Director, State Initiatives

The Cancer Support Community (CSC), the largest nonprofit provider of social and emotional support for people affected by cancer, is seeking a Director of State Initiatives for its Cancer Policy Institute (CPI), scheduled to launch in the Spring of 2013. This newly-created role has flexible geographic living requirements and is a part of the exciting growth of CSC. Grounded in the mission to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community, the work of the Cancer Policy Institute is to ensure that all people affected by cancer have access to quality, evidence-based care that includes both medical and psychosocial care throughout the cancer continuum.

Reflecting a bold new vision in cancer advocacy, the Cancer Policy Institute at the Cancer Support Community will listen closely to the voices of millions of patients and families across the nation, including those served face to face at our 50+ brick and mortar centers, as well as those served through our hospital partnerships, online and by phone. The learning acquired through our 30+ years of direct patient service, coupled with the knowledge gained at our Research and Training Institute will foster the translation of knowledge about the true cancer experience to policymakers and legislators on Capitol Hill, at the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, among others.

• Perform research and analysis on federal and primarily state level issues
• Develop and maintain content on the CSC Public Policy webpages
  
• Secure and maintain database of affiliate capabilities
  
• Create and maintain affiliate activity toolkit
• Communicate with legislators, legislative staff, Chambers of Commerce and relevant stakeholders to analyze, summarize and determine the viability of state legislation
  
• Uphold positive working relationships both internally and with clients, legislative sources and allied organizations
• Provide timely and appropriate response to all communication; email and telephone inquiries
  
• Maintain working knowledge of state government resources and information, client information and policy trends
  
• Research a specified set of policy issues as part of an issue team in support of CSC’s strategic priorities or threats to business model

• 3-7 years public policy experience
  
• Experience in legislative research and policy evaluation
• Experience with state legislative staff preferred
  
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, government, communications or related field
  
• Superior writing ability required; ability to analyze and summarize complex legislation
  
• Strong comprehension of state legislative and executive systems
  
• An ability to understand complex legislative issues
  
• Familiarity with state legislative processes and procedures
  
• Ability to meet deadlines while demonstrating professionalism under pressure
  
• Experience forming and leading coalitions
  
• Exceptional listener and communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing
• Strong analytical research skills
  
• Highly self-motivated and directed, with attention to detail
  
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
  
• Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects
  
• This is a regular full-time position that could require travel up to 40% of the time