Vice President of Government Relations and Chief Diversity Officer

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network

Job Description

Oversees government affairs, advocacy and policy initiatives for the organization. This includes in depth understanding of proposed and current legislation, budgets and state and federal programs. As Chief Diversity Officer, oversees the agency’s equity and training initiatives such as the annual Training Institute and Equity Training Center. Develops and monitors the equity strategic goals for the agency and provides leadership on industry best practices. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with state, local and/or federal elected officials as well as of the agency’s trade organizations.  
 
Essential Functions
 
Government Relations and Advocacy: 
  • In coordination with Sr leadership, facilitate the Agency advocacy committee and related activities to formulate short and long-term strategic government and community priorities on public policy issues that impact Wayside services.  
  • Set up structures and tools to centralize and coordinate Wayside’s government relations and advocacy work, including data collection and reporting tools, as well as communication policies and procedures regarding advocacy work. 
  • In coordination with Sr leadership and the CEO, lead legislative strategy prioritization and advocacy implementation to support Wayside’ mission and services. 
  • Coordinate with key trade organizations (ABH, CLM, the Providers’ Council, MAAPS, MNN, etc.) and participate on relevant committees specific to Wayside’s government relations work. 
  • Provide technical assistance and advice to leadership on government relations and advocacy opportunities, including regular updates on partner advocacy groups activities, emerging legislation, and coalitions to relevant key leaders at Wayside.  
  • Work with the Communications Department to increase visibility and awareness of critical legislative issues and provide education to Wayside employees around informed advocacy.  
  • Identify and access existing influential relationships and form new networks and coalitions that will accelerate the achievement of Wayside’s goals. Manage relationships and actively seek out new opportunities for partnerships. 
  • Track and analyze critical legislative bills that could advance new policy initiatives and support existing business. Maintain a thorough understanding of legislative and regulatory processes and awareness of the political, legislative, and regulatory landscape impacting children’s behavioral health services.  
 
Training and DEI:
  • Bring content knowledge and expertise to assist in the implementation of agency wide health equity action plans, education, evaluation of DEI-related goals. Provide leadership in the assessment, monitoring, adjustment, and enhancement of initiatives as necessary to ensure sustainable outcomes in DEI related activities. 
  • Oversee and directly supervise the Agency Training Director and collaborate on the vision and strategic marketing plan for Equity Training Center. 
  • Oversee Wayside’s annual Training Institute to ensure that the trainings are representative of Wayside’s mission and in alignment with our service array and agency goals.  
  • Work with the Communications Department to implement external marketing plan for Wayside Training Institute on an annual basis.  
  • Co-lead Agency monthly DEI committee and work alongside Wayside’s consultant to develop Agency DEI strategic equity plan. Coordinate with VP of Administration to ensure workforce and client demographic data is incorporated and monitored.  
  • Develop and maintain structures and tools for all agency training activities such as on-boarding and other annual required trainings to ensure that content is up to date and meets various licensing requirements.
  • Represent Wayside by speaking at conferences, panels, and other public facing events.   
 
Please note: The essential functions listed in this section are not limited only to the tasks listed and may include other duties as assigned. 
 
Qualification/Education/Experience: 
  1. BA/BS degree and 10 years’ experience in Massachusetts Health and Human Service system.  Experience in organizing and leading strategic policy and/or advocacy efforts. (Masters degree preferred)
  2. 7+ years of direct supervisory experience                                                           
  3. Ability to accurately identify, analyze, and communicate legislative and policy issues 
  4. Demonstrated knowledge of policy and legislative processes.                                                                                                                
  5. Experience providing trainings and public presentations to large audiences.  
  6. Demonstrated understanding of systemic issues related to diversity and equity 
  7. Experience with creating sustainable systems of change that increase equity within a workplace                                                     
  8. Strongly prefer a candidate that will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations. 
  9. Experience building relationships with external stakeholders and development of new collaborations and/or partnerships  
  10. Deep understanding of human service organization’s operations and of overall Massachusetts health and human service system. 
  11. Superior written and verbal communication skills.  Ability to present to various audiences with confidence.                                                   
  12. Excellent planning and organizational skills and techniques. 
  13. Ability to multi-task and lead multiple activities as needed.                                                                     
  14. Experience in strategic planning processes 
  15. Ability to mentor, coach and effectively transfer expertise to others.            
  16. Strong computer skills. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel.