Senior Director, Policy (Remote, local to Washington, DC/DMV)

Overview 

The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) is hiring for a newly created role, Senior Director, Policy (SDP). For over 40 years, the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) has been one of the leading national organizations dedicated solely to improving the health and wellness of Black women physically, emotionally, and financially. We advance and promote Black women’s health through three focus areas: Wellness Programs, Policy and Advocacy, and Research Translation. We target the most pressing health issues that affect Black women and girls in the U.S. through investments in evidence-based strategies, programs, and advocacy outreach on health policies. 

Description of Position 

The SDP has an integral role in the Policy Advocacy and Science (PAS) team. This role is the lead manager of BWHI policy strategies and activities and supports the EVP of PAS in leading the agency priorities for key policy positions which align to our program areas (Maternal Health, Reproductive Justice, HIV, Chronic Disease, Fair Work and Rare Disease). This position maintains BWHI policy presence on “The Hill”, with legislative partners, health aides of members of Congress, and policy advocacy health organizations, to ensure that BWHI positions are communicated and shared. This position also supports translation of policy into action, working as part of the PAS team to integrate policy recommendation across BWHI programs. Potential projects for which responsibility may be assigned at time of hire may include: participation in advocacy group meetings with partners as a representative of BWHI, developing advocacy letters, maintaining the letter signing spreadsheet and database, This role majorly contributes to the revisions of BWHI policy strategy, writing of policy briefs, and establishment of a routine multi-sectoral policy communication strategy which reflect BWHI positions with our partners and across the organization. 

Please note that this role is remote and must be based in the Washington DC/DMV area. 

The Day-to-Day 

• In collaboration and partnership with the EVP, PAS, leads the development and updating of BWHI policy frameworks in alignment and collaboration with program department leads, and external partners input.
• Works in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team to prepare routine statements, opEds, and communication on pressing and present policy issues to advance BWHI’s voice and responses. 
• Advances and communicates BWHI priorities with current federal and state agencies, policy officials.
• In collaboration with the EVP, PAS and guided by agency priorities, establish working relationships with policy counterparts at other health or public policy executive agencies; foundations, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations. 
• Builds strong, lasting partnerships with house and senate staff and committees and partner organizations to ensure the lived experiences of Black women are included in federal and state policies.
• Facilitates the identification of policy and strategic planning issues and formulation of analysis, reports, and policy recommendations for the PAS team, the President, and agency leaders.
• Develops and maintains good relationships with funders, clients and colleagues. 
• Supports preparing and/or monitors project budgets with the EVP for Finance and EVP for PAS. 
• Keeps BWHI and PAS team members up-to-date on important political trends in the field through informal (e.g., brown bag) or formal means (e.g., in-house staff development workshops, presentations, etc.). 

Participates in agency and departmental meetings. 

• Works with the EVP for PAS to identify, develop, and seek funding for projects of interest to BWHI policy goals. 

Required Education and Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of five (5) years of work experience in government, civil rights, racial justice, or other related field. 
• Strong facilitation skills and can lead high level discussions with the goal of action-oriented policy outputs or actions. 
• Excellent writing skills and use of policy related terminology oriented towards advocacy letters, legislation, white papers and briefs. 
• Motivational speaking experience. 
• Familiar project management software and database tracking software (Salesforce, Asana, Monday.com, etc)
• This position is remote, but the candidate should reside/be local to the Washington, DC/DMV area.
• 10% travel required.

Preferred Education and Experience 

• A Master’s degree in public policy, law, or the social sciences.
• A minimum of five (5) years in a senior manager role. 
• Sincere and demonstrated commitment to advancing social and/or racial justice progress for the highest-need communities, and in particular Black women and girls. 
• Deep understanding and experience with public systems and policy. 
• Can effectively mentor junior staff and entry-level such as policy or program interns. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with all constituent groups regardless of political affiliation 

A reasonable estimate of the base compensation range for this role is $102,500 – $120,000 annually depending on experience. The actual salary for the successful candidate will be based on job-related education, geographic location, training, licensure and certification, and other factors. BWHI offers a competitive benefit package including health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits and an employee assistance program.

Paid leave and comprehensive health insurance offered after completion of probationary period. BWHI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to equity in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. BWHI encourages racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, as well as those across gender and sexuality spectrums, and those with disabilities, to apply.