Public Policy Director

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.

Salary range $70,000-$88,000 - offer is based on education and years of relevant experience.

Job Responsibilities

Administers the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities' public policy program and oversees a portfolio of projects with community partners. Works closely with Executive Director, Chief Program Officer, and Public Policy Coordinator to plan and implement comprehensive, effective public policy strategies in collaboration with Council members, staff, advocates and partnering organizations. Plans and develops public policy. Serves as policy analyst and assists in the development of new initiatives. Reviews pertinent legislative proposals and activities of other key state agencies and determines the impact each has on the agency and its areas of focus. Provides information to state leaders, constituents, and other stakeholders. Initiates and oversees a portfolio of projects; develops and manages projects and oversees project management and development by subordinate staff. Completes special projects as requested and other job-related duties as assigned. Supervises support personnel.

Core Function: Project Leadership

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Under guidance of Chief Program Officer, initiates and oversees a portfolio of projects based on the Council’s strategic plan and public policy priorities
• Under the guidance of Chief Program Officer, develops and manages projects from RFP development to closeout; oversees development and management of projects by subordinate staff

Core Function: Administer Public Policy Program

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides comprehensive oversight and coordination of GCDD’s public policy program
• Recommends annual public policy agenda of shared goals and objectives with stakeholders
• Oversees Public Policy Coordinator to track changes in legislation and review newly enacted legislation and analyze how these changes may impact the agency, people with disabilities and their families
• Works with Public Relations Director to improve spreading public policy information to stakeholders
• Attends relevant state agency meetings & relays information back to GCDD
• Makes policy recommendations to appropriate individuals or groups
• Creates and presents public policy presentations

Core Function: Liaison to Government 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, and in-person meetings and activities throughout the year as needed.
• 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: Research

Duties/Responsibilities:

• 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 policy memos, position papers, issue papers and other reports for review by Council members, staff, advocates, legislators and others

Core Function: Supervision & Teamwork

• Supervises Public Policy Coordinator providing regular evaluation and feedback, and taking corrective action when appropriate
• Works closely with Executive Director, Chief Program Officer and Public Policy Coordinator to plan and implement comprehensive, effective public policy strategies in collaboration with Council members, staff, advocates and partnering organizations.
• Collaborates with staff & Council members to support Council programming & activities
• Leads staff in major, targeted advocacy activities

Position Requirements

Available to work in-person at Georgia State Capitol during legislative session, and attend in-person meetings and events throughout the year as needed. Must be available for some travel within the state and occasional out of state travel.

Strong working knowledge of public policy development, concepts related to research and policy analysis, and how to conduct analysis of policy and programmatic alternatives.

Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to understand and communicate effectively with people who have developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, policy makers, and support/advocacy groups.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in program management, done in an effective and collaborative manner. Experience partnering with a broad variety of individuals and/or organizations to advance shared goals.

Significant experience and knowledge of programs, available services, laws, regulations and issues related to people with developmental disabilities.

Advanced degree in psychology, social work, law or public administration.

Previous work experience in the area of human services with policy makers and/or advocacy organizations.

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

GCDD welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. GCDD is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. GCDD recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable 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.  

Minimum Qualifications:

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.