CHS has been committed to growing and evolving to provide the right services and solutions to address the needs of children and families throughout the changing times. Every day, our team works with parents and kids to empower them and encourage them. With innovative technology solutions and a dedicated, experienced team throughout the state, we’re changing the face of foster care and positively impacting children and families’ lives for generations to come.

Join our team to continue to do good and create history serving Florida's children and families!

The Senior Director of Adcovavy & Legislative Affairs represents CHS before the Florida State Legislature, Governor’s Office, state agencies, advocacy groups and the public to advance CHS interests and funding, positioning CHS as the leading resource for public policy that positively impacts the lives of children in Florida. This involves leading advocacy efforts, shaping public policy and influencing the legislative landscape. Overall, the Senior Director of Adcovavy & Legislative Affairs contributes to the CHS high performance culture by exhibiting our values and providing quality results that position CHS as the leader in delivering proactive behavioral health, case management, community and early childhood solutions for children and families.

WHY JOIN CHS?

• Uplifting mission-driven work culture
• Make an impact in your community and become a part of Florida's history!
• Growth and professional development opportunities
• Great benefits package, including generous paid time off and holidays
• Opportunity to make a positive difference in children and families within your own community!

Primary Job Functions

1. Represent CHS before the Florida State Legislature, Governor’s Office, state agencies, advocacy groups and the public to advance CHS interests and funding, positioning CHS as the leading resource for public policy that positively impacts the lives of children in Florida.

Advocacy (50%)

• Partner with the ED/VP-GR in serving as the primary representative and lobbyist to the state legislature.
• Direct statewide advocacy work, including policy change at the state and local levels; maintain and grow relationships with partner groups and constituents.
• Represent CHS interests before the legislature, Governor's Office, executive branch agencies and other cabinet level branches of government having responsibility for making policy or funding requests for children's services, delivering compelling presentations and testimonies that articulate CHS positions and influence decision-making.
• Represent CHS with other advocacy groups impacting children's issues, at the state and federal levels.
• Plan and coordinate meetings between CHS advocates and elected officials to discuss legislative issues and proposals; coordinate program tours and ride-alongs when needed.
• Coordinate meetings between members and elected officials to discuss issues/proposals and allow them to respond to CHS concerns.
• Build positive working relationships with elected and appointed key officials in the policy making process related to children's issues.
• Develop and maintain statewide CHS grassroots advocacy capacity through working with CHS Local Boards and staff leadership.
• Contact individuals and groups having similar interests to encourage them to contact legislators and present views.
• Attend and represent local organization at state and national association meetings, when needed.
• Contact regulatory agencies and testify at public hearings to enlist support for CHS’s interests, when needed.
• Coordinate and participate in advocacy training for volunteers and staff.

Legislative Affairs, Research & Administration (50%)

• Research and analyze proposed and current legislation, budgets, ballot initiatives and state programs; collaborate in developing, communicating and interpreting CHS positions on public policy.
• Collaborate in informing and advising the Governing Board of Directors’ Public Policy and Advocacy Committee; assist in organizing the annual legislative agenda and regional advocacy goals.
• Prepare informational pamphlets to state CHS’s views and to inform public of proposed legislation considered desirable or undesirable.
• Collaborate and assist with managing CHS Lobby Team.
• Develop and implement management tools that provide the data necessary for marketing and advocacy decisions to be made.
• Assist with organizing and coordinating the statewide Legislative Page program, including working with local CHS representatives to prepare students, recruit and work with CHS host families.
• Develop and manage a budget for advocacy/legislative affairs activities, ensuring effective allocation of resources to maximize impact.
• Produce high-quality reports, briefings, and other communication materials to educate internal stakeholders and external audiences on legislative developments and advocacy priorities.

2. Contribute to a positive, engaging work environment.

• Develop a strong knowledge base and stay current on job-related issues and trends.
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, training and education, as well as the quality process.
• Comply with CHS’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and other obligations.
• Assist with training other team members and providing back up when necessary.
• Pick up projects on the fly; perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
• Demonstrate the CHS Common Bond values in the performance of all job duties.

Job Qualifications

Education, Licenses & Certifications:

• BA/BS in Political Science, Public Policy/Administration, Government Relations or related field from an accredited university, required; MA/MS strongly preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
• Florida Driver’s License within 30 days from hire, along with daily access to a reliable, insured vehicle, required.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of experience in advocacy, public affairs, governmental relations or legislative affairs, with a demonstrated track record of developing and implementing successful advocacy strategies, required.
• Experience delivering effective oral/written testimony before legislative bodies and guiding advocacy campaigns, required.
• Experience in budget development and financial management, preferred.
• This position requires the team member to be physically based in the Tallahassee commuting area (within 50 miles).

Competencies

Knowledge of:

LEGISLATIVE PROCESS | REGULATORY ENVIRONMENTS | PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES RELEVANT TO CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Skills and proficiency in:

• Planning, project management, organization and time management
• Oral and written communication, including presentation and platform and persuasion
• Interpersonal relationship building, collaboration and teaming
• Computer systems and MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook

Ability to:

• Perform at a high level of autonomy, with general supervision.
• Perform under strong demands in fast-paced, diverse, sometimes ambiguous environments.
• Handle highly stressful, sensitive situations; preserve confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Meet critical deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy and quality.
• Perform data analysis, solve complex problems and document results using sound judgement.
• Build and maintain influential relationships with government officials, legislators and external stakeholders to positively communicate, influence, persuade and gain support to further the interest of CHS.
• Maneuver through complex political situations effectively.
• Anticipate future consequences and trends, understand potential impact of broad societal issues.
• Catalyze commitment to create social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities for children.
• Commit to providing high customer satisfaction with positive service delivery results.
• Demonstrate the behaviors of our CHS Common Bond Values, including the commitment to high ethical standards, transparency and integrity in all advocacy activities.
• Be energetic, passionate and adaptable with a deep commitment to social service, empathy for children and families and a positive approach to embracing and managing change.

 Schedule Expectations

The incumbent will work a standard scheduled week, which may include weekends, holidays and evenings. The ability to work flexible hours is required to meet business needs. If working remotely, incumbent will be required to be available by telephone and email during specified hours. Travel will be on an as-needed basis. In the event of a declared disaster or emergency, this Business Operations Continuity position will be required to carry out assigned duties to provide CHS with the capability and capacity to operate its business functions.

Together, good can be done.

CHSFL is an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA accommodation requirements should be requested (5) days prior to the event date).