Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

 

The Carter Center is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization founded in 1982 in Atlanta, GA, by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University. The Center has helped to improve millions of lives in more than 80 countries by waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope. The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.  

 

The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public and private, in carrying out its mission around the world. Current information about the Center’s many programs and activities are available at The Carter Center.

 

SUMMARY:

The Senior Associate Director (S.A.D), Public Policy, reports to the Director of the Rosalynn Carter Mental Health & Caregivers Program (RCMHCP or MHCP) of the Health Programs and oversees the Public Policy pillar.

 

The S.A.D. of Public Policy is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating MHCP’s U.S. based policy portfolio and provides overall strategic planning for public policy, collaborating closely with other pillar leads. This role develops and advances policy strategies that improve mental health and caregiving systems through coalition-building, education, research translation, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation support. Any work related to Caregiving will be done in coordination and collaboration with the S.A.D for Caregiving.

The S.A.D. leads a growing portfolio of state, regional, and national policy initiatives focused on expanding access to mental health care, strengthening school-based behavioral health systems, supporting family caregivers (in collaboration with the S.A.D.--Caregiver), and alternative crisis response. The position oversees strategic planning, partnership development, grant-funded initiatives, public-private collaborations, and policy-focused learning networks while managing a high-performing team of policy professionals.

 

The role includes supervision of staff, graduate assistants, and interns. Due to the travel locations, Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) will be required. This position may require periodic international travel and re-entry into the United States.

 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the RCMHCP Public Policy pillar and aligns its strategies, goals, and measures with program and institutional priorities.
• Sets short- and long-term goals, assess opportunities and constraints, and recommends strategic changes to the Director.
• Advances mental health and caregiving systems change through policy education, coalitions, stakeholder engagement, implementation support, and public awareness.
• Tracks policy trends and integrate public policy goals, activities, and metrics across U.S.-focused work.
• Develops, monitors, and manages budgets, expenditures, projections, funding allocations, grants, contracts, and partnerships.
• Partners with Development and program leaders on funding strategies, donor relationships, proposals, reports, agreements, stewardship, and impact measurement.
• Leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of domestic mental health and caregiving policy strategies and initiatives.
• Builds and oversees a Southeast regional coalition and targeted national initiatives for policy education, partnership, and collective action.
• Sets project plans, performance measures, and evaluation frameworks; advises the Director on priorities, positioning, and external engagement.
• Represents RCMHCP with policymakers, government agencies, donors, advocates, partners, and other Carter Center programs.
• Serves as a subject matter expert, deliver presentations, and work with Communications and pillar leads to explain policy priorities to diverse audiences.
• Supervises Public Policy staff and support recruitment, hiring, staff development, performance management, and team effectiveness.
• Provides guidance and ensures compliance with all organizational policies and procedures. May recommend and develop efficient procedures for the implementation of program activities. 
• Maintains professional growth and development of self and program staff by identifying educational/training programs, professional organizations, activities and resources to maintain knowledge of national trends and to promote expertise.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in a field related to the program and seven years of professional experience related to the program and previous supervisory and program/project management experience, or equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in health and/or behavioral health, public policy, public health, advocacy, government relations, or related fields.Expertise in mental/behavioral health, health policy pertaining to health coverage, caregiving, and education or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Experience engaging policymakers, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Strong project management, facilitation, and coalition-building skills.

 

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to The Carter Center on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs.  Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines.  All non-exempt employees must reside within the state of Georgia. The Carter Center reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).


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