Public Affairs Associate

WELLNEST EMOTIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$30 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Affairs Associate serves as Wellnest's primary liaison to elected officials, government agencies, community stakeholders, and advocacy partners. This position helps advance Wellnest's mission by building strategic relationships, increasing awareness of critical issues impacting children, families, and transitional-aged youth, and supporting policies that promote mental health, supportive housing, and community wellness. Working closely with executive leadership, program leaders, and communications staff, the Manager develops and implements a comprehensive public affairs strategy that elevates Wellnest's visibility, strengthens legislative relationships, and positions the organization as a trusted resource and thought leader throughout Los Angeles County.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Public Administration, Public Affairs, or related field.
4-7 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, communications, community engagement, or nonprofit advocacy.
Experience working with elected officials, government agencies, or community stakeholders.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Must possess and maintain a valid CA driver’s license and insurable driving record.
Employee must have the ability to use a personal vehicle with the required insurance coverage to complete the essential duties of their job and conduct agency business.
Employee must maintain a valid California driver’s license and clean driving record that meets Wellnest’s insurance carrier’s criteria for liability coverage.
The successful applicant must also complete a test for TB, and fingerprint clearance by the Department of Justice.
Employee must agree to Wellnest's Arbitration Agreement as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain relationships with federal, state, county, and local elected officials and their staff.
Serve as the primary point of contact for district offices serving South Los Angeles and East Los Angeles.
Monitor legislation, policy proposals, funding opportunities, and regulatory developments relevant to behavioral health, housing, workforce development, and youth services.
Prepare policy briefs, issue papers, talking points, and legislative updates for executive leadership.
Coordinate meetings, site visits, and advocacy opportunities with policymakers.
Represent Wellnest at legislative briefings, community meetings, and stakeholder events.
Develop and implement a year-round public affairs strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
Cultivate relationships with community leaders, coalitions, advocacy organizations, chambers of commerce, healthcare partners, and civic groups.
Identify opportunities for Wellnest leadership to participate in panels, speaking engagements, and public forums.
Support coalition-building efforts around mental health, supportive housing, and youth wellness initiatives.
Coordinate stakeholder engagement efforts surrounding major organizational initiatives.
Support development of legislative priorities and advocacy platforms.
Coordinate grassroots and stakeholder engagement efforts.
Develop public education campaigns focused on reducing mental health stigma and increasing awareness of community resources.
Assist leadership in identifying opportunities to support or sponsor policy initiatives aligned with Wellnest's mission.
Track and report advocacy outcomes and policy developments.
Lead public affairs planning for major organizational events.
Coordinate elected official engagement for: The Nest on Exposition Ribbon Cutting, Community Wellnest Center milestones, Legislative briefings, Housing tours, Mental Health Awareness Month events, Community forums and stakeholder receptions.
Develop event briefing materials and VIP engagement strategies.
Manage invitations, follow-up communications, and relationship stewardship.
Work closely with the Communications team to integrate public affairs messaging into media relations, digital content, social media, and thought leadership opportunities.
Identify stories and policy issues that strengthen Wellnest's public positioning.
Support media opportunities involving elected officials, government partnerships, and advocacy initiatives.
Assist with development of annual impact reports and public affairs communications materials.