Associate Director, Policy and Outreach - School of Social Work

Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI
Onsite

About The Position

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Associate Director, Policy and Outreach - School of Social Work at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Requirements

  • Master's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, or Social Work from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum 5 years of job-related experience.
  • Experience crafting, evaluating, and advocating for policies at the local or state government level.
  • Supervisory experience required.
  • Knowledge of relevant public policy as well as policy processes associated with the development or modification of existing policy, political, and regulatory actors.
  • Strong policy development, analysis, and public administration.
  • Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely.
  • Ability to interact professionally with individuals of diverse backgrounds and political orientations.
  • Knowledge of state-level government affairs and processes.
  • Familiarity with Michigan’s State Legislature, preferably around Medicaid and 911 policies and programs, and local government (e.g., county).
  • Proficiently utilizes digital communication tools.
  • Ability to deliver compelling messages across various online platforms, engaging a broad audience.
  • Analyzing trends and translating complex data into actionable insights is vital.
  • Clear and concise reporting of these findings to keep stakeholders informed to enable data-driven decisions.

Nice To Haves

  • PhD preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Promotes the development of policies, regulations, and practices to enhance prevention, deflection, and diversion opportunities across the state as part of a team at the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ).
  • Works in collaboration with the Michigan governmental (state/local) administration and key regional and national partners.
  • Coordinate with CBHJ team members and external partners on developing and supporting policy initiatives and efforts.
  • Facilitate collaboration and coalition-building strategies with new and current partners, including identifying, scheduling, and attending meetings.
  • Analyze existing regulations, policies, and legislation to identify areas of improvement or revision in an effort to meet project goals (e.g., funding, training, implementation).
  • Evaluate the potential impacts of proposed policies, including economic, social, regulatory, and geographic effects, using quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Facilitate public consultation processes to gather feedback on policy proposals from affected employees, communities, and the public.
  • Participate in exercises such as cost benefit analysis, review of administrative data sets, and collection of data to inform policy decisions.
  • Monitor policy changes and the implementation of adopted policies to assess their effectiveness and ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
  • Present policy recommendations and findings to decision-makers, including senior government officials and legislative bodies, through reports, presentations, and briefings.
  • Write press releases, blog posts, and policy updates.
  • Support and communicate public engagement programs and develop engaging outreach collateral for both Legislative and community meetings and events.
  • Research and apply for grants or other funding opportunities to support policy development and implementation projects.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
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