Director of Policy & Partnership Initiatives

Chicago, IL

Description of Organization:

The Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI) is a partnership of public, private and voluntary organizations that seeks to maximize health, wellness and quality of life for the people of Illinois. IPHI is led by a steering committee of public health agencies, health related associations, local health agencies, and health-improvement interest groups. IPHI administers a number of partnership-driven projects addressing specific program areas, including the Center for Community Capacity Development (CCCD), Racial & Ethnic Health Disparities Action Council (REHDAC), the Illinois Accreditation Development Project, Illinois State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), and the Illinois Health Data Dissemination Initiative. The United Way of Illinois is IPHI’s administering organization.

Accountable to:
Executive Director of the Illinois Public Health Institute

General Summary:

The full-time Director of Policy and Partnership Initiatives will be responsible for developing and implementing public health policy and practice initiatives in collaboration with public health system stakeholders. The Director will initially oversee three projects: the Illinois Accreditation Development Project, the Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Action Council (REHDAC), and promotion of the Illinois State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). The Illinois Accreditation Development Project is developing knowledge, resources, and policy related to quality improvement and accreditation of local health departments; it is part of a national initiative involving sixteen states and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Racial & Ethnic Health Disparities Action Council (REHDAC) is a forum for stakeholders to develop and implement public health system approaches to reducing racial and ethnic health disparities in Illinois. The Illinois State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) program is focused on public engagement in SHIP initiatives and leading the development of the 2009 SHIP plan.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

•Provide overall leadership and strategic vision to IPHI policy and partnership initiatives, including development of program goals, project implementation and supervision of staff, interns and consultants.
•Collaborate with the executive staff and Steering Committee to develop and implement plans to identify emerging issues and new opportunities to advance public health partnership initiatives.
•Develop and maintain collaborative working relationship with IPHI partners and stakeholders.
•Support the Executive Director and Steering Committee in overall organizational development and strategic planning initiatives.
•Assist in IPHI’s communications activities including development of Web site content and marketing and outreach materials.

Project Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

•Coordinate and facilitate the work of advisory committees, councils, task forces and teams, including establishment of meetings schedules, recruiting and communicating regularly with participants, creating meeting agendas and materials, and facilitating meetings to accomplish project goals.
•Collect, analyze and present data related to health status, health disparities and public health systems issues in Illinois
•Draft program products and materials, such as policy briefs, informational reports, strategic or policy plans, presentations, tools, and resources.
•Develop and execute program-specific communications plans, including communications to specific audiences, the media and the general public.
•Organize and execute program specific events and public meetings.
•Coordinate policy advocacy activities in conjunction with IPHI partners.
•Act as key liaison for project activities between staff and major project partners and funders.
•Assist in grant writing and other resource development issues.
•Evaluate program effectiveness and outcomes.
•Produce periodic, special and annual reports on program activities.
•Develop budget recommendations and manage program budgets to ensure sound fiscal responsibility for programs and projects.

Qualifications:

Education: A master’s degree or higher in public health or a related field, or equivalent experience is required.

Knowledge and Experience: 8-12 years of progressively increasing leadership experience, including project management, coalition development and policy development is required. Strong candidates will have strategic and program planning and evaluation experience, group facilitation skills, an understanding of basic statistical constructs, and knowledge of public health practice. Candidates must have experience working with diverse populations.

Other Requirements: The ideal applicant will possess excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills and be detail oriented within a big-picture, vision-oriented framework. The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and will be able to work independently and as part of project teams. Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, electronic mail, and knowledge of the Internet and on-line systems are necessary. Applicants should be comfortable in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable with change and growth. IPHI has a collegial, team-oriented culture where a sense of humor and a passion for the work is highly valued.

Application Instructions: Please submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample by Wednesday, April 30, 2008 to be considered for this position. The cover letter should compare your qualifications and experiences to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Visit www.iphionline.org for more information about IPHI’s mission and work. Please send all materials to:

Illinois Public Health Institute
ATTN: Job Search
100 W. Randolph St., Ste. 6-600
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 814-1503 fax
jobsearch2@iphionline.org

No phone calls, please.

The Illinois Public Health Institute is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We commit to our coworkers, applicants and community to have job opportunities open to everyone equally. It is the policy and practice of IPHI not to discriminate against any coworker or applicant on hiring decisions or career advancement because of race, color, religion national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, status as a disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, or any other personal characteristic which is not a relevant qualification to the specific position.

Deadline: April 30th 2008