Manager, Policy and Advocacy

Overview

Respiratory Health Association is a 501(c)3 local lung health charity based in Chicago since 1906. We believe in a future free of lung disease—a world without lung cancer, asthma, or COPD, and with clean air, where everyone breathes easier.

To achieve that goal, we collaborate with researchers in a relentless pursuit of new treatments and cures. We empower adults and children living with lung disease by teaching them skills to manage their health. We work with lawmakers to craft innovative policies that promote healthy communities, reduce tobacco use, protect our environment, and build a more sustainable future.

Manager of Policy and Advocacy (SMPA)

The SMPA works with RHA’s Policy and Programs Team. This role is responsible for oversight of ongoing lung health and environmental policy positions within the organization and actions related to the organizationally expressed policy goals. The SMPA also supports, nurtures, and grows relationships primarily with advocates, but also with coalitions, grasstops and grassroots partners, legislators, and other elected officials.

The SMPA provides support by researching policy initiatives and serving as a resource for collaborators and elected officials at all levels of government. The SMPA develops strategy, evaluates, and researches targets and agency stakeholders to accomplish policy goals with the tools RHA provides. Additionally, this role is responsible for creating and circulating action alerts, updates on policy positions, advocate events, and communication with advocates.

This position requires expertise in fostering relationships, strategy for action and engagement, and knowledge of how to communicate to different audiences with varying levels of exposure to the issue area. It also requires knowledge of coalitions and working groups operating on policy activities at the local, state, and federal levels in line with RHA policy priorities.

The SMPA works with the programs and policy team, including RHA lobbyists, regarding the movement of policy and the appropriation of issue-connected budgetary funds, especially at the state and local levels. Public-facing representation of the organization is a core aspect of the role. As funding and workplan allow, the SMPA may focus on a specific policy area needing attention, while ensuring communication with outreach contacts, RHA events participants, donors, and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

• Become familiar with yearly policy objectives relating to asthma, tobacco, COPD, air quality, environmental concerns, and general lung health objectives at the state and local levels, as well as large federally impactful legislation (e.g., banning of flavored e-cigarettes).
• Regularly communicate with specialized advocacy groups, including Advocacy Champions and Health Professionals for Healthy Lungs.
• Assist individuals connecting with RHA on secondhand smoke issues.
• Prepare and update policy documents for board and advocacy partners.
• Reach out to advocates via email or phone to promote their engagement.
• Maintain relationships with coalitions and related organizations for collaboration and policy advancement.
• Strategize advocacy agendas using specific tactics to achieve policy and advocacy goals.
• Create and circulate action alerts to advocates and partners.
• Develop relationships with elected officials by providing advocate engagement opportunities and lung health information.
• Link advocates, coalitions, partners, and collaborators to external resources.
• Engage regularly with staff from partner organizations and participate in monthly meetings to assess project status and ensure progress toward goals.
• Maintain internal tracking systems for engagement.
• Develop and maintain a database of advocates to ensure statewide coverage.
• Assist with report writing and financial reporting.
• Collaborate regularly with Programs, MarCom, Development, Policy, and Special Events staff.

Requirements

• Minimum of three years of policy/advocacy experience or equivalent.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience as a public spokesperson and advocate, with exceptional communication skills.
• Excellent advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially with other staff and organizations, across the political spectrum.
• Commitment to community organizing and ability to work constructively with grassroots partners.
• Basic knowledge of legislative and administrative processes.
• Ability to analyze and articulate policy concepts and communicate them to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adjust to changing priorities, especially during the state legislative session.

Email [email protected] for more information on how to apply.