Director of Policy, Benefits Data Trust

Posted by Benefits Data Trust on October 17, 2016

The Director of Policy plays a critical role at BDT and will be responsible for guiding the organization’s efforts to transform benefits access through policy and systems change. S/he will engage in the national dialogue about poverty, public benefits modernization and the positive outcomes associated with comprehensive person-centered service delivery. S/he will build and strengthen relationships with national and state policy leaders and identify opportunities to test new strategies to reduce enrollment barriers for vulnerable populations. As a core member of BDT’s Impact Team, the Director of Policy will inform program design and oversee policy compliance. S/he will work with BDT partner states to maximize federal and state policy options in order to streamline enrollment processes, and create a more simple, comprehensive and cost effective benefits landscape.

The Director of Policy reports to the Chief Strategy Officer.

Main Responsibilities:

• Design and execute BDT’s Policy and Systems Change Agenda.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with national and state policy leaders, including government agency staff, academics, and advocates. Participate in strategic coalitions, as necessary.
• Strengthen BDT’s role as a thought leader in the benefits access space through conference presentations, policy briefs and blog posts, in coordination with Communications.
• Identify new opportunities and inform program design efforts to test innovative strategies to reduce barriers to benefits enrollment.
• Provide technical assistance to state partners to maximize use of federal policy options and waivers and move states towards meaningful systems change.
• Supervise and support the professional development of the Policy Manager and Policy Coordinator(s) / Subject Matter Expert(s).
• Advance BDT’s outcomes-based research and evaluation efforts, in coordination with Analytics team.
• Build and maintain a strong knowledge of laws and regulations related to public benefits.

Requirements:

• Detailed knowledge of poverty alleviation, public benefits policy, including SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and/or other means-tested programs.
• 5-7+ years of progressive leadership experience in policy environment.
• Past success managing and coaching a talented and highly motivated staff.
• Experience interpreting and responding to state and federal regulations to strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.
• Existing relationships with policymakers, advocates, and other anti-poverty stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills, including experience presenting at national conferences on complex material.
• History of innovation and willingness to experiment and push boundaries to overcome the status quo in public benefits service delivery.
• Advanced degree in policy, public administration, law, or related field preferred.
• Proactively and enthusiastically rolls up his/her sleeves to take the necessary steps to affect policy and create systems change

http://www.bdtrust.org/career/director-of-policy/