Director of Government Affairs and Communications 

Aug 22, 2023

Please submit resume and cover letter to: [email protected]

General Description

Under the supervision of the Executive Director and in accordance with VCP policies and procedures, the Director of Government Affairs and Communications provides leadership to VCP on public policy development, federal and state advocacy, and communications. The Director conducts advocacy and lobbying to improve the community based mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability system in Vermont. The Director is the lead media liaison and spokesperson for VCP.

VCP is an equal opportunity employer.

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to Executive Director of Vermont Care Partners Provides regular briefings to, and engages regularly with, the Executive Director, VCP staff, and Board of Directors 

Freedom To Act/Accountability

The Director works with a high degree of independence and autonomy in a stressful, high-paced environment. The method, priority, and timing of job duties are subject to the direction of the Executive Director but are largely self-determined.

Responsibilities:

  1. Provide leadership to the Vermont Care Partners on public policy development and advocacy including federal and state issues.  
  2. Lead all state legislative activity including development of the VCP legislative agenda and positions on specific issues 
  3. Provide analysis of regulation, legislation, and state budget proposals 
  4. Craft legislative bills and amendments to achieve policy and fiscal goals 
  5. Provide guidance and support to the VCP network and allies on legislative advocacy 
  6. Organize trainings and advocacy events in collaboration with allies 
  7. Track, develop, and organize testimony for state legislative advocacy 
  8. Responsible for weekly updates during the legislative session to membership and allies 
  9. Lead all federal advocacy initiatives, including Congressional visits 
  10. Serve as the primary liaison with National Council for Mental Wellbeing 
  11. Provide leadership for working with the executive branch of state government 
  12. Act as VCP spokesperson with all media 
  13. Lead all media relations including the current Sponsor Spotlight Series with VT Digger  
  14. Lead communications through website and social media 
  15. Lead design and content of VCP annual report 
  16. Serve as VCP liaison to the Public Relations staff of network agencies 
  17. Collaborate on policy and coordinate advocacy with health care coalition 
  18. Collaborate on policy and coordinate advocacy with advocacy groups 
  19. Provide support for grant and RFP development  
  20. Responsible for data collection and analysis in support of policy initiatives and communications 
  21. Participate in VCP health policy work to strengthen and grow services 
  22. Participate in VCP strategic planning 
  23. Conduct ongoing and special projects, as needed 

Expertise Required:

  1. Strong data analytic skills 
  2. Ability to persuade, mediate and negotiate complex issues to resolve conflicts and achieve mutually acceptable outcomes 
  3. Ability to perform under pressure within tight timeframes  
  4. Excellent interpersonal skills 
  5. Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently and in groups 
  6. Excellent written and verbal communications skills including graphic presentations 
  7. Skill and ability to conduct research, analyze data and develop informational presentations 

Qualifications and Experience Required:

  1. Master’s degree in a human services, public administration, public relations, communications, or related field preferred 
  2. Experience working in community-based human services, health care, and or non-profit organizations 
  3. Experience in government affairs and legislative advocacy 
  4. Experience in marketing and communications 
  5. Experience in training and education 
  6. Commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity 
  7. Commitment to community-based mental health, developmental disabilities and substance use services 
  8. Experience in coalition building and shared advocacy initiatives 

Environmental Factors:

Duties are performed in a hybrid office setting or in the Legislature during the legislative session. Extensive in-state and limited out-of-state travel will be involved for which private means of transportation may be required. Duties may be performed outside of typical working hours. Quick deadlines for important reports and need for sensitive communication under challenging and difficult situations may be required. The position requires interactions and communications directly with senior agency leaders, state and federal government administrators, staff, legislators and constituents under stressful conditions. It entails managing many complex administrative and policy related issues at once, including intense interactions with a variety of constituents and deadline pressures.

Total Compensation:

Salary Range: $95,000+ depending on experience

Benefits Package:

80% paid medical premium • dental insurance •3% retirement contribution • short and long-term disability insurance • paid holidays • generous time off.