Health Policy Advocacy Manager / Community Relations Manager/S

Working/Functional Title

Health Policy Advocacy Manager

Position Summary

The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health (CSMDPH) at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking an experienced individual to serve as Health Policy Advocacy Manager. This position is 100% within CSMDPH and will report to the Chair.  

Department research, education, and practice are focused on improving real-world health and health equity.   The individual in this position will work closely with elected and appointed federal and state officials, MSU Vice President of Government Affairs, and key stakeholders to advance policy changes and funding priorities that our faculty research suggests would be beneficial for health and health equity in the state of Michigan and the nation. The Director of Health Policy Advocacy will be an integral part of the Department’s mission to translate our findings into policy and practice statewide, nationally, and globally.  

Specific responsibilities include:

• Serve as a resource to members of the Michigan Legislature, the Governor’s Office, and state agencies on the programs, projects, and findings of the Department.  

• Facilitate communication with CSMDPH federal partners including the MSU Vice President of Governmental Affairs Washington Office, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU), the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), along with other funding agencies and members of the Michigan Congressional Delegation in support of CSMDPH research findings. 

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders in Michigan and nationally that will help enact policies suggested by our research findings. This includes policies related to health, health equity, and public health, as well as policies related to social determinants of health (including housing, transportation, zoning, racism, discrimination, violence, education, poverty, job opportunities, income, access to healthy food and physical activity, air and water quality, incarceration, and more). Some Department strengths include health equity, mental health, maternal and infant health, and the built environment.  

• Monitor state and federal legislative and policy activity to identify opportunities to advance policy based on research findings.

• Develop and maintain knowledge of the research, academic programs, and activities of the CSMDPH and relationships with faculty, staff, and leadership to be positioned to share this information with policymakers.  

The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health faculty, staff, students, and community partners are energetic, mission-focused, and advocacy-driven. CSMDPH is the only academic department in the world that was co-created with community members and continues to incorporate community members into its direction, processes, and leadership. Begun in 2015, our experiment in community-partnered departmental administration has been successful both in funding and in real-world impact. Departmental faculty have obtained over $180 million in extramural funding. Among its many projects, the Department currently includes two Centers funded by the National Institutes of Health (one in maternal health equity and the other in suicide prevention) and the first city-wide unconditional and universal cash prescription program for pregnant/postpartum people and infants.  

Michigan offers a good quality of life, with many outdoor activities, more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline (the longest freshwater coastline in the world), and a rich cultural heritage and diversity which includes Motown, Indigenous peoples, and the largest population of residents with Middle Eastern or North African descent in the country.  Michigan has a rich history in the automobile industry, agricultural industry, and a thriving arts scene. Salaries are competitive, and the cost of living is low.  

Michigan State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health is equity focused. Candidates from diverse and minority backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or related discipline; 8 or more years of experience in community relations, event management, or special project development; demonstrated effective and creative writing skills; working comfort with social media.

Desired Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field (communications, marketing, public policy, public administration, public health, etc.).

At least 5-7 years’ experience in public policy/advocacy/government

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume 

Cover Letter 

Curriculum Vitae 

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for two years from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://publichealth.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 10/22/2024 at 11:55 PM