Director of State Policy & Advocacy

Position Summary

The Director of State Policy & Advocacy provides senior-level leadership for Methodist Healthcare Ministries' state and local public policy and advocacy efforts.

This role leads strategy development, research, coalition-building, and program execution to advance health equity and address systemic inequities impacting underserved communities across Texas.

Salary

Annual salary rate begins at $140,942.00.

Mid range at $179,701.00.

Actual starting rate will be commensurate with experience and education.

Scope and Impact


* Leads statewide and local policy and advocacy strategy aligned with MHM's mission and health equity framework


* Oversees state legislative agenda, advocacy initiatives, research, communications, and community engagement


* Manages a portfolio of advocacy contracts, funded partners, and program-related budgets


* Directly supervises staff and influences cross-functional and executive-level decision-making


* Engages with policymakers, community leaders, coalition partners, and senior stakeholders

Decision-Making Authority

Exercises significant independent judgment in setting advocacy strategy, policy priorities, research direction, and operational processes.

Makes recommendations to and collaborates closely with the Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, while independently leading execution, partner selection, contract oversight, and team management.

Interactions / Working Relationships


* Internal: Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, executive leadership, program teams, communications staff, and Board members (frequent)


* External: State and local policymakers, advocacy coalitions, community organizations, funded partners, grassroots and grasstops leaders, and external consultants (frequent)


* Convenes executive-level stakeholders and cross-sector partners as needed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities


* Lead analysis of state and local policy priorities and initiatives, assessing impact on MHM and the populations served and developing strategic responses (20%)


* Oversee development of the state legislative agenda and creation of advocacy materials including policy briefs, white papers, fact sheets, testimony, presentations, advocacy alerts, and coalition letters (15%)


* Build and manage coalitions and community partnerships to strengthen grassroots and grasstops advocacy efforts (15%)


* Direct contract management for advocacy partners, including negotiation, monitoring, budget oversight, deliverables, and compliance with change control guidelines (15%)


* Lead program definition, research, education, and implementation aligned with public policy priorities and best practices (15%)


* Oversee reporting and tracking of federal and state advocacy and lobbying activities to ensure legal and regulatory compliance (10%)


* Establish and maintain operational excellence through process improvement, performance monitoring, risk identification, a...