American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Out of the Darkness Walks
Donate Now
Print this page
If you are in crisis Call 1-800-273-TALK

Employment Opportunities

Development Manager

AFSP seeks qualified candidates for the position of Development Manager in its national office. The position is responsible for corporate, foundation, individual research & event special events. Bachelor’s Degree plus 2-3 years related development experience. Enthusiasm, strong interpersonal, writing, organizational and computer skills required. Send cover letter with salary requirements and resume to Senior Director of Development and Field Management, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 120 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10005, or email to jobs@afsp.org.

Illinois Area Director

AFSP seeks Area Director for growth and development of chapters in Illinois area through expansion of volunteer leadership, development of financial resources, delivery of programs and effective chapter management. Responsible for annual plan and budget; signature fundraising events; individual, foundation and corporate donations; educational and advocacy programs and fiscal management. The position reports to the Central Division Director. Bachelor’s Degree plus minimum of 3 to 5 years nonprofit management experience, preferably in a national health-related organization with chapters. Successful record of working with boards and volunteers, managing fundraising events and developing major gifts. Strong interpersonal, communications and computer skills. Salary commensurate with experience. Send cover letter with salary requirements, resume to jobs@afsp.org.

Senior Director of Public Policy

AFSP is currently seeking a full-time Senior Director of Public Policy to lead the development and implementation of policy strategy, advocacy initiatives, communications efforts, and partnerships and coalitions to achieve the Foundation’s public policy goals at the local, state and national levels. The Senior Director of Public Policy will be responsible for advancing and expanding AFSP’s influence by making the organization’s mission and policy agenda a priority for lawmakers and policymakers.

The Senior Director of Public Policy will work closely with AFSP’s Executive Director, Public Policy Council and Senior Management Team in establishing and carrying out the organization’s public policy priorities and legislative agenda, and in maintaining and enhancing AFSP’s advocacy presence in Washington, D.C. and state capitals throughout the country.

The individual will manage the Washington, D.C. Public Policy office. Under his or her leadership, the public policy team will work closely with Members of Congress and their staffs, federal agency executives, mental health and suicide prevention organizations and other relevant organizations and stakeholders. The Senior Director and public policy team will also provide counsel and advocacy support for the leadership of AFSP’s network of community-based chapters and grassroots volunteers. Significant emphasis will be placed on cultivating allies and advocates for policy priorities and sustaining a coherent policy agenda across multiple areas of influence. The position will also be responsible for helping generate financial support for the public policy and advocacy agenda. The position is based in Washington, D.C. Evening and weekend work and some domestic travel will be required from time to time.

Responsibilities

Policy Analysis and Formulation:

  • Develops long and short term national and state public policy and legislative goals and objectives in conjunction with AFSP’s Public Policy Council and Executive Director;
  • Conceives and develops advocacy and communications strategies to achieve those goals and objectives, and to advance suicide prevention in public policy, legislative and regulatory debates;
  • Leads AFSP’s efforts to identify and monitor relevant existing and emerging federal,  state and local policy issues, legislation and regulations;
  • Oversees research, analysis, evaluation and communication of relevant federal and state policy issues, legislation and regulations;
  • Prepares or supervises the preparation and production of issue and concept “white” papers and other relevant materials by policy staff.

Implementation of Advocacy Strategy:

  • Represents the viewpoints of AFSP to Members of Congress and their staffs, directors and staff of relevant federal agencies, AFSP chapter organizations and grassroots volunteers, media and other stakeholders;
  • Conceives, develops and implements opportunities to educate decision-makers on suicide prevention issues, including advocacy events such as Hill briefings, press conferences, town hall meeting, etc.;
  • Provides leadership, direct support and technical assistance to the public policy function within AFSP, including chapter staff and volunteers, to advance the Foundation’s advocacy objectives and enhance their understanding of policy issues;
  • Represents the Executive Director as a spokesperson on public policy issues;
  • Works collaboratively with AFSP’s communications staff to develop and execute campaigns that enhance the public’s understanding of policy issues and AFSP’s mission.
  • Works collaboratively with AFSP’s fundraising staff to generate financial support for public policy and advocacy programs, including the annual “Friend for Life” event in Washington, D.C., annual Legislative Institute and Day on Capital Hill, and will assist with efforts to identify and secure government grants and contracts related to suicide prevention policy, grassroots advocacy and technical assistance work.

Coalition Building and Outreach:

  • Represents AFSP in relevant Washington, D.C. based coalitions and coordinates AFSP participation in related meetings, conferences and public events that further the Foundation’s public policy agenda;
  • Identifies and recruits other organizations at the national and state level to adopt suicide prevention as part of their focus;
  • Develops a network of non-traditional allies willing to support suicide prevention;
  • Creates strategies for broadening the base of grassroots advocates for suicide prevention.

Administration and Organizational Development:

  • Oversees the AFSP Washington, D.C. Public Policy office, including supervision of policy staff, management of office budget and infrastructure;
  • Serves as a member of the AFSP Senior Management Team;
  • Coordinates and supports the AFSP Public Policy Council;
  • Attends AFSP Board meetings, and provides reports as requested;
  • Participates in national staff meetings, the budget development process, the annual chapter leadership conference and other organizational activities as required;
  • Assists in implementing other AFSP activities as requested, including Out of the Darkness Walks, and uses such events to advance AFSP’s public policy agenda;
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date records and submits progress reports as needed.

Reporting Requirements

The Senior Director of Public Policy reports to the AFSP Executive Director.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess the vision, creativity and initiative necessary to drive the Foundation's public policy and advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels. The position requires strong strategic planning, interpersonal, writing and public speaking skills. The fast-paced environment of AFSP requires that the Senior Director of Public Policy be both flexible and detail-oriented, have demonstrated ability to manage a diverse portfolio of programs and be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Additionally, the complexity of the organization and the suicide prevention field requires a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and tactfully with an array of constituent and third party groups.

A thorough understanding of the legislative process is required, as is knowledge of health and/or mental health policy. Experience and/or knowledge of suicide prevention is a strong plus. Candidates must have a proven track record of strategic thinking and problem-solving; experience in the legislative process working with/on Capital Hill, the White House or a federal agency; demonstrated effectiveness in organizing and implementing advocacy campaigns; and the ability to distill complex and technical issues into understandable and persuasive advocacy messages. Demonstrated ability to supervise, train and mentor staff is essential. A record of securing grant or contract funding is a plus.

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Ten years experience in public policy development and analysis, government relations, coalition building and advocacy, preferably with a not-for-profit organization in the mental health or health care field;
  • A graduate degree in public policy, mental health, J.D. or related field, or bachelor’s in political science, social sciences or related field with extensive relevant experience;
  • A broad network of professional relationships in Washington, D.C. related to public policy, preferably in mental health or suicide prevention;
  • A proven record of accomplishments working in public policy;
  • Ability to periodically travel to New York and domestically on an as-needed basis. 

Compensation

A competitive salary, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package.

Apply to:

Send cover letter with salary requirements, resume and writing samples to Executive Director, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 120 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10005, or email to jobs@afsp.org. AFSP is an equal opportunity employer.

© 2009 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. All rights reserved.
Web Design & Web Development by GlobalCloud®