Advocacy and Awareness Manager

JOB SUMMARY

At the direction of the Executive Director, the Advocacy and Awareness Manager is responsible for mental health policy and grassroots advocacy‑related network mobilization, initiatives and projects, which may include building awareness, collaborations, researching legislation, preparing and providing testimony, summarizing hearings or committee meetings in writing, and organizing and engaging key stakeholders in public policy and awareness efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Help create awareness and partnerships to enhance the vision and mission of the organization. Monitor and develop legislation and policy initiatives as directed by the Executive Director and the National Policy Guidelines. Attend and actively participate in Georgia partnership, collaboration and coalition meetings. Write, edit and proofread newsletters, the MH Advocacy Guide, articles, fact sheets, memos, testimony, and online content. Organize Mental Health Day at the Capitol and other grassroots advocacy events, identifying ways to increase member involvement in advocacy and all areas of policy and awareness. Act as administrator for policy and coalition meetings, scheduling and setting up meetings, sending follow‑up and creating agendas. Write news releases, public policy alerts, research, and web and social media content for members and stakeholders. Create advocacy presentations for the Executive Director and stakeholders. In the absence of the Executive Director, represent the organization at presentations, meetings, legislative hearings and other public hearings. Collaborate with other organizations and key stakeholders to coordinate policy and awareness efforts. With support of program coordinators, plan, host and implement NAMI SMARTS for Advocacy programming and facilitate the growth of the program and SMARTS trained leaders across the state. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers, partnering agencies, allies, advocates, policymakers, stakeholders and the public. Track and maintain deliverables and spending as required by project and funder needs. Ensure NAMI Georgia staff are up to date with advocacy activities and engage in advocacy support across departments where appropriate. Provide written and/or verbal project and other updates to staff, funders, board members, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

Understanding of the Georgia mental health field and the legislative process. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge and experience using social media, email marketing and other outreach tools. Energetic, enthusiastic and demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate and engage others. Ability to convey appropriate messages in a meaningful and compelling way and represent the organization through various forms of public engagement. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups within and outside of the organization. Must embrace the mission of the organization.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

3–5 years’ experience in a proven leadership and management role. 5 years of relevant work experience supporting a non‑profit advocacy or community organizing. Experience with accountability for timelines, managing competing priorities and openness to cross‑functional collaboration to achieve key organizational goals, requiring strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills. Proven success at managing and growing a project that involved fundraising, publicity, staff management and maintenance of long‑term volunteer and sponsor relationships. Ability to use a computer to develop, track, transfer and access information related to required job responsibilities; above‑average proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook). Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional weekends or evening hours as needed—sometimes on short notice (e.g., public hearings that go beyond scheduled time frames). Ability to stand for long periods of time if necessary at public hearings. Ability to travel quickly between office and legislative buildings/hearings as necessary. Lived experience with mental illness and/or knowledge of mental illness preferred.

MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE

1. Dependability – Can be relied upon to handle a fair workload, maintain communication, meet deadlines and commitments, and accept responsibility for actions.
2. Analytical Thinking – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience; compares alternatives; identifies discrepancies; approaches tasks by breaking them into components; weighs costs, benefits, risks and chances for success; designs work flows and procedures.
3. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem‑solving situations; uses reason when dealing with emotional topics.
4. Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and seeks clarification; tailors content to audience; uses appropriate grammar; organizes speech; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.

NOTE: Starting salary will be determined based on post‑college annual experience and relevant career field expertise. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone. #J-18808-Ljbffr NAMI Georgia