Director of Advocacy & External Affairs

Jericho Road Ministries•Buffalo, NY

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Jericho Road Community Health Center is actively seeking a Director of Advocacy & External Affairs. This position is full-time, within the Advancement Department, working at our 233 W Ferry location. Jericho Road Community Health Center offers the opportunity to engage in a movement far larger than any one individual. We believe that we can all be people with positive influence. We influence each other, our clients and patients, our families and communities. We are part of a global team that influences the health and wellbeing of communities internationally. Every day, Jericho Road’s mission of caring for communities and advocating for systemic health equity guides us in our collective purpose. We are looking for individuals who share that goal and are committed to that service. As a federally qualified health center (FQHC), our organization’s mission is deeply rooted in making fundamental changes in the communities we serve, advocating for social justice and meeting people where they are. With global clinics across the world, the impact you make will transcend borders, with opportunities to engage in meaningful work at our Sierra Leone, Goma or Nepal global clinics.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's Degree in legal, business administration or a related field
Experience developing and managing efforts to influence policymakers, NGOs, and other external stakeholders
Strong facilitation and public speaking skills before multiple types of audiences
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build authentic relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders
Knowledge of change management, and effective change methods
Engaging interpersonal skills
Intentional bridge builder between people of different perspectives, generations, viewpoints and cultural backgrounds
Demonstrated judgment and diplomacy in working with diverse groups to address complex issues

Responsibilities

Develop and lead the organization's annual advocacy agenda in collaboration with executive leadership, providers, service teams, and staff.
Monitor local, state, and federal policy developments affecting community health, immigrant communities, housing, and social determinants of health.
Represent Jericho Road in advocacy coalitions and partner networks, including organizations such as CHCANYS, NYIC, NACHC, PPG, PCDC, Lead Safety Taskforce, Housing Access NY, and other relevant partnerships.
Organize and coordinate advocacy campaigns that advance strategic priorities through meetings with elected officials, coalition actions, public testimony, press events, digital advocacy efforts, and constituent engagement.
Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and key community stakeholders.
Coordinate site visits, tours, and educational opportunities for policymakers and community leaders.
Represent the organization through public speaking engagements, educational presentations, panel discussions, and community events.
Serve as the primary coordinator for media inquiries and public relations opportunities, including drafting and overseeing press releases, media statements, and public messaging.
Support the coordination of community outreach opportunities, including tabling and participation in relevant external events.
Build and strengthen relationships with community organizations, educational institutions, healthcare partners, and other stakeholders.
Collaborate with internal departments to identify opportunities to elevate organizational impact and community voice.
Provide strategic oversight and supervision of the marketing and communications functions of the organization.
Ensure organizational communications consistently reflect Jericho Road's mission, values, brand standards, and voice.
Oversee brand management, including visual identity, messaging frameworks, promotional materials, digital content including social media, and public-facing communications.
Review and guide the development of marketing campaigns, publications, presentations, social media content, and branded materials.
Lead planning and coordination of advocacy-related events, including activities associated with National Health Center Week.
Coordinate engagement opportunities with elected officials, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
Collaborate with Advancement and other departments to integrate advocacy messaging into signature events and fundraising initiatives.
Directly supervise the marketing and communications functions of the organization.
Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor interns supporting advocacy, communications, marketing, or public engagement initiatives.
Establish goals, provide coaching, and conduct performance evaluations for supervised staff and interns.