Director of Policy and Government Affairs

The Community Behavioral Health Association of Illinois (CBHA), one of Illinois’ top behavioral health advocacy trade associations, is seeking an engaging, motivated, and committed individual to join its team. Working with the CEO and committee(s) assigned, this position is responsible for a range of policy issues pertaining to community mental health and substance use service delivery for public and private payors.

This position provides leadership, guidance, and advocacy for providers, consumers, and coalitions in the building of an effective, accessible, and equitable community behavioral health system throughout Illinois.

Employee benefits include:

• Remote work with some travel required
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement benefits (eligible after one year of employment)
• PTO – vacation (15 vacation days in the first year, and 20 days starting in the second year), personal, sick, and most holidays
• Cell phone reimbursement

Lead staff in support of CBHA’s CEO and committee(s) assigned to work on Mental Health and Substance Use issues. Provides leadership, guidance, and advocacy for providers in building an effective, accessible, and equitable community behavioral health care system throughout Illinois.

• Lead staff in monitoring state and federal legislative, regulatory, political, and external environments that could have an impact on CBHA members and industry.
• Liaison with lawmakers and state officials on community behavioral health needs and services, recommending appropriate action on mental health and substance use issues.
• Attend hearings, meet with legislators, testify before committees, and maintain a regular presence at the Capitol in Springfield as needed during the Illinois legislative session to advocate for the organization’s interests.
• Plan and coordinate Advocacy Day, including logistics, scheduling, and member engagement.
• Conduct research, develop public policy proposals, and advocacy strategies, to advance the priorities of CBHA members.
• Prepare fact sheets, testimony, and any other form of communication which will serve to educate the public, the legislature, state departments, and coalitions.
• Provide timely information to members on legislative, regulatory, and industry issues that affect their agencies and communities.
• Represent CBHA’s perspective and policy positions on select coalitions and advisory committees.
• Build and maintain relationships with members of the state’s executive branch, and with legislative and regulatory staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Work with assigned CBHA committees, and ensure that committee notices, minutes, and other necessary documents are presented and recorded.
• Manage CBHA social media platforms.
• Provide support in planning the annual conference in collaboration with other staff and attend the event to support its successful execution.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Represent the interests of CBHA members in dealing with key Illinois Departments including, but not limited to, Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Department of Human Services - Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, and Department of Children and Family Services.
• Represent CBHA on mental health and substance use issues in working with other trade associations and advocacy groups.
• Provide individual advocacy for member providers when needed and appropriate.
• Attend CBHA district meetings (virtual or in-person) to become familiar with and work toward meeting specific regional needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Maintain professional conduct and uphold high ethical standards in all aspects of the role.
• Self-starter, highly motivated, creative thinker, equity-minded, well-organized, and proven ability to meet goals/deadlines.

• Candidate must have 3+ years of experience in public policy, advocacy, government affairs, and knowledge of issues related to community mental health and substance use treatment and/or experience working within a community mental health or substance use setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in social services, public policy, political science, or related field. Master’s degree is preferred.

• Directly responsible to the CEO.
• This job description may be changed as needed by CEO.