Mental Health America (MHA) is seeking a Vice President of Federal Government Affairs who will be responsible for advancing Mental Health America’s legislative and administrative federal agenda.   This position will be responsible for building key relationships with Congressional and agency staff, drafting legislation and administrative comments, and working with partner organizations to achieve mutual policy goals.  The Vice President will communicate effectively on federal policy issues with a variety of stakeholders, such as local affiliate leaders, colleague organizations, and MHA staff and board, and will be responsible for writing and presenting information on federal policy.

This is a critical position operating as part of an effective team.  The Vice President is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing and sees unmet mental health needs and the self-empowerment of those with mental health conditions as social justice issues.

Job Overview:

• Help facilitate the annual process of developing MHA’s policy priorities and provide periodic reviews and suggestions for strategic adjustment.
• Draft, edit, and advance legislation in Congress on priority bills. Serve as lead on some bills and assist policy team members and coalitions with others. Meet with Hill staff and stakeholders.  Working with the policy team and contract lobbyists, lead successful Hill Day. Lead calls with contract lobbyists.
• Draft comments on federal proposed rules and requests for information, propose policy changes to federal officials, and meet representatives from federal agencies.  Work on coalition draft comments for some issues and on MHA filed comments for others.
• Communicate federal policy issues through contributions to the federal policy update, articles, blogs, webinars, and conference presentations.  Answer inquiries from affiliates.
• Ensure all policy positions comply with policy equity framework and rubric, and contribute to weekly equity meetings.

Please send a cover letter/letter of interest and resume via e-mail to: jobs@mhanational.org. Please type “Vice President of Federal Government Affairs” in the subject line of the e-mail. No phone calls, please. EOE.

Job Requirements:

• BA, with MA or JD preferred. 
• Minimum 3 years of experience; 5 years preferred. 
• Knowledge of federal health and mental health policy.  Strong understanding of the pathway to passing legislation and influencing regulations and strategic acumen. Knowledge of payment policy, public health, and youth mental health preferred. 
• Relationships with Hill and Administration key staff.
• Ability to draft legislative edits and comment letters.  A strong writer and public speaker on policy issues for lay audiences. 
• Previous work with affiliates and coalitions is strongly preferred.

About Mental Health America

Founded in 1909 by Clifford W. Beers, Mental Health America (MHA) ’s work is driven by its commitment to promoting mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and support for those who need them; with recovery as the goal. MHA’s programs and initiatives fulfill its mission of promoting mental health and preventing mental illness through advocacy, education, research, and services. MHA’s national office and its 140+ affiliates and associates around the country work every day to protect the rights and dignity of individuals with lived experience and ensure that peers and their voices are integrated into all areas of the organization.

Connections working at Mental Health America