Public Policy Director

Public Policy Director — Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities — AtlantaBehavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Georgia Department of - DBHDDMay 21, 2026The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) works to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in Georgia communities.GCDD is one of 55 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000. Our activities are governed by a 27‑member board, appointed by the Governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interest in persons with developmental disabilities.Today, the GCDD continues to serve as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities. We are charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self‑determination. Activities include public policy research and analysis, reform, project demonstrations, education and training. Since our inception in 1971, we have been a powerful advocate for more than 1.7 million Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families.Salary range $70,000–$88,000 – offer is based on education and years of relevant experience.Job ResponsibilitiesAdministers the Public Policy ProgramProvides comprehensive oversight and coordination of GCDD's public policy programRecommends annual public policy agenda of shared goals and objectives with stakeholdersOversees Public Policy Coordinator to track changes in legislation and review newly enacted legislationWorks with Public Relations Director to improve spreading public policy information to stakeholdersAttends relevant state agency meetings and relays information back to GCDDMakes policy recommendations to appropriate individuals or groupsCreates and presents public policy presentationsProject LeadershipInitiates and oversees a portfolio of projects based on the Council's strategic plan and public policy prioritiesDevelops and manages projects from RFP development to closeout; oversees development and management of projects by subordinate staffLiaison to Government OfficialsServes as a representative of the agency to the Georgia legislature, Congressional Delegation, state and federal agencies and national and regional associationsMust be available during Georgia legislative session for regular in‑person work at state capitol, and in‑person meetings and activities throughout the year as neededResponds to stakeholder requests and inquiries regarding constituents or providers in a timely mannerCoordinates with members of the Georgia General Assembly and state agency officials on agency issues that may impact servicesResearchDevelops, compiles and analyzes surveys, focus group data and other data to formulate policy and programmatic recommendationsSchedules and conducts meetings to present, explain and discuss the Council's policy recommendations with individuals and groupsDevelops research findings and recommendations for policy and program activities by preparing policy memos, position papers, issue papers and other reports for review by Council members, staff, advocates, legislators and othersSupervision & TeamworkSupervises Public Policy Coordinator providing regular evaluation and feedback, and taking corrective action when appropriateWorks closely with Executive Director, Chief Program Officer and Public Policy Coordinator to plan and implement comprehensive, effective public policy strategies in collaboration with Council members, staff, advocates, and partnering organizationsCollaborates with staff & Council members to support Council programming & activitiesLeads staff in major, targeted advocacy activitiesPosition RequirementsAvailable to work in‑person at Georgia State Capitol during legislative session, and attend in‑person meetings and events throughout the year as needed. Must be available for some travel within the state and occasional out‑of‑state travel.Strong working knowledge of public policy development, concepts related to research and policy analysis, and how to conduct analysis of policy and programmatic alternatives.Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to understand and communicate effectively with people who have developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, policy makers, and support/advocacy groups.Bachelor's degree in operations management, business administration, or a related field that includes four years in a managerial or supervisory role; or eight years of related professional experience that includes four years in a managerial or supervisory role; or four years of experience required at the lower level Mgr2, Business Ops (GSM011) or equivalent. Equivalent combinations of knowledge, education, job or internship experience, training, or certifications that provide the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job may be substituted year‑over‑year.Preferred QualificationsExperience in program management, done in an effective and collaborative manner.Experience partnering with a broad variety of individuals and/or organizations to advance shared goals.Significant experience and knowledge of programs, available services, laws, regulations and issues related to people with developmental disabilities.Advanced degree in psychology, social work, law or public administration.Previous work experience in the area of human services with policy makers and/or advocacy organizations.Equal Opportunity EmployerGCDD welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. GCDD is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. GCDD recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e‑mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.#J-18808-Ljbffr