Director of Policy and External Affairs

Director of Policy and External Affairs

CPCQC: Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative

Our Mission

At CPCQC, we are dedicated to ensuring that EVERY pregnant and postpartum person, infant, and family in Colorado has access to safe, equitable, high-quality care. We champion new collaborations, strengthen community connections to care, and lead statewide maternal and infant health quality improvement initiatives.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, CPCQC partners with healthcare facilities, state and federal agencies, community organizations, and families across Colorado and with national organizations to advance best practices and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. We thrive in the space of building, guiding, and negotiating the interface between clinical care and community trust as well as policy design and field implementation.

We work to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity, inform and implement evidence-based policies, and address health disparities in maternal and infant health. Our work is complex, multifaceted, and profoundly important, and we look forward to welcoming a new team member to help increase our impact.

Our Core Values

• Better Together
• Person-Centered
• Action-Oriented
• Joyfully Invested
• Committed to Integrity
• Leveraging Expertise
• Always Learning

Position Description

The Director of Policy and External Affairs leads CPCQC’s statewide policy strategy, regulatory engagement, and public affairs efforts, while overseeing communications and community partnership initiatives that support the organization’s mission. This position leads policy and advocacy efforts, oversees community engagement and outreach programs, directs communications, and manages government relations. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of External Relations works closely with CPCQC’s leadership team, external stakeholders, and collaborative partners to build and strengthen bridges between community and clinical work across the perinatal continuum of care.

This full-time, salaried position operates remotely within Colorado, with quarterly in-person meetings typically in the greater Denver/Boulder Metro area and attendance at forums, governmental and partner events, legislative hearings, and conferences hosted by CPCQC or key partners throughout the state. You must be living or willing to relocate at your own expense to Colorado.

Responsibilities

Policy and Advocacy Leadership

• Lead the development, design, and implementation of policy initiatives that align with CPCQC’s goals and effectively move from legislative action to real-world impact.
• Convene and facilitate policy coalitions or working groups to build consensus and drive coordinated action on maternal and infant health priorities.
• Serve as CPCQC’s policy and advocacy lead, identifying opportunities to advance evidence-based policies that improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce perinatal health disparities.
• Monitor and respond to legislative and regulatory developments impacting maternal and child health and quality improvement at the state and federal levels.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, agencies, and organizations to influence policy and advocate for health equity.
• Develop policy briefs, testimony, and position statements to support CPCQC’s advocacy efforts.

Community Engagement and Outreach Programs

• Design and implement community outreach strategies to strengthen connections with diverse populations and stakeholders across Colorado.
• Lead programs that engage community members and amplify their voices in maternal and infant health initiatives.
• Engage with internal CPCQC teams’ connections to clinical teams to ensure community perspectives inform quality improvement efforts.
• Foster collaborations with community organizations to advance shared goals.

Communications

• Oversee the implementation of the CPCQC external communications strategy, including the organization’s website, social media, newsletters, press releases, and other public-facing materials.
• Serve as a spokesperson and representative for CPCQC at events, conferences, and in the media.
• Assist the communications team as they elevate CPCQC’s profile and impact through thought leadership and storytelling.
• Develop and deliver presentations to diverse audiences about CPCQC’s work and mission.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (required) or master’s degree (preferred) in public policy, public health, law, communications, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in policy, advocacy, or external relations, preferably in the nonprofit or healthcare sector.
• Track record of translating policy into operational or programmatic change within healthcare, public health, or community systems.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing public policy initiatives at the state or federal level, with deep knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes in Colorado.
• Strong people leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire performance, mentor, and guide internal colleagues as well as external collaborators and contractors.
• The desire to be both a Player (doer) and a Coach (leader) in a nimble organization.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with a proven ability to build bridges between community and clinical work.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a virtual team-oriented environment.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $90–$93K annually, based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include unlimited paid time off, paid holidays, employer medical, dental, and vision coverage contributions, and a company 401(k) match.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

CPCQC is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces diverse life experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. CPCQC prohibits discrimination on any legally protected basis.

Learn more here