Director of Advocacy

The Health Trust (THT) is committed to advancing health equity in Silicon Valley, serving Santa Clara and Northern San Benito Counties. Our goal is to change systems so that all people have access to the resources and opportunities needed to lead healthy, thriving lives. We do that by tackling the physical, political, social, and systemic barriers to health and directly fund and advocate for solutions that respond to both emerging community needs and drive systemic change. As a Funder, Advocate, and Catalyst, we work to ensure all residents can thrive, regardless of income, immigration status, race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under minimal supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and according to The Health Trust’s (THT) general policies and procedures. The Director of Advocacy will lead the organization’s policy and advocacy efforts to influence decision-making that impacts health equity while also cultivating and sustaining partnerships that strengthen THT’s role as a community catalyst.

The Director will shape and execute THT’s advocacy agenda, build and maintain THT’s advocacy capacity and infrastructure including opinion polling, community surveys, and narrative development and promulgation. The Director will build and manage coalitions, cultivate strategic relationships with policymakers, and mobilize communities to drive meaningful change. Additionally, the Director will identify and engage potential co-funding partners including foundations, donor-advised funds, and corporations to amplify THT’s advocacy and programmatic impact. The director will develop and manage complex programmatic projects with internal and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy & Policy Leadership

• Maintain The Health Trust’s leadership position across health equity and social determinants of health issues in Santa Clara and San Benito Counties, as well as at the state level.
• Lead the development and execution of a strategic advocacy agenda that addresses systemic health disparities.
• Monitor, analyze, and support impacted communities and aligned organizations to take positions on legislation, policies, and regulations that impact health disparities and access to care. Draft policy briefs, advocacy alerts, public comments, and position statements.
• Represent The Health Trust in public forums, legislative hearings, and coalition meetings; provide testimony and engage with media as needed.
• Guide the analysis and translation of research findings into actionable insights for policymakers, partners, and the community.
• Collaborate with the communications and grantmaking teams to develop inclusive messaging strategies that elevate community voices.
• Coordinate grassroots mobilization efforts, including community education campaigns, advocacy actions, and coalition-building initiatives.
• Provide consistent updates and presentations to the CEO and Board on policy developments and advocacy outcomes.
• Establish and drive community stakeholder advisory committees.
• Support leadership develop appropriate compliance practices.

Strategic Partnerships

• Cultivate and manage trusted relationships with lawmakers, agency decision-makers, philanthropic leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for co-funding and joint initiatives with foundations, donor-advised funds, and corporations to expand advocacy impact.
• Collaborate with external partners to align policy goals with funding opportunities that advance health equity.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO and senior leadership on leveraging partnerships to strengthen advocacy work.

Organizational Leadership

• Supervise department staff, advocacy fellows or interns, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Partner with The Health Trust’s executive leadership team on organizational strategy, fundraising, and media engagement.
• Support grant writing and reporting for advocacy-related initiatives

Other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Work, or related field OR equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum seven years of experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relations.
• Experience working with philanthropic, corporate, and community partners to advance advocacy and funding goals.
• Demonstrated success in leading advocacy campaigns, building coalitions, and influencing policy outcomes.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Work, or related field or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Twelve years of experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relations, ideally with a focus on health equity and/or social justice.
• Experience with community health related policy, food systems experience a plus.
• Experience navigating and successfully impacting public policy at the city and county level.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY

• Deep understanding of the root causes of health disparities, systemic inequities, and their impact on communities.
• Strong knowledge of public health policy and political systems, especially in Santa Clara and San Benito County governments, as well as the California State Legislature.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach to policy development and evaluation.
• Skilled coalition-builder, facilitator, and convener, with demonstrated ability to elevate community voices in advocacy.
• Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and able to thrive in fast-paced environments.
• High emotional intelligence, integrity, and outstanding judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse cultures, ages and economic backgrounds in a culturally competent and sensitive manner.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Google products.
• Self-motivated and demonstrated critical thinking skill.
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and people skills, with ability to develop productive relationships.
• Ability to model and communicate the mission of The Health Trust and support a culture of empowerment and team support.

SALARY RANGE

140k - 160k+

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, and temperature.
• Local travel required.
• Car available for daily use with valid driver’s license and automobile insurance as required by the State of California.
• Some evening and weekend work required.
• Employment background screening required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the Chief Executive Officer

The Health Trust provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, gender identity or expression, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions, exercising the right to family care and medical leave, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management may revise the job or require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.