Advocacy & Community Engagement Manager

Vibrant Emotional Health
$80K to 100K*
United States, New York, New York
Jul 23, 2025
Position Title: Advocacy & Community Engagement Manager Department: Public Policy & Government Affairs Reports to: AVP, Public Policy & Government Affairs Location: Hybrid, must be located within a commutable distance to NYC Travel: 75% Salary Range: $80K to 100K* New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum to midpoint of the salary range posted depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. Formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), Vibrant Emotional Health's groundbreaking solutions have delivered high quality services and support, when, where and how people need it for over 50 years. Through our state-of-the-art technology-enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, we are building a society in which emotional wellness can be a reality for everyone. Position Overview:* The Advocacy & Community Engagement Manager within Vibrant's Public Policy and Government Affairs will play a critical role in developing and executing the organization's public policy and government relations strategies. This position involves coalition building and engaging with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and industry groups to advance the organization's objectives and influence public policy in a manner that supports our mission and strategic goals. Key Responsibilities: Serve as the organization's registered lobbyist covering New York State and New York City, providing direct representation before the state legislature and regulatory bodies on issues related to mental health, suicide prevention, behavioral health parity, and crisis response systems Lobby lawmakers, elected officials, covered agency leaders on behalf of Vibrant's New York State and New York City legislative and regulatory needs. Build and sustain relationships with local (i.e., New York State and New York City) stakeholders, including lawmakers individuals with lived experience, community-based organizations, providers, and advocates. Organize grassroots campaigns, listening sessions, and public forums to amplify organizational priorities on mental health issues. Recruit, train, and mobilize advocates to participate in storytelling, media campaigns, public testimony, and advocacy days. Represent the organization at community events, coalitions, and task forces. Monitor state and local legislative activity and support the advancement of mental health policy priorities in collaboration with the State Policy Director. Coordinate advocacy efforts with legislators, state agencies, and partner organizations. Draft advocacy materials, fact sheets, public comments, and testimony. Track and report on policy developments and advocacy impact at the local and state levels. Serve as a liaison between community advocates and policymakers to ensure policy development is informed by lived experience. Other duties as assigned Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. A minimum of 2 years of experience in public policy, government relations, or a related field. Proven track record of developing productive coalitions Strong ties to New York State and New York City policymakers Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at the local and state levels. Strong understanding of public health, mental health, suicide prevention and/or other health related policies. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Physical Requirements: Ability to travel to various public policy focused events, meetings and conferences. Flexibility to travel, primarily within the state of NY, up to 75% of time. Vibrant Emotional Health is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, caregiver status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. Vibrant will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. "Please be aware that fictitious job openings, consulting engagements, solicitations, or employment offers may be circulated on the Internet in an attempt to obtain privileged information, or to induce you to pay a fee for services related to recruitment or training. Vibrant does NOT charge any application, processing, or training fee at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. All genuine job openings will be posted on our careers page and all communications from the Vibrant recruiting team and/or hiring managers will be from an @vibrant.org email address".