Public Policy Director

Public Policy Director — Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities — Atlanta Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Georgia Department of - DBHDD May 21, 2026 The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) works to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in Georgia communities. GCDD is one of 55 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000. Our activities are governed by a 27‑member board, appointed by the Governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interest in persons with developmental disabilities. Today, the GCDD continues to serve as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities. We are charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self‑determination. Activities include public policy research and analysis, reform, project demonstrations, education and training. Since our inception in 1971, we have been a powerful advocate for more than 1.7 million Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families. Salary range $70,000–$88,000 – offer is based on education and years of relevant experience. Job Responsibilities Administers the Public Policy Program Provides comprehensive oversight and coordination of GCDD’s public policy program Recommends annual public policy agenda of shared goals and objectives with stakeholders Oversees Public Policy Coordinator to track changes in legislation and review newly enacted legislation Works with Public Relations Director to improve spreading public policy information to stakeholders Attends relevant state agency meetings and relays information back to GCDD Makes policy recommendations to appropriate individuals or groups Creates and presents public policy presentations Project Leadership Initiates and oversees a portfolio of projects based on the Council’s strategic plan and public policy priorities Develops and manages projects from RFP development to closeout; oversees development and management of projects by subordinate staff Liaison to Government Officials Serves as a representative of the agency to the Georgia legislature, Congressional Delegation, state and federal agencies and national and regional associations Must be available during Georgia legislative session for regular in‑person work at state capitol, and in‑person meetings and activities throughout the year as needed Responds to stakeholder requests and inquiries regarding constituents or providers in a timely manner Coordinates with members of the Georgia General Assembly and state agency officials on agency issues that may impact services Research Develops, compiles and analyzes surveys, focus group data and other data to formulate policy and programmatic recommendations Schedules and conducts meetings to present, explain and discuss the Council’s policy recommendations with individuals and groups Develops research findings and recommendations for policy and program activities by preparing policy memos, position papers, issue papers and other reports for review by Council members, staff, advocates, legislators and others Supervision & Teamwork Supervises Public Policy Coordinator providing regular evaluation and feedback, and taking corrective action when appropriate Works closely with Executive Director, Chief Program Officer and Public Policy Coordinator to plan and implement comprehensive, effective public policy strategies in collaboration with Council members, staff, advocates, and partnering organizations Collaborates with staff & Council members to support Council programming & activities Leads staff in major, targeted advocacy activities Position Requirements Available to work in‑person at Georgia State Capitol during legislative session, and attend in‑person meetings and events throughout the year as needed. Must be available for some travel within the state and occasional out‑of‑state travel. Strong working knowledge of public policy development, concepts related to research and policy analysis, and how to conduct analysis of policy and programmatic alternatives. Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to understand and communicate effectively with people who have developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, policy makers, and support/advocacy groups. Bachelor’s degree in operations management, business administration, or a related field that includes four years in a managerial or supervisory role; or eight years of related professional experience that includes four years in a managerial or supervisory role; or four years of experience required at the lower level Mgr 2, Business Ops (GSM011) or equivalent. Equivalent combinations of knowledge, education, job or internship experience, training, or certifications that provide the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job may be substituted year‑over‑year. Preferred Qualifications Experience in program management, done in an effective and collaborative manner. Experience partnering with a broad variety of individuals and/or organizations to advance shared goals. Significant experience and knowledge of programs, available services, laws, regulations and issues related to people with developmental disabilities. Advanced degree in psychology, social work, law or public administration. Previous work experience in the area of human services with policy makers and/or advocacy organizations. Equal Opportunity Employer GCDD welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. GCDD is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. GCDD recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e‑mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. #J-18808-Ljbffr Georgia Piedmont Technical College