Civitas Networks for Health is a national collaborative comprised of more than 160 member organizations working to use health information exchange, health data, and multi-stakeholder, cross-sector approaches to improve health. We educate, promote, and influence both the private sector and policy makers on matters of interoperability, quality, coordination, health equity and cost-effectiveness of healthcare, and support multi-site grant-funded programs and projects. We are proud to support local health innovators by amplifying their voices at the national level and increasing the exchange of valuable resources, tools, and ideas.  

Vision 

Communities are thriving and healthy, realizing the full potential of data-driven, multi-stakeholder, and cross-sector approaches to health improvement and information exchange. 

Mission 

Civitas Networks for Health convenes action-oriented thought leaders and implementers at the local, regional, state, and national level. To achieve our mission, we drive cross-sector, multi-stakeholder, and data-informed initiatives by:  

• Increasing collaboration and shared learning within and across communities that use data to ensure better health outcomes and drive health equity.  
• Providing thought leadership and technical expertise on community, regional, and statewide health information exchange, in addition to health and quality improvement activities. 
• Educating public and private entities about the benefits, functions, and roles of Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), All-Payer Claims Databases (APCDs), Regional Health Improvement Collaboratives (RHICs), and combined organizations.  
• Promoting business conditions, tools, and legislation to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of HIEs, RHICs, and combined organizations. 

Guiding Principles 

• We strive for win-win solutions recognizing that change is required by all. 
• We believe the best solutions come from data informed, multi-stakeholder input. 
• The status quo of our healthcare system is not acceptable in terms of its quality, safety or cost. 
• We commit to advancing health equity for all. 

Position Summary 

As the Associate Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, you will be responsible for developing and executing on our comprehensive policy agenda that supports the organization's mission and strategic goals. You will report to the Sr. Director, Network Engagement to develop advocacy strategies that align with our mission, our members, and the organization. 

Your role will include collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including our Government Relations and Advocacy Council to identify opportunities to leverage policy and practice to improve the benefits of members. You will also monitor changes in federal and state policies and translate what those policies mean for the organization and its members. 

In this position, you will work closely with our contracted government relations firm to develop and maintain strong relationships with federal and state officials, key national stakeholders, and member organizations. You will collaborate on policy development across different constituencies and establish coalitions of support to enact policy change. To succeed in this role, you should have domain knowledge of health IT, health information exchange (HIE), health data, quality and health improvement, health equity and value-based care and a proven track record of successful policy advocacy in the health care space. You should be able to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including elected officials, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. 

The Associate Director of Advocacy and Public Policy should be a strategic thinker, capable of developing and executing complex policy initiatives in a fast-paced environment. Strong project management and communication skills are also essential, as you will be collaborating with the Civitas team, our members, and with external partners. 

Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute on our comprehensive advocacy and policy agenda for the organization's federal and state advocacy efforts that aligns with our mission and member organizations. 
• Collaborate with the Civitas team, member organizations, our contracted government relations firm, and other external stakeholders to identify opportunities to advance the organization's goals and represent members' interests. This may include participating in coalition meetings, roundtable discussions, and other events with policymakers and other stakeholders. 
• Monitor and analyze changes in relevant federal and state policies and communicate relevant information to internal and external stakeholders in a timely manner. 
• Build and maintain a strong knowledge base of relevant policy issues, trends, and emerging topics, including federal and state legislative and regulatory developments that may affect the organization and its members, and effectively translate opportunities for action. 
• Provide technical assistance and support to members and organizations on policy issues related to healthcare IT, health information exchange (HIE), health data, quality and health improvement, health equity and value-based care including assisting with advocacy efforts and connecting them with relevant resources and networks. 
• Develop and implement strategies to promote the organization's policy priorities and position it as a thought leader in the healthcare IT and health improvement space through writing, speaking engagements, and coalition-building efforts. 
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop and disseminate policy-related content and materials, such as briefings, reports, and policy papers, to engage members and stakeholders. 
• Lead the development and submission of formal comments on proposed federal and state regulations in partnership with our contracted government relations firm and other external stakeholders. 
• Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices related to policy and advocacy work in the health IT, HIE, health data, health equity, quality and health improvement, and value-based care and provide recommendations for engagement. 
• Other duties as assigned.  

Requirements 

Civitas understands that job requirements sometimes exclude people who identify with historically marginalized groups from applying to jobs for which they are qualified. Even if you don’t meet 100% of the specific requirements listed below, or if you achieved these requirements through unconventional channels, we encourage you to apply.  

• At least five years of relevant experience in health and/or public policy at the state and/or federal level, with some federal policy experience required OR at least three years of related employment plus a bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, or social sciences. 
• Experience in coalition building amongst diverse stakeholders; understanding of community governance is a plus. 
• Knowledge of the health IT, HIE, health data, quality and health improvement, health equity, and value-based care landscape and relevant privacy and security laws and regulations. 
• Demonstrated ability to read and understand statutes, regulations, and policy guidance. 
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments, and work independently.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated experience in teamwork and collaboration, including in remote work environments. 
• High level of proficiency with common business software tools, including Microsoft 365, Zoom, and other tools. 
• Civitas Networks for Health is a COVID-19 vaccination-required organization, and you will be required to verify your status periodically. 

Compensation 

• Salary range: $90,0000-$110,000/year depending on qualifications and experience, eligible for a 5% performance-based bonus. 
• Full-time benefits include:  
• Four weeks of paid time off and 12 paid holidays per year (increasing to five weeks of paid time off after 5 years of employment).  
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.  
• Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.  
• 401(k) retirement plan with 3% employer matching.  
• Cell phone stipend, laptop, external monitors, dock, keyboard, and mouse as needed.  
• Yearly professional development stipend.  

Civitas Networks for Health is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Please refer to the PSLF requirements on StudentAid.gov for more information.   

Location and Travel Requirements 

• This is a fully remote position with occasional travel requirements (generally up to 4 domestic trips per year).  
• You must live and work in the US, with a strong preference for candidates who live near the Washington, DC area (DC, Maryland, Virginia).  
• While the position is fully remote (no physical office location), employees must have a private and reasonably quiet place to work at home with consistent and fast internet and phone access.   

Civitas Networks for Health is an Equal-Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Offers of employment are contingent upon a completion of a satisfactory background check.