Policy and Strategy Specialist

https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Boston-Public-Health-Commission/jobs?jk=e89ad4280a10e7b4&start=0&clearPrefilter=1

The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is to protect, preserve, and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly the most vulnerable. The BPHC envisions a thriving Boston where all residents live healthy, fulfilling lives free of racism, poverty, violence, and other systems of oppression. The BPHC sets an expectation that all staff and leadership commit, individually and as part of the BPHC team, to hold ourselves accountable to establishing a culture of antiracism and advance racial equity and justice through each of our bureaus, programs, and offices.

Role

Reports to the Director of Intergovernmental Relations. Provides support to activities in the Executive Office, collaborating with staff throughout the bureaus and programs.

Duties

As a core member of the Intergovernmental Relations Office, the Policy Analyst will:

• Complete timely short and long-term research and analysis of legislation, budgets, health policies and services, and is responsible for drafting and disseminating communications and presentations to policymakers, programs, and partners.
• Conduct short and long-term research projects on health policies. Assist with production of health reports, briefings, letters, and talking points for presentations. Participate in development of policy campaigns and other projects.
• Draft communications and presentations to policymakers, programs and partners. Draft internal and external communications, including regular legislative updates, policy reports, fact sheets, issue briefings and legislative testimony.
• Work with partners in other City departments on policy-related matters. Assist in communications, data management, and other support related to policy.
• Foster relationships with and maintains effective communication with elected officials and their staff, program staff, and partners/coalitions. Work with local and state organizations and coalitions to advance policy priorities. Liaise with internal programs and external partners to identify policy concerns and training needs.
• Educate and mobilize BPHC programs and clients around BPHC policy priorities. Assist in co-facilitation and coordination of advocacy skills and leadership trainings for BPHC staff, clients and community partners. Assist and coach staff and clients in legislative advocacy, including preparing testimony and participating in legislative visits.
• Participates in development of policy campaigns and other project work planning. Assists in development of policy priorities at state and local levels.
• Work in a confidential capacity with senior staff. Meet regularly with Director regarding all aspects of program operations, including but not limited to matters pertaining to program staff and other confidential matters. Operates independently. Uses independent judgment and discretion to make decisions affecting the program and staff as it relates to program operations/services and BPHC policy.
• Working to help BPHC become an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS required, in Political Science, Public Policy, Social Science, History, or other related field.Significant work experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• 3-5 years' experience working within public health, health care, municipal or state government, or political or advocacy campaigns. An advanced degree may substitute for up to 2 years of the required experience.
• Training and experience in research, analysis, writing policy reports, and preparing presentations.
• Experience with the state or federal legislative process and an understanding of healthcare financing a plus.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of public health and racial and health equity. Knowledge of Boston neighborhoods helpful.
• Must be able to operate independently and under tight deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong facilitation and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work with a wide range of people, including community-based organizations, residents, front line service staff, program and executive directors, and public officials.
• Must be detail-oriented with excellent time management skills.
• Experience and comfort in using Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Commitment to health equity and racial/social justice issues.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.

Additional Information

City of Boston Residency Required, A Criminal Offenders Records Information request must be completed for this position. However, a record is not an automatic bar to employment but is reviewed in relation to the job applied for., Any position that requires an advanced degree will be subject to education verification, The Boston Public Health Commission is an EEO Employer and all applicants meeting the minimum requirements are eligible to apply, This position requires the Child Protective Service Background verification