Director of Public Policy

Job Description

Director of Public Policy

Come Join Autism Speaks as a Director of Public Policy in our Advocacy department assisting the Senior Director, Policy, and Federal Government Affairs by leading Autism Speaks’ federal advocacy efforts to improve access to services and improve outcomes for autistic people throughout the lifespan by developing and implementing legislation, advancing agency policy, and taking other actions that improve outcomes for autistic individuals and their families.

Note the role is remote/home based but only candidates that reside in the DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia area may be considered

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead Autism Speaks’ federal advocacy efforts to improve access to home and community-based services, education outcomes, increase housing opportunities, and improve employment outcomes for autistic individuals, working closely with the Senior Director, Policy, and Federal Government Affairs to develop and implement policy initiatives.
• Manage a federal policy portfolio focused on home and community-based services, education, employment, and housing, as well as other issue areas as assigned.
• In collaboration with Senior Director, Policy, and Federal Government Affairs, engage in advocacy efforts to increase federal spending on programs affecting autistic individuals.
• Identify federal policymakers whose responsibilities extend to matters within the assigned policy portfolio and develop and maintain relationships with those policymakers as well as prepare and deliver testimony as necessary.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with autism and disability organizations/organizations with similar goals.
• Monitor and track proposed legislation, regulations, and other activities that would affect matters within the assigned policy portfolio.
• Develop and distribute messages to grassroots advocates via social media, email, etc.
• Coordinate and represent Autism Speaks at policy meetings with key federal agencies, colleague advocate organizations, and other government and non-government partners.
• Lead and conduct research on policies relevant to the assigned policy portfolio.
• Coordinate meetings and distribute information among stakeholders, local grassroots advocates, Autism Speaks staff, and relevant policymakers as needed.
• Respond to phone calls, e-mail, and web inquiries on matters within the assigned policy portfolio.
• Create public information materials (including but not limited to policy briefs, website content, social media posts, etc.) that support public policy priorities related to the assigned policy portfolio.
• Represent Autism Speaks at conferences, webinars, and events.
• As needed assist the federal advocacy intern program.
• Work closely with the Federal Government Affairs, State Government Affairs, Grassroots Advocacy, Science, Public Health, Services and Supports, and Marketing and Communications teams.

(The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all inclusive; other duties may be assigned by supervisor/s.)

Key External Relationships:

Autism Speaks’ constituents, congressional offices and staff, executive branch officials and staff; contracted lobbyists; service providers and other autism organizations; and national advocacy organizations.

Position Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Juris Doctor or other advanced degree strongly preferred.

Experience: Five or more years of related policy experience with a strong congressional or federal executive agency (including, but not limited to: Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Housing and Urban Development, or Department of Labor) background. Five to 10 years of professional working experience. Background and accomplishment in disability policy as well as home and community-based services, education, housing, or employment policy strongly preferred.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

• Extremely polished and professional demeanor, excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong ability to research information, dynamic and innovative thinker.
• Comfortable relating to senior executives and volunteer stakeholders.
• Detail oriented, highly organized, with ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team member.
• Solid administrative skills and a high level of proficiency in MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media
• Knowledge of autism and experiences with autistic individuals and their families strongly preferred.
• Flexible and eager to take on additional responsibility as needed.

Core Competencies:

• Building Collaborative Relationships
• Professional Behavior
• Results Driven
• Customer Orientation
• Flexibility

You are responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all Autism Speaks data and information to which you have access.

Apply here: https://autismspeaks.applytojob.com/apply/32P2GHrWim/Director-Public-Policy-DC-Maryland-Northern-VARemote