Public Affairs Associate

Wellnest; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellnest in Los Angeles is seeking a Public Affairs Associate to serve as the primary liaison to elected officials, government agencies, and community partners. This role advances Wellnest's mission by building strategic relationships and promoting mental health, housing, and youth wellness initiatives across Los Angeles County.

Working with executive leadership and communications staff, you will develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs plan to elevate visibility, strengthen

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• 4–7 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, communications, community engagement, or nonprofit advocacy.
• Experience working with elected officials, government agencies, or community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with federal, state, county, and local officials and their staff.
• Represent Wellnest at legislative briefings, community meetings, and stakeholder events.
• Coordinate meetings, site visits, and advocacy opportunities with policymakers.
• Develop and implement a year‑round public affairs strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Identify opportunities for Wellnest leadership to participate in panels, speaking engagements, and public forums.
• Support coalition-building around mental health, housing, and youth wellness initiatives.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement around major organizational initiatives.
• Track and report advocacy outcomes and policy developments.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Multitasking

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Public Administration, Public Affairs, or related field

Job description

Role Summary

The Public Affairs Associate serves as Wellnest's primary liaison to elected officials, government agencies, community stakeholders, and advocacy partners. This position helps advance Wellnest's mission by building strategic relationships, increasing awareness of critical issues impacting children, families, and transitional-aged youth, and supporting policies that promote mental health, supportive housing, and community wellness.

Working closely with executive leadership, program leaders, and communications staff, the Manager develops and implements a comprehensive public affairs strategy that elevates Wellnest's visibility, strengthens legislative relationships, and positions the organization as a trusted resource and thought leader throughout Los Angeles County.

Essential Functions

Government & Legislative Relations (35%)

• Develop and maintain relationships with federal, state, county, and local elected officials and their staff.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for district offices serving South Los Angeles and East Los Angeles.
• Monitor legislation, policy proposals, funding opportunities, and regulatory developments relevant to behavioral health, housing, workforce development, and youth services.
• Prepare policy briefs, issue papers, talking points, and legislative updates for executive leadership.
• Coordinate meetings, site visits, and advocacy opportunities with policymakers.
• Represent Wellnest at legislative briefings, community meetings, and stakeholder events.

Public Affairs & Community Engagement (25%)

• Develop and implement a year-round public affairs strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Cultivate relationships with community leaders, coalitions, advocacy organizations, chambers of commerce, healthcare partners, and civic groups.
• Identify opportunities for Wellnest leadership to participate in panels, speaking engagements, and public forums.
• Support coalition-building efforts around mental health, supportive housing, and youth wellness initiatives.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement efforts surrounding major organizational initiatives.

Advocacy Campaigns & Policy Initiatives (15%)

• Support development of legislative priorities and advocacy platforms.
• Coordinate grassroots and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Develop public education campaigns focused on reducing mental health stigma and increasing awareness of community resources.
• Assist leadership in identifying opportunities to support or sponsor policy initiatives aligned with Wellnest's mission.
• Track and report advocacy outcomes and policy developments.

Signature Events & Stakeholder Engagement (15%)

• Lead public affairs planning for major organizational events.
• Coordinate elected official engagement for:
  • The Nest on Exposition Ribbon Cutting
  • Community Wellnest Center milestones
  • Legislative briefings
  • Housing tours
  • Mental Health Awareness Month events
  • Community forums and stakeholder receptions
• Develop event briefing materials and VIP engagement strategies.
• Manage invitations, follow-up communications, and relationship stewardship.

Communications Collaboration (10%)

• Work closely with the Communications team to integrate public affairs messaging into media relations, digital content, social media, and thought leadership opportunities.
• Identify stories and policy issues that strengthen Wellnest's public positioning.
• Support media opportunities involving elected officials, government partnerships, and advocacy initiatives.
• Assist with development of annual impact reports and public affairs communications materials.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Public Administration, Public Affairs, or related field. 4-7 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, communications, community engagement, or nonprofit advocacy.

Experience working with elected officials, government agencies, or community stakeholders. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Must possess and maintain a valid CA driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Conditions Of Employment

Employee may be asked to pursue additional training when it is determined to be in the best interest of the Company. Employee must have the ability to use a personal vehicle with the required insurance coverage to complete the essential duties of their job and conduct agency business. Employee must maintain a valid California driver’s license and clean driving record that meets Wellnest’s insurance carrier’s criteria for liability coverage. In keeping with Company policy for all employees, the successful applicant must also complete a test for TB, and fingerprint clearance by the Department of Justice. Employee must agree to Wellnest's Arbitration Agreement as a condition of employment.

Working Conditions

Employee regularly works in an office environment. Employee may be required to work flexible, evening and/or weekend hours for time-sensitive projects.

This description is only intended to illustrate the duties, responsibilities and requirements for it. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted to describe each and every duty the employee may be required to perform.

Wellnest does not discriminate against any client, parent/guardian, employee or community member on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Due to restrictions from DHCS, Wellnest, as a health care provider, is unable to employ anyone on a DHCS exclusionary list or database. Applicants will be asked to confirm within the application process whether they are subject to an exclusion