Director of Public Policy

Job Description

Job Description

At TASC (Treatment Alternatives for Stronger Communities), our mission is to empower people and strengthen communities with impactful services. Since 1976, we have been guided by the belief that every individual holds the potential for positive change. We advocate, support, and most importantly, empower people to break barriers, find recovery, and reshape their destinies. Through Specialized Case Management™, we create a world where recovery, justice, and empathy lead to thriving communities. Our foundation is anchored at the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system. Today, TASC also operates at the forefront of transformative solutions. We are a social impact organization that embodies a future where health, safety, and justice are synonymous with hope. We are TASC!

We're Hiring: Director of Public Policy

We are currently seeking a full-time Director of Public Policy to join our team.

Location: This position is based at 700 S. Clinton Street, Chicago, IL 60607. Occasional travel and attendance at company meetings and events may be required.

Starting Salary: $85,000–$95,000, based on qualifications and experience.

Position Summary: The Director of Public Policy provides leadership for the organization's public policy, government relations, and advocacy initiatives. Reporting to the President/CEO, the Director serves as the agency's advisor on legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters, ensuring that policy priorities align with the organization's mission and strategic objectives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides strategic leadership for TASC’s agency-wide public policy activities, including the development and initiation of policy initiatives in coordination with Executive Staff and consultants.
• Tracks and monitors the progression of state and federal legislation as they move through the legislative process.
• Analyzes and advises on policies and regulatory changes with potential for impact on the agency and clients.
• Conducts research on policies emerging within other states that impact the policy landscape nationwide.
• Coordinates policy activities among leadership and staff to ensure input from across the agency.
• Supervises and oversees policy staff and interns.

Lead the agency’s advocacy efforts

• Leads the agency’s strategic and organizing efforts to advocate on behalf of or against specific legislation
• Provides material support for TASC’s agency-wide policy and advocacy-related activities, including creating fact sheets, policy papers, presentations, research briefs, and other materials.
• Provides executive staff with relevant information and documents as needed for advocacy efforts, including talking points and written testimony

Maintain stakeholder relationships

• Represents the agency at external policy-related meetings, committees, trainings, and conferences.
• Develops and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners, and legislators.
• Ensures coordination with TASC’s Center for Health and Justice on policy actions
• Lead legislative relationship development in other jurisdictions, in alignment with business development and growth efforts.
• Establishes and maintains key relationships with Members of Congress, Congressional committees, appropriate agencies, and their staffs to provide for the timely and effective exchange of information

Our Ideal candidate:

• Master’s degree in public policy, public health, or related field from an accredited college/university
• At least five years of related experience in public policy, public health, or criminal justice
• Knowledge of relevant government officials at local, state, and federal levels
• Ability to perform knowledgeable and meaningful policy analysis
• Ability to integrate research and program issues meaningfully into policy activities
• Proficient understanding of policymaking and government offices and processes, current politics, and political environments
• Credible public presence and be articulate as a spokesperson on behalf of the agency
• Effective collaborator, able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of constituencies
• Familiarity with laws, regulations, and best practices relevant to health and drug policy and criminal justice

Our benefits package includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance and Flexible Spending
• Paid Leave - Short-term Disability (STD)
• Paid Time Off/Sick Time/ Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 403 B (retirement plan)

If you are interested in this position, please visit the TASC website at and apply online.

TASC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free workplace. The agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status or any other protected status in accordance with federal and state law.