Community Policy & Advocacy Specialist

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of S. Tx•McAllen, TX

1d•$66,079 - $84,251

About The Position

The Community Policy & Advocacy Specialist serves as a regional representative of Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), supporting public policy initiatives and community-based advocacy throughout MHM’s service area. The role builds relationships with elected officials, community leaders, organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen advocacy capacity, develop policy solutions, and increase engagement around health equity and non-medical drivers of health. Working with the Policy & Advocacy Department, the Specialist identifies local and regional challenges, conducts research to inform policy priorities, and connects MHM, community stakeholders, and decision-makers. The position operates under general supervision and exercises discretion in managing community relationships, organizing advocacy activities, and identifying issues that affect policy priorities. It provides input on policy recommendations and local engagement strategies. The Specialist supports MHM’s regional policy and advocacy strategy by elevating community voices and translating local insights into policy recommendations. The role has no supervisory responsibilities but may provide regional leadership by coordinating local advocacy and partnership efforts. Work takes place primarily in office, clinic, or community settings and involves regional travel of up to 50% for community engagements, meetings, and advocacy events. The employee must reside within MHM’s designated service area and maintain a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation. Occasional evening and weekend work is required based on community events.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Education, or a government-related field.
At least one year of experience in public policy, advocacy, community engagement, or a related field.
Strong understanding of local government operations and community-based advocacy.
Ability to conduct research and synthesize findings into policy recommendations.
Strong relationship-building and partnership development skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, with attention to detail.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities to manage multiple priorities.
Fluent in English and able to write clearly for diverse audiences and present complex policy topics accessibly.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Ability to generate reports, create presentations, analyze data, and use internet-based research and communications tools.
Must reside within MHM’s designated service area.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
Ability to travel regionally up to 50% of the time.
Ability to perform frequent sitting, standing, and walking; lift and maneuver up to 25 pounds; and bend, reach, and occasionally set up event materials.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Government, or a related field.
Experience working on public health, community engagement, or equity-focused initiatives.
Experience supporting underserved or historically marginalized populations.
Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.
Experience at the local or state level.

Responsibilities

Serve as a regional liaison for MHM policy and advocacy initiatives and strengthen relationships with community-based organizations, coalitions, and local leaders.
Engage councils of government and community organizations to assess regional needs and identify barriers to health and access to care.
Support advocacy programs, including training sessions and grassroots mobilization.
Represent MHM and local community needs in forums, public meetings, and collaborative networks.
Build relationships with local elected officials and serve as a resource in advancing public policy initiatives aligned with MHM priorities.
Support local initiatives through advocacy, coordination, and resource development.
Convene partners and stakeholders in community forums to promote dialogue and visibility around public policy issues.
Maintain collaborative relationships with advocacy partners and provide local insights that support program alignment and impact.
Serve as the regional liaison to contracted advocacy partners, providing feedback on capacity-building and technical assistance needs.
Monitor partner deliverables, identify gaps, and recommend continuous improvements.
Conduct community-based research to identify regional challenges, disparities, and opportunities related to MHM’s policy agenda.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to translate data insights into policy recommendations.
Develop summaries, briefs, and presentations communicating findings to policymakers and partners.
Support education and awareness efforts that build local understanding of health equity, public policy, and advocacy.
Serve as a regional policy resource for community stakeholders and MHM staff.
Coordinate with internal departments to increase understanding of public policy priorities and advocacy efforts.
Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, community leaders, faith organizations, schools, and nonprofits.
Represent MHM in public settings and communicate its policy goals and commitment to improving community health.
Support regional messaging and communications for policy-related events and initiatives.
Provide community-level insights to inform MHM’s broader policy and advocacy strategy.
Identify local risks, barriers, and opportunities affecting policy implementation and health equity outcomes.
Document and communicate emerging local trends to help shape organizational strategy.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support the Policy & Advocacy Department and regional activities.