Program Director

The Program Director will be responsible for managing day to day grant project, maintaining an ambitious advocacy plan informed by active research in the field to advance health equity for individuals with mental illness.  Primary responsibilities include soliciting strategic input for mental health advocacy, impact the direction and resource allocation for programs, projects or services; works within general functional policies and industry guidelines

Salary Range: $40,000 - $45,000 There are no employee health benefits associated with this position.

The Program Director is supervised by the Executive Director and collaborates with MHA of GA team and Board of Directors. This is a manager level role therefore candidates must carry out most assignments typical of the profession. This level would be considered a promotional level and attainable by any incumbents in a work group who demonstrate the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Mental Health Academy Training Program

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and lead activities of the Mental Health Academy (MHA) Program to ensure that goals, objectives and all elements are accomplished within the prescribed time frame and funding parameters
•  Establish work plan and staffing for each phase of project, and arrange for assignment of project personnel;  Responsible for supervision of all contractors, consultants and serve as point of contact and all planning/administrative staff assigned to the Project to ensure it is on schedule and within budget;
• Review status reports prepared by project personnel and modify training schedules or plans as required. Prepare and review project reports for presentation to MHAG leadership; Coordinate activities with advisory committee and community officials;
• Responsible for overall quality and management of the MHA program; Supervise training delivery, assess community needs; Recognize and solve potential problems and evaluate program effectiveness;
• Provide program content expertise, which will include delivering public presentations about the program; Network with local, regional, state and national agencies; educational institutions; non- profit organizations; and private sector business interests for future program development.

Policy, Advocacy and Research

• Represent MHA of GA and present on policy issues at local, state and national meetings along with other members of the organization
• Develop strong relationships and work collaboratively with community groups, nonprofits, industry groups, and government entities to collaborate on health disparity public policy initiatives developing effective strategies and tactics in response to time-sensitive policy issues and opportunities
• Contribute to the planning process that will shape the organization advocacy and policy priorities and strategies, which will be informed by existing state and local advocacy efforts, relevant data, research projects, and ongoing input from a diverse representation of community leaders and key stakeholders.
• Educate community and statewide leaders about the organization mission, programs, and goals. Create and implement an outreach strategy using research driven data to support the organization advocacy and policy priorities.
• Support community organizing efforts throughout the state to strengthen the network of informed, action-oriented allies in local and state governments, and partner with organizations to improve the health and wellbeing of Georgians.
• Serve as an expert consultant to media, elected officials, and other leaders on mental health policy issues
• Identify innovative research opportunities and lead MHA of GA team to streamline projects that will produce reports relevant to clinical, statewide, and national mental health issues
• Lead research and analysis of federal and state legislation and regulations to inform policy positions and priorities, especially health care coverage
• Prepare issue briefs, position statements, reports, and presentations in a variety of formats to engage a diverse range of constituents (e.g., board members, community leaders, legislators, partners, philanthropists)
• Advise Executive Leadership, Public Policy Committee and community leaders on the advocacy landscape and implications for the Center’s work

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

• Interest about the health needs of vulnerable populations (e.g., mental health, homeless, etc.)
• Knowledgeable about mental health and/or substance abuse
• Knowledge of mental health systems, government agencies, advocacy groups and civic leadership
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with diplomacy, and to work effectively and respectfully with politically, ideologically, culturally, and geographically diverse people and communities
• Experience working in policy and advocacy for an entity
• Experience in Research preferred
• Strong and effective oral, written, graphic, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organization and planning skills.
• Ability to organize and work well with a diverse group of staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work in a team environment and to work independently.
• Success at managing a wide array of tasks and projects and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, and various Social Media platforms.
• Basic understanding of urban design and graphic design.
• Must be able to work non-traditional hours (nights and weekends) as needed