Director of Govt Relations & External Affairs

The Link and Option Center, Inc.•South Holland, IL

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Community Relations and External Affairs oversees all aspects of the organization’s external affairs and community relations. This role includes developing and implementing strategic communication plans, managing media relations, monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, developing and implementing a comprehensive public policy strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and priorities, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to advance the agency’s mission of enhancing the CCBHC model of care and economic growth in the Southland Region.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related healthcare field (Bachelor’s Degree with experience will be considered).
At least 10 years of experience in external affairs, communications, public relations, public affairs, or a related field.
Proven experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies.
Demonstrated success in developing and implementing public policy campaigns and strategies, along with building dynamic relationships with key policymakers and public partners.
Strong media relation skills and a track record of working effectively with various media outlets.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Experience in managing digital communications and social media platforms.
Leadership experience with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and policy briefs to stakeholders.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure compliance with government regulations.
Ability to travel between offices and meeting locations may be required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of mental health issues is preferred.

Responsibilities

Build a coordinated, equity-driven safety net collaborative that connects residents with timely, high-quality care and support through shared referrals, joint planning, and cross-agency collaboration.
Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies to promote The Link & Option Center’s mission, programs, and initiatives.
Review and finalize the creation, editing, and dissemination of press releases, social media accounts, newsletters, reports, and other communication materials.
Establish and maintain strong communications service agreements, local, county, state, and federal government entities.
Ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy in all external communications.
Collaborate with leadership to champion the agency’s interests as the primary voice for integrated medical and mental healthcare, focusing on advocacy efforts through engagement, coalition building, and campaigns.
Work in tandem with other communication vendors to ensure expected deliverables are met and meet the required outcomes.
Manage a team of outreach and engagement, communications and external affairs professionals, including those contracted.
Provide leadership, guidance, and support to ensure the team meets its objectives and produces high-quality work.
Create program workflow compliance forms, create standard partnership linkage agreement template, event planning tracking forms, manage and monitor outreach and engagement partnership database, support quality assurance standards.
Develop and maintain relationships with local, state, and national media outlets.
Coordinate efforts related to press conferences, press releases, crisis management, interviews, and media events to enhance the agency’s visibility.
Ensure all marketing is reviewed and approved before distribution.
Lead public relations efforts to enhance the public image and reputation while safeguarding The Link & Option Center, Inc., at all times.
Develop and manage public relations campaigns to raise awareness about the agency’s work and impact.
Monitor public perception and coordinate to address any issues or concerns proactively.
Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on community-related matters.
Coordinate management of the agency’s digital presence on Social Media, including website content, social media platforms, and online campaigns.
Implement strategies to increase digital engagement and reach among target audiences.
Establish and maintain strong relationships, linkage agreements, and contracts with community leaders, community partners, service providers, industry partners, government officials, and government agencies/private corporations, and other key stakeholders.
Represent The Link & Option Center, Inc., at public events, meetings, and conferences to articulate the agency’s goals and achievements.
Organize and facilitate stakeholder meetings to gather input and feedback on agency initiatives.
Collaborate with the President & CEO to develop public policy recommendations for policymakers and governmental partners to strengthen equitable mental health services and coordinated delivery systems as well as to strengthen the office’s ability to effectuate positive change, including accompanying advance coordinating President & CEO to advocacy and policy meetings and other engagements as recommended.
Develop and implement strategies to build and maintain relationships with government officials and agencies.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may impact the organization.
Advocate for policies and initiatives that align with the organization's goals and mission.
Represent the organization at meetings, hearings, and other government-related events.
Perform all other duties as assigned.