities in diverse political and policy environments; preference for experience in multiple states.
• Experience in cultivating and/or holds existing relationships with lawmakers, executive branches, and government agencies.
• Experience in developing or effectively engaging coalitions or stakeholder support as a tool to bring specific policy change.
• Ability to manage lobbyists remotely in multiple states.
• Excellent writing skills, including testimony, memos, talking points, and one-pagers.
• Can organize, express, and communicate ideas in a clear, succinct, accurate, and convincing manner through a variety of communication settings and styles.
• Ability to create project management schedules and plans.
• Capable of working effectively independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, and deadline-driven environment.
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent in work experience) is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person holding this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Inseparable reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary.

How to Apply

Please email [email protected], with a copy of your resume and a cover letter. Please include “Senior Director of State Affairs” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is February 7, 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Inseparable is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit qualified candidates without regard to age, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, race or color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our organization is deeply committed to creating an inclusive work environment and encourages all to apply, including those with lived experience with mental health conditions.