Director of Policy and Access

Organization: Founded in 2002, Georgia Watch envisions a future of equity and justice for all Georgia consumers. Georgia Watch focuses on the issues we know have a significant impact on consumers’ economic security and quality of life. We endeavor to close opportunity gaps, reduce health disparities, and protect consumers’ hard-earned income.

Position Overview: Statewide consumer advocacy organization Georgia Watch seeks a confident and passionate public policy professional to serve as Director of Policy and Access. The Director will work to ensure access to healthcare to improve the health and financial well-being of all Georgians, particularly low income and people of color. The Director of Policy and Access will steer organizational activities tackling social determinants of health (housing, financial stability, etc.) and barriers to healthcare (affordability, medical debt, etc.) that contribute to health inequities. The Director will assume leadership of the Community Healthy Worker (CHW) Advocacy Coalition and team-based projects aimed at supporting and facilitating community-based leadership to address inequities. As part of this work, the individual will produce a range of policy and consumer-facing materials, nurture and develop our national and statewide partnerships, and serve as a leading voice on health equity in Georgia.

Specifically, the individual will: • Lead Georgia Watch’s ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at empowering Community Health Workers (CHWs), growing the CHW workforce, reducing medical debt, and increasing billing transparency. • Lead the development of research-based policy briefs and factsheets addressing a range of health equity issues, including healthcare affordability, hospital accountability, and value of CHWs. • Develop consumer-facing educational campaigns and materials to support ongoing projects and increase the general public’s knowledge and awareness of consumer protection issues. • Represent Georgia Watch in a range of coalition activities, attending conferences, and making policy presentations to community groups to build grassroots support for greater consumer protections and equitable policies. • Help maintain strong partnerships with government agencies, community-based organizations, professional associations, policymakers, legislators, academic partners, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders. • Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and reports that accompany projects. • Supervise student interns to ensure their skills and expertise are efficiently utilized to advance organizational goals and satisfy internship requirements.

General Responsibilities, as needed: • Respond to consumers who contact Georgia Watch for help by directing them to resources and making necessary referrals. • Coordinate volunteers for specific projects. • Assist with development of marketing and communications associated with organization’s activities. • Contribute to all social media and online outreach, including Georgia Watch’s blog and newsletter. • Support Georgia Watch’s other coalition-based advocacy efforts, such as the Georgia Financial Protection Coalition and Georgia Identity Theft and Cybercrime Coalition. • Work with staff to coordinate annual Consumer Champion Award Celebration and other special events and meetings. • Support the team in completing additional tasks related to day-to-day organizational functioning.

Qualifications: The Director of Policy and Access should be committed to Georgia Watch’s vision and mission. We’re looking for individuals with a track record of academic success and proven leadership ability. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree (J.D. or master’s degree in social work, public administration, public health, or a related field a plus), and preferably 2 years relevant professional experience. Ideal candidates will demonstrate knowledge, experience, and interest in racial justice and health equity, as well as other consumer protection issues including housing, energy, financial protection, and access to civil justice. Familiarity with public speaking, advocacy campaigns, and/or grassroots political organizing is a plus.

Required Skills and Traits: • Outstanding multitasking and time management skills with the ability to work remotely—must be able to manage and work on multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and prioritize work as necessary. • Flexibility and capability to work well independently, as well as part of a team, in an entrepreneurial environment. • Ability to interpret, explain, and apply applicable policies, laws, rules, and/or regulations. • High attention to detail. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience writing policy research papers. • Ability to connect with a wide cross-section of people, including consumers, policymakers, advocates, and other professionals. • Skilled in using software for the creation of project management tools, educational resources, reports, and presentations. • Previous experience writing grant proposals and grant reports a plus. • Some state and local travel required. Salary Range: Salary is based on experience.

Application Procedure/Deadline: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample by email to Executive Director Liz Coyle at lcoyle@georgiawatch.org. The posting will be open until the position is filled. Georgia Watch is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and select the most qualified candidates to fill job openings. We actively seek individuals who expand the diversity of the Georgia Watch team.