Policy Associate

at  NAMI Chicago

Description:
Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Associate Vice President of Policy
Office Location: 1801 W. Warner, Suite 202, Chicago IL; required in-office minimum of 3 days per week (hybrid work policy subject to change). Office location moving to 224 W. Hill St, Chicago, IL in Fall 2024

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

The Policy Associate supports NAMI Chicago’s policy advocacy initiatives through impactful research, administrative, and engagement work. This position will help elevate our policy advocacy positions to key stakeholders, produce impactful materials and events, and support the Associate Vice President of Policy in day-to-day operations of the work. The Policy Associate will help draft policy materials, attend hearings and relevant events, engage in coalition work, assist in originating and executing advocacy events, and provide timely administrative support to the AVP. The ideal candidate is an exceptionally effective multi-tasker with outstanding interpersonal skills and a background in policy, politics, or government.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of state and local government systems: Basic to intermediate understanding of how legislative, administrative, and executive decisions are made at the state and/or local level.
• Commitment to NAMI Chicago Values: Demonstrates commitment to ensuring equity and uplifting the voices of historically marginalized populations and those living with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate with various audiences by writing and presenting informative and persuasive advocacy materials such as one-pagers, emails, flyers, social media posts, and more.
• Responsiveness: Is highly responsive with accurate information to internal and external stakeholders to build credibility and deepen trust Creativity: Thinks creatively to advance our work and meet our goals.
• Organization: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with other team members and departments to achieve policy goals.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing political circumstances and ensure our community is engaged and bought-in on new strategies.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, as well other software routinely used by NAMI Chicago.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, communications, digital marketing, psychology, or another related field.
• 1-3 years of policy, political, or government work in Illinois or Chicago.
• Some knowledge of the behavioral health landscape in Illinois or Chicago.
• Experience with drafting policy materials and communications.
• Experience working with key officials and partners to advance a goal in a policy space.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Exceptional organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong ability to communicate complex concepts to various audiences through different channels.
• Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Strong ability to respond to internal and external communications in a timely manner without supervision.
• Strong ability to work with their supervisor to manage the work effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, as well Canva and a CRM.

• Helps originate and execute events, presentations, and other opportunities to advance our policy work.
• Provides administrative support including scheduling meetings and managing event and presentation logistics.
• Drafts issue and policy briefs, research reports, testimony, talking points and other materials to advance our policy goals and keep stakeholders actively informed on our work.
• Monitors and analyzes state, county, and city legislation and policy impacting individuals living with mental health conditions.
• Drafts internal and external policy communications to engage our community in the work and ensure consistency across communications.
• Attends and participates as appropriate in hearings, press conferences, working group meetings, and other relevant events.
• Participates in relevant coalition meetings to represent NAMI Chicago and provide meaningful input.
• Coordinates the policy internship program including leading intern recruitment and assisting with the internship program implementation.
• Collects and analyzes departmental data and KPIs to track progress on broader team goals.
• Helps coordinate internal collaboration across departments to ensure the Policy team is plugged into the work across the organization.
  Requirements: