Public Policy Director- Atlanta

State of Georgia; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic agency dedicated to advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities. As the Public Policy Director, you'll lead impactful projects and collaborate with various stakeholders to shape effective public policies. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence systems change while working in a hybrid model that balances office presence with flexibility. With a focus on advocacy and capacity building, you'll be part of a mission-driven team committed to improving the lives of Georgians with developmental disabilities. Your expertise will drive meaningful change in the community and beyond.

Benefits

Full State Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Hybrid Work Model

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience.
• 4 years in a managerial or supervisory role required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and administer public policy programs.
• Oversee project management and develop policy recommendations.
• Serve as liaison to elected officials and stakeholders.

Skills

Public Policy Analysis

Project Management

Legislative Advocacy

Data Analysis

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Tools

Survey Analysis Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) works to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in Georgia communities.

GCDD is one of 55 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000. Our activities are governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the Governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interested in persons with developmental disabilities.

Today, the GCDD continues to serve as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities. We are charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self-determination. Activities include public policy research and analysis, reform, project demonstrations, education and training. Since our inception in 1971, we have been a powerful advocate for more than 1.7 million Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families.

Job Description

Job Title: Public Policy Director- Atlanta

Pay Grade: N; Salary range: $70,000.00-$82,00.00 based on education and experience

Job Summary:

Coordinates and administers the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities' public policy program andoversees a broad portfolio of projects with community partners. Works closely with Executive Director and Legislative Advocacy Director to plan and implement comprehensive, effective public policy strategies incollaboration with Council members, staff, advocates and partnering organizations. Plans and develops publicpolicy. Serves as policy analyst and assists in the development of new initiatives. Reviews pertinent legislativeproposals and activities of other key state agencies and determines the impact each has on the agency and itsareas of focus. Provides information to legislators, constituents, and other stakeholders. Initiates and oversees abroad variety of projects; develops and manages projects and oversees project management and development bysubordinate staff. Completes special projects as requested and other job-related duties as assigned. Supervisessupport personnel.

Core Function: Project Leadership and Research
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Under guidance of Chief Program Officer, initiates and oversees a broad variety of projects based on the Council’s strategic plan and legislative priorities
• Develops and manages projects from RFP development to closeout; oversees development and management of projects by subordinate staff
• Develops, compiles and analyzes surveys, focus group data and other data to formulate policy and programmatic recommendations for Council members, staff, advocates and others
• Schedules and conducts meetings to present, explain and discuss the Council’s policy recommendations with individuals and groups
• Develops research findings and recommendations for policy and program activities by preparing position papers and issues papers and other reports for review by Council members, staff, advocates, legislators and others
Core Function: Administer Public Policy Program
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Provides comprehensive oversight and coordination of GCDD’s public policy program
• Recommends annual legislative agenda of shared goals and objectives with stakeholders
• Facilitates a process for community input into developing a “disability agenda”
• Tracks changes in legislation and reviews newly enacted legislation and analyzes how these changes may impact the agency, people with disabilities and their families
• Works with Public Relations Director to improve spreading legislative information to stakeholders
• Attends relevant state agency meetings & relays information back to GCDD
• Makes policy recommendations to appropriate individuals or groups
• Coordinates scheduling families and advocates visiting and presenting at the Capital in response to budgetary or legislative issues
• Creates and presents public policy presentations
Core Function: Liaison to Elected Officials
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Serves as a representative of the agency to the Georgia legislature, Congressional Delegation, state and federal agencies and national and regional associations. Must be available during Georgia legislative session for regular in-person work at state capitol.
• Responds to stakeholder requests and inquiries regarding constituents or providers in a timely manner
• Serves as representative of the agency to the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities Public Policy Team
• Coordinates with members of the Georgia General Assembly and state agency officials on agency issues that may impact services
Core Function: Legislative Agenda
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Manages process of monitoring legislation proposed during the legislative session
• Tracks state and federal legislation and analyzes progress
• Ensures appropriate individual(s) receive all relevant legislation updates
Core Function: Supervision & Teamwork
• Supervises Legislative Advocacy Director, providing regular evaluation and feedback, and taking corrective action when appropriate
• Works closely with Executive Director, Chief Program Officer and Legislative Advocacy Director to plan and implement comprehensive, effective public policy strategies in collaboration with Council members, staff, advocates and partnering organizations.
• Works closely with Chief Program Officer, Legislative Advocacy Director and GCDD staff to design and oversee a wide variety of projects in the community
• Collaborates with staff & Council members to support Council programming & activities

This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in exciting public policy work at a small, dynamic, mission-driven agency. Our federally funded work is centered on systems change, advocacy, and capacity building for people with developmental disabilities and their families, which allows us a great deal of flexibility to take on new and unique projects and areas of focus. GCDD employees are state of Georgia employees with full state benefits while being part of a national network of Developmental Disability Councils. We work in a hybrid model, with limited time required in the office, and allow for reasonable flexibility of daily working hours.

For benefits information, please visit: https://careers.dbhdd.ga.gov/why-dbhdd/

GCDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of GCDDto provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

Bachelor's degree in operations management, business administration, or a related field which includes four (4) years in a managerial or supervisory role; or eight (8) years of related professional experience which includes four (4) years in a managerial or supervisory role; or four (4) years of experience required at the lower level Mgr 2, Business Ops (GSM011) or position equivalent. Note: An equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job or intern experience, training, or certifications that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year-over-year. Additional Information

• Agency Logo:
• Requisition ID: ADM0ID5
• Number of Openings: 1
• Shift: Day Job
• Posting End Date: Jun 5, 2025