Policy Director

Cal Voices is a peer-run, grassroots mental health advocacy agency. As such, this position must be held by an individual with personal lived experience of recovery from a mental health challenge or by someone with lived experience as the primary caretaker of an adult, youth, or child with complex mental or behavioral health needs. Candidates must possess a demonstrated understanding of California’s Public Mental Health System (PMHS), the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), Medicaid behavioral health entitlements, California’s public mental health funding structure through Medi-Cal and realignment, and key actors and entities that make/influence mental health policy and oversee/implement services delivery. or a master’s degree in Government, Public Policy, Public Administration, or similar field • At least two years of experience performing legislative advocacy, public policy analysis, collaborating with agencies and groups on shared policy goals, and coordinating state-level advocacy activities • In-depth understanding of legislative and administrative processes, the structure/functions of California’s PMHS, Medi-Cal behavioral health services, key elements of the MHSA, and other relevant laws • Awareness of the various stakeholders and interest groups operating within and influencing the PMHS • Commitment to grassroots advocacy, community empowerment, and reducing disparities in the PMHS • Knowledge of foundational recovery, self-help, and peer support concepts • The ability to consistently work a minimum of 7.5 hours each workday and 37.5 hours each workweek • The ability to work additional hours (including evenings and weekends) to meet deadlines • The ability to attend frequent meetings in the Sacramento area (in-person or remote) • The ability to attend trainings, conferences, and events held throughout California • A current and valid Class “C” California Driver License • Immediate access to reliable personal transportation throughout the workday • Auto insurance coverage that meets the minimum legal requirements in California • Willingness to undergo a criminal background screening • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills • Exceptional critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and sound independent judgment • Intermediate-level computer literacy skills, including proficiency in word processing, internet- based research, email applications, and MS Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) or their equivalents • Any combination of training, education, and experience necessary to perform the Job Duties for this position, and likely to provide the required Knowledge and Abilities described herein Please carefully read and follow the application instructions at the end of this job announcement. JOB DUTIES • Coordinates with Cal Voices’ Executive Leadership, Advocacy Director, and Communications Director to identify policy priorities and implement a strategic vision to strengthen and expand agency’s statewide advocacy impacts, reach, and outcomes • Distills Cal Voices’ organizational mission, vision, and values into concrete policy positions and takes proactive steps to promote these positions at the state level • Tracks proposed legislation, regulations, and administrative rule changes that impact the PMHS, Cal Voices’ business operations, and core constituencies • Conducts policy-related research, data collection, information gathering, and analysis • Writes fact sheets, issue summaries, position statements, and policy briefs for various audiences • Collaborates with Advocacy Director and Communications Director to activate grassroots advocacy networks and craft effective messaging strategies around policy issues relevant to community concerns • Educates Cal Voices’ program managers and systems-level advocates about current mental health policy issues/trends (including potential impacts on their work), and state-level advocacy opportunities • Communicates with legislators and leaders of state agencies regarding policy issues and priorities • Drafts/revises proposed legislative and regulatory language • Provides testimony or public comment at legislative hearings and state-level policy meetings • Represents Cal Voices at policy- related conferences, symposia, meetings, trainings, and other events • Cultivates partnerships with key agencies, organizations, interest groups, and individuals to advance Cal Voices’ policy priorities; manages Cal Voices’ statewide advocacy coalitions • Provides content for website and social media posts, newsletters, email blasts, and other communications • Prepares policy updates for all Cal Voices’ Management Team and Board of Directors meetings • Conducts monthly statewide policy webinars COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Employment at Cal Voices is strictly at-will and this position is dependent upon the continued availability of agency funding.