Director, Policy and Advocacy

Director, Policy and Advocacy

Full-time (Washington DC Metro Area) 

The Cancer Support Community (CSC), an international nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., is seeking an ambitious and detail-oriented individual who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of people impacted by cancer for our Director, Policy and Advocacy position.  

JOB SUMMARY: The Director, Policy and Advocacy will serve in a leadership position of the Cancer Policy Institute to develop and implement CSC’s overall strategy related to regulatory and legislative priorities. The individual selected for this role will be a self-starter, experienced in public policy, and committed to fulfilling the mission of CSC. This role is based in Washington, DC, and the individual will report to the Vice President, Policy and Advocacy of the Cancer Policy Institute. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Management:

• Work to develop and implement the policy and advocacy agenda of the Cancer Policy Institute


• Serve as a public face of CSC and Cancer Policy Institute at coalition meetings, with policymakers and funders, and at other external convenings with national partners


• Lead coordination and development of activities around CPI meetings and convenings (e.g. Network Partner quarterly meetings, Utilization Management roundtables)


• Lead activities around Hill Days, meetings with Congressional staff, and other offerings


• Lead and manage activities around grassroots communication and advocacy toolkits with Network Partners, patients, and caregivers (e.g. 340B, utilization management, patient engagement, CAR-T cell therapy)


• Manage and oversee specific state-based strategies, as assigned (e.g. 340B, CAR-T cell therapy, Medicaid, telehealth, utilization management)
  


• Effectively disseminate methodology and results of CSC projects and services with the goal of influencing state and national policy and practices


• Steward and develop relationships with funders

Advocacy Expert:

• Identify, track, and monitor emerging public policy issues in line with CSC’s strategic plan


• Conduct strategic policy analysis, research issues and draft reports (both informational and instructional) for internal and external distribution


• Secure and grow relationships with funders, policymakers across multiple sectors, fellow advocates, and other stakeholders


• Engage and coordinate with CSC’s national partners to identify areas of common work and consensus, and to advocate collectively for positive change for people affected by cancer
  

People Leader:

• Coach and mentor staff in the development of capabilities within the department, within CSC and within the support community. 

Performs other duties as requested by management

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to analyze policy, develop recommendations and create position statements


• Ability to write clearly, persuasively and briefly according to intended audiences


• Strong project management skills


• Demonstrated knowledge of the policy and programmatic issues related to cancer and health policy


• Demonstrated leadership, acute analytical skills, strong public speaking, confidence in communicating with a variety of public figures and partners, including strategic partnerships


• Highly self-motivated and directed, with attention to detail


• Support and identify opportunities for innovative partnerships with the public and private sectors, academia and government agencies to advance CSC projects and services


• Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects


• Demonstrated experience organizing and coordinating Hill Days and state-based advocacy efforts


• Experience working with grassroots advocacy software


• Proven experience working diplomatically and with discretion with diverse policy allies and coalitions


• Ability to travel up to 25 percent of the time

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, and Zoom, and experience with any specific software or technology needed for the job

EDUCATION: Advanced degree preferred (MPH, MHA, MPP, JD)

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 5 years of experience in public policy, public interest law or related field; 3-5 years of experience leading people; oncology experience preferred; experience representing patients, caregivers, and/or healthcare consumers preferred.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Dependent on experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, we offer statutory benefits required by law.

WORK LOCATION

This position is located in Washington, D.C. You may work at CSC’s office in Washington, DC on a full-time basis or on a hybrid (in-office/work-from-home) schedule in the Washington, DC area. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an original cover letter and resume to [email protected]. In your cover letter, please tell us why you are interested in this opportunity and include your qualifications and potential start date.

*Applications are accepted and considered on a rolling basis.
*Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

ABOUT CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

The Cancer Support Community is a global nonprofit that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer. We are dedicated to fostering a community where people find connection, compassion, and knowledge. We provide professionally led support and navigation services, along with social connections and award-winning education — when, where and how impacted individuals prefer throughout their cancer experience. These resources are available at over 200 Cancer Support Community, Gilda’s Club, and healthcare partner locations as well as online and over the phone — all at no cost. We amplify the voices of those impacted by cancer through research and advocacy and create solutions that break down barriers to care and close the healthcare gap for communities whose members are disproportionately affected by cancer. For more information, visit www.CancerSupportCommunity.org. 

Cancer Support Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer