Director of Advocacy
President’s Office
Damien Center Values
Dignity-Collaboration-Accountability-Access-Quality-Innovation
Founded in 1987, Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization (ASO) and serves more than 8000 individuals living with or at risk for HIV through a comprehensive, innovative approach to care and prevention. Our purpose is to be a trusted partner in providing services, education and advocacy for all people living with or at risk for HIV and any person seeking a safe and welcoming home for care. Our services include care coordination, clinical and pharmacy services, mental health, housing, and nutrition.
Position Summary Director of Advocacy coordinates and documents Damien Center’s strategic efforts related to public policy, government relations, active legislation, and related public opinion. The role develops marketing campaigns, manages virtual engagements, builds coalitions with stakeholders, and analyzes policy developments to advance the Damien Center’s mission. In collaboration with the CEO, this role identifies advocacy priorities and active related legislation on a local, state, and national level. The director will cultivate relationships with elected officials and government staff to build support for Damien Center’s advocacy goals.
Duties and Responsibilities This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills.
Maintains a strong working knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Ryan White funding regulations, 340B and relevant state and federal legislation, LGBTQ issues, syringe exchange, Community Health Centers, Medicaid, housing/homelessness, and other relevant Damien Center advocacy priorities
Works with the President & CEO to define and develop the organization’s advocacy agenda based on current organizational priorities and the external policy landscape
Cultivates relationships with elected officials, government staff, community leaders, and coalition partners to build support for organizational goals
In conjunction with the President & CEO, coordinate with the agency’s hired lobbying firm to advance key legislative strategies at the state level
Monitors and analyzes legislation, public opinions, and political developments to advise the President & CEO and Board of Directors on potential impact
Develops, documents, and implements policy proposals, education campaigns, and other strategies for advancing policy and advocacy goals
Researches state and federal elected leaders, including interests, voting records, and commitments to current legislation
Updates and promotes the use of the Action Network website for Damien Center policy issues
Maintains strong relationships with partner groups including HIV Modernization, Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, Indiana Primary Health Care Association, and others as identified in collaboration with the President & CEO
Educates policy makers and local legislators on organizational missional issues as agreed upon with the President & CEO
In conjunction with the Marketing team, creates materials that support our advocacy agenda and develops marketing and communications campaigns
Identifies and monitor pending local and state legislative initiatives, external agency policies and practices and other policy issues falling under the scope of interest for the organization
Identifies key stakeholder individuals, organizations, businesses and communities to determine potential partners for our advocacy work
Develops and maintains relationships with potential partners across public, nonprofit and for-profit organizations that align with our priorities
Develops relationships with state entities and advocates for internal policy changes that may not need legislative fixes that support our agency goals
Serves as a representative at seminars, conferences, meetings and presentations to share our policy and advocacy agenda
Develops a range of approaches for informing internal and external audiences of policy and advocacy matters (written materials: reports, blog posts, website content and other web‑based materials; learning sessions: events, trainings, webinars, workshops; presentations: internal or with partners).
Convenes a statewide group of relevant partners, facilitates the meetings, reports policy agendas and statuses of relevant legislation, and report back about statuses
Performs special assignments and other work, on an as‑needed basis.
Education and/or Experience Knowledge in HIV/AIDS, 340B, LGBTQ issues, and housing/homelessness are strongly desired. A bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, social work, marketing, communications, or a related field is required. Master’s degree preferred. Bilingual in Spanish and English a plus.
*Work or lived experience may substitute for education requirements on a case‑by‑case basis.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Possess superior organizational and administrative skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment. Ability to work independently and achieve high standards of productivity, achieving deadlines and with superior product results. Strong calendaring, organizational, and document management skills required. Proactive approach to solving problems and communicating to leadership. Knowledge of office management systems, procedures, and office equipment required. Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize work.
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the basic knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual in this role must display the highest level of integrity and confidentiality. The individual should have effective communication skills, attention to detail and organization, and flexibility and adaptability. The individual will also maintain knowledge of trends in their area of responsibility.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are general representations of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to touch and handle objects. The employee frequently stands or walks.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Remote work is on a case‑by‑case basis and must be approved by the supervisor.
Office setting, with sustained use of a computer.
The noise level in the work environment is minimal to moderate.
Individuals should maintain personal and professional competency and work to create an environment of courtesy, respect, inclusion, and positivity in all interactions both internal and external to the organization.
FLSA Status: Salaried, Full‑time, Exempt
Leader: President & CEO
Salary: $125,000
Benefits
150 hours of PTO in the first year followed by 195 hours per year moving forward.
12 paid holidays
Medical coverage options include a PPO plan or a HDHP.
Dental & Vision plans
Health Saving Account or Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Employee Assistance Program
403b Retirement Account with 5% matching and 100% vesting after 90 days
Life Insurance @ 2 times the annual salary
Voluntary Life Insurance Plan including spouse and child coverage options
Short‑ & Long‑Term Disability Plans
Premium Subscription to the CALM APP which assists with anxiety, stress & other mental health challenges
Professional Development Opportunities
Tuition Assistance
Annual performance review that includes an annual performance‑based salary increase
Protecting our team members, clients, volunteers, and community partners is an integral part of how we ensure our continued work with the clients we serve. As a condition of employment, Damien Center requires team members to be vaccinated against influenza and receive a tuberculosis skin test (or chest x‑ray) annually, barring an approved religious or medical exemption.
Damien Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Damien Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, other legally protected status, or genetic (including family medical history) information.
Damien Center complies with applicable federal laws and with all state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which Damien Center has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Please apply at www.damien.org/job-opportunities
This position description does not constitute a contract of employment or guarantee of any terms or conditions of employment. Damien Center employees are employed on an at‑will basis. Nothing in this position description restricts Damien Center’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
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Damien Center Values
Dignity-Collaboration-Accountability-Access-Quality-Innovation
Founded in 1987, Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization (ASO) and serves more than 8000 individuals living with or at risk for HIV through a comprehensive, innovative approach to care and prevention. Our purpose is to be a trusted partner in providing services, education and advocacy for all people living with or at risk for HIV and any person seeking a safe and welcoming home for care. Our services include care coordination, clinical and pharmacy services, mental health, housing, and nutrition.
Position Summary Director of Advocacy coordinates and documents Damien Center’s strategic efforts related to public policy, government relations, active legislation, and related public opinion. The role develops marketing campaigns, manages virtual engagements, builds coalitions with stakeholders, and analyzes policy developments to advance the Damien Center’s mission. In collaboration with the CEO, this role identifies advocacy priorities and active related legislation on a local, state, and national level. The director will cultivate relationships with elected officials and government staff to build support for Damien Center’s advocacy goals.
Duties and Responsibilities This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills.
Maintains a strong working knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Ryan White funding regulations, 340B and relevant state and federal legislation, LGBTQ issues, syringe exchange, Community Health Centers, Medicaid, housing/homelessness, and other relevant Damien Center advocacy priorities
Works with the President & CEO to define and develop the organization’s advocacy agenda based on current organizational priorities and the external policy landscape
Cultivates relationships with elected officials, government staff, community leaders, and coalition partners to build support for organizational goals
In conjunction with the President & CEO, coordinate with the agency’s hired lobbying firm to advance key legislative strategies at the state level
Monitors and analyzes legislation, public opinions, and political developments to advise the President & CEO and Board of Directors on potential impact
Develops, documents, and implements policy proposals, education campaigns, and other strategies for advancing policy and advocacy goals
Researches state and federal elected leaders, including interests, voting records, and commitments to current legislation
Updates and promotes the use of the Action Network website for Damien Center policy issues
Maintains strong relationships with partner groups including HIV Modernization, Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, Indiana Primary Health Care Association, and others as identified in collaboration with the President & CEO
Educates policy makers and local legislators on organizational missional issues as agreed upon with the President & CEO
In conjunction with the Marketing team, creates materials that support our advocacy agenda and develops marketing and communications campaigns
Identifies and monitor pending local and state legislative initiatives, external agency policies and practices and other policy issues falling under the scope of interest for the organization
Identifies key stakeholder individuals, organizations, businesses and communities to determine potential partners for our advocacy work
Develops and maintains relationships with potential partners across public, nonprofit and for-profit organizations that align with our priorities
Develops relationships with state entities and advocates for internal policy changes that may not need legislative fixes that support our agency goals
Serves as a representative at seminars, conferences, meetings and presentations to share our policy and advocacy agenda
Develops a range of approaches for informing internal and external audiences of policy and advocacy matters (written materials: reports, blog posts, website content and other web‑based materials; learning sessions: events, trainings, webinars, workshops; presentations: internal or with partners).
Convenes a statewide group of relevant partners, facilitates the meetings, reports policy agendas and statuses of relevant legislation, and report back about statuses
Performs special assignments and other work, on an as‑needed basis.
Education and/or Experience Knowledge in HIV/AIDS, 340B, LGBTQ issues, and housing/homelessness are strongly desired. A bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, social work, marketing, communications, or a related field is required. Master’s degree preferred. Bilingual in Spanish and English a plus.
*Work or lived experience may substitute for education requirements on a case‑by‑case basis.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Possess superior organizational and administrative skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment. Ability to work independently and achieve high standards of productivity, achieving deadlines and with superior product results. Strong calendaring, organizational, and document management skills required. Proactive approach to solving problems and communicating to leadership. Knowledge of office management systems, procedures, and office equipment required. Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize work.
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the basic knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual in this role must display the highest level of integrity and confidentiality. The individual should have effective communication skills, attention to detail and organization, and flexibility and adaptability. The individual will also maintain knowledge of trends in their area of responsibility.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are general representations of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to touch and handle objects. The employee frequently stands or walks.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Remote work is on a case‑by‑case basis and must be approved by the supervisor.
Office setting, with sustained use of a computer.
The noise level in the work environment is minimal to moderate.
Individuals should maintain personal and professional competency and work to create an environment of courtesy, respect, inclusion, and positivity in all interactions both internal and external to the organization.
FLSA Status: Salaried, Full‑time, Exempt
Leader: President & CEO
Salary: $125,000
Benefits
150 hours of PTO in the first year followed by 195 hours per year moving forward.
12 paid holidays
Medical coverage options include a PPO plan or a HDHP.
Dental & Vision plans
Health Saving Account or Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Employee Assistance Program
403b Retirement Account with 5% matching and 100% vesting after 90 days
Life Insurance @ 2 times the annual salary
Voluntary Life Insurance Plan including spouse and child coverage options
Short‑ & Long‑Term Disability Plans
Premium Subscription to the CALM APP which assists with anxiety, stress & other mental health challenges
Professional Development Opportunities
Tuition Assistance
Annual performance review that includes an annual performance‑based salary increase
Protecting our team members, clients, volunteers, and community partners is an integral part of how we ensure our continued work with the clients we serve. As a condition of employment, Damien Center requires team members to be vaccinated against influenza and receive a tuberculosis skin test (or chest x‑ray) annually, barring an approved religious or medical exemption.
Damien Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Damien Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, other legally protected status, or genetic (including family medical history) information.
Damien Center complies with applicable federal laws and with all state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which Damien Center has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Please apply at www.damien.org/job-opportunities
This position description does not constitute a contract of employment or guarantee of any terms or conditions of employment. Damien Center employees are employed on an at‑will basis. Nothing in this position description restricts Damien Center’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
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