Policy Director

Job Title: Policy Director
Location: Durham, NC, (Hybrid schedule with possible on-site work or travel monthly)
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Chief Program Officer
Pay Band: $80,000-95,000
Benefits: Learn about Family Connects International Benefits Package

Background:

Family Connects International (FCI) is an independent 501c3 non-profit, providing training and technical support for the implementation of the evidence-based Family Connects Model, developed at Duke University. Family Connects (FC) is a community- based program supporting new parents in caring for their newborns, offering physical assessments of the postpartum person and infant, addressing questions about caring for a newborn, providing supportive guidance, and helping them access any needed community services or resources.

Occupational Summary:

The Policy Director leads and oversees FCI’s policy and advocacy initiatives at the local, state, and national levels. This individual develops and implements strategies to influence public policy, identify sustainable funding streams, and advance FCI’s mission. The Policy Director collaborates with stakeholders, including members of the Family Connects network of partners, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders, to promote evidence-based policies that support families with newborns. The Policy Director plays a critical leadership role in advancing Family Connects International’s mission by shaping and influencing public policy regarding maternal and child health and family support services. This will include advocating for sustainable funds for program start-up, expansion, and ongoing operations. The role also includes building strategic partnerships with government agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders. This position reports to the Chief Program Officer.

Key Deliverables:

• Policy Development and Advocacy:
  • Lead the development and execution of FCI’s policy agenda, focusing on issues related to maternal and child health, early childhood development, and systems of family support.
  • Monitor and analyze relevant legislation at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Advocate for policies that align with FCI’s mission and community partner priorities by engaging with lawmakers, government agencies, and advocacy organizations and supporting our network in their advocacy efforts.
  • Prepare one-pagers, policy briefs, and presentations to communicate FCI’s positions to various audiences
  • Build advocacy tools and develop and deliver training for FCI’s network of partners across the country.

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and implement a strategic plan for policy and advocacy efforts, aligning with FCI’s overall mission and goals.
  • Represent FCI in coalitions, working groups, and at conferences, ensuring that the organization is a leading voice in policy discussions.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Build and maintain relationships with community partners, state leaders, policymakers, healthcare providers, non-profits, and community organizations.
  • Collaborate with partners to design and implement initiatives that support FCI’s policy goals.
• Resource Development:
  • Identify and pursue/support our partners to pursue funding opportunities.

Required Qualifications:

• Education/Training:
  • Advanced degree in public policy, public health, social work, law, or a related field or equivalent work experience.
  • Ability to attend on-site meetings 1-2 times each month. Additional on-site days and travel as determined by supervisor and/or leadership.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in policy development, advocacy, or a related field, with a focus on maternal and child health, early childhood development, or family support.
  • Proven record of influencing public policy and securing funding at the local, state, and national levels.
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of the policy landscape related to maternal and child health, early childhood development, and family support.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable policy initiatives.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Physical Requirements:

• Extended sitting (up to 8 hours per day).
• Keyboarding
• Ability to work in different (changing) locations.
• Ability to perform duties in an active environment with changes in climate and noise level.
• Ability to travel in air, train, and car.

To Apply:
Please send all resumes and letters of intent to careers@familyconnects.org. In the subject line of your email, include “Policy Director Position”.

At Family Connects International, great ideas are generated by interdisciplinary teams. We support a collaborative environment and value teammates with different ideas, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that having a diverse team makes FCI a more innovative and impactful place to work, and we strive to make FCI a welcoming and inclusive place for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. FCI is an equal opportunity employer, and we strongly encourage people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities to apply.