Job Title: Advocacy & Community Engagement Manager
Department: Public Policy & Government Affairs
Reports to: AVP, Public Policy & Government Affairs
Location: Hybrid
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9AM - 5 PM EST
Salary Range: $80k - $90k
Formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), Vibrant Emotional Health's groundbreaking solutions have delivered high quality services and support, when, where and how people need it for over 50 years. Through our state-of-the-art technology-enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, we are building a society in which emotional wellness can be a reality for everyone.
Position Overview:
The Advocacy & Community Engagement Manager within Vibrant's Public Policy and Government Affairs will play a critical role in developing and executing the organization's public policy and government relations strategies. This position involves coalition building and engaging with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and industry groups to advance the organization's objectives and influence public policy in a manner that supports our mission and strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the organization's registered lobbyist covering New York State and New York City, providing direct representation before the state legislature and regulatory bodies on issues related to mental health, suicide prevention, behavioral health parity, and crisis response systems
- Lobby lawmakers, elected officials, covered agency leaders on behalf of Vibrant's New York State and New York City legislative and regulatory needs.
- Build and sustain relationships with local (i.e., New York State and New York City) stakeholders, including lawmakers individuals with lived experience, community-based organizations, providers, and advocates.
- Organize grassroots campaigns, listening sessions, and public forums to amplify organizational priorities on mental health issues.
- Recruit, train, and mobilize advocates to participate in storytelling, media campaigns, public testimony, and advocacy days.
- Represent the organization at community events, coalitions, and task forces.
- Monitor state and local legislative activity and support the advancement of mental health policy priorities in collaboration with the State Policy Director.
- Coordinate advocacy efforts with legislators, state agencies, and partner organizations.
- Draft advocacy materials, fact sheets, public comments, and testimony.
- Track and report on policy developments and advocacy impact at the local and state levels.
- Serve as a liaison between community advocates and policymakers to ensure policy development is informed by lived experience.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in public policy, government relations, or a related field.
- Proven track record of developing productive coalitions
- Strong ties to New York State and New York City policymakers
- Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at the local and state levels.
- Strong understanding of public health, mental health, suicide prevention and/or other health related policies.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to travel to various public policy focused events, meetings and conferences.
- Flexibility to travel, primarily within the state of NY, up to 75% of time.
|
Vibrant Emotional Health
$80k - $90k
Jul 11, 2025