Public Policy Manager

Truth Initiative; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Job summary

Truth Initiative seeks a Manager of Public Policy to join the Public Policy team in Washington, DC, advancing policy priorities through research, analysis, and strategic engagement. The role focuses on nicotine, tobacco, substance use, cannabis, and related public health issues, translating complex developments into actionable insights.

The position emphasizes collaboration with external partners and internal teams, producing policy reports and education materials to support advocacy efforts.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a related field or substantial professional experience in public policy or health policy.
• 5-7 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, health policy, or policy analysis.
• Experience in substance use prevention, opioid, cannabis, addiction treatment, or tobacco control policy.
• Experience monitoring federal/state legislative/regulatory activity.
• Excellent research, writing, and policy communication skills.
• Ability to interpret legislation, regulations, and public health data.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, research, and analyze federal, state, and local legislation and policy developments related to nicotine, tobacco, substance use, cannabis, opioids, and public health issues.
• Identify policy trends and opportunities for organizational engagement and public education.
• Produce analyses, briefs, fact sheets, regulatory summaries, white papers, and reports.
• Draft and support formal comments to federal and state agencies.
• Synthesize literature and data into actionable policy recommendations.
• Attend hearings, regulatory meetings, and policy briefings; report findings.

Skills

Policy research

Policy analysis

Public health policy

Writing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in Public Policy / Public Health / Health Policy / Political Science

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manager of Public Policy is a member of Truth Initiative's Public Policy team and advances the organization's policy priorities by conducting strategic policy research and analysis; monitoring and evaluating legislative, regulatory, and public health developments related to nicotine and substance use, cannabis, opioids, and other emerging public health issues; developing policy reports, issue briefs; and supporting policy advocacy efforts through research, coalition engagement, and stakeholder education. In addition to contributing to work on nicotine and tobacco issues, The Manager serves as a subject matter expert on substance use and addiction policy issues and works collaboratively across Truth Initiative to translate complex policy developments into actionable insights, evidence-based recommendations, and audience-appropriate materials.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (*ESSENTIAL DUTIES):

• Monitor, research, and analyze federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, and policy developments related to nicotine and tobacco, substance use prevention, cannabis regulation, opioid misuse and overdose prevention, addiction treatment, and related public health issues.*
• Identify policy trends, emerging issues, and opportunities for organizational engagement, public education, and policy impact.*
• Produce policy analyses, issue briefs, fact sheets, regulatory summaries, white papers, reports, and other written products.*
• Draft and support the development of formal comments to federal and state agencies.*
• Synthesize scientific literature, policy research, surveillance data, and public health evidence into actionable policy recommendations.*
• Attend and report on hearings, regulatory meetings, policy briefings, and conferences.*
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, coalitions, public health organizations, academic institutions, and governmental agencies.
• Represent Truth Initiative in external meetings, working groups, coalitions, and professional conferences.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Health Policy, Political Science, Law, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 5-7 years of professional experience in public policy, government affairs, health policy, public health advocacy, regulatory affairs, or policy research and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in substance use prevention policy, opioid policy, cannabis policy, addiction treatment policy, behavioral health policy, and tobacco control policy.
• Preferred candidate would have previous exposure to substance use prevention world and contacts
• Experience monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory activity at the federal and/or state levels.
• Excellent public health policy research and analytical skills.
• Strong writing, editing, and policy communication skills.
• Ability to interpret legislation, regulations, scientific evidence, and public health data.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working on federal public health, substance use, healthcare, behavioral health, or regulatory policy issues.
• Familiarity with federal legislative and regulatory processes and agencies including FDA, CDC, SAMHSA, NIH, CMS, DEA, ONDCP, and HHS.
• Experience drafting or contributing to public comments, Congressional briefings,policy recommendations, or regulatory analyses.
• Experience engaging with federal agencies, Congressional offices, national advocacy organizations, or public health coalitions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position is based in Washington, D.C. with a hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two telework days.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

The salary range for this role is starting at $85,000-$90,000per year on a national basis. Individual pay decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to qualifications for the role, relevant work experience, skillset, internal equity, location, and certifications, consistent with applicable law. Salaryis just one part of our total rewards package which additionally includes performance bonus for eligible roles, and competitive benefits.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or disability.