Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC), a national nonprofit organization based in Chicago, is seeking a Policy and Program Manager to help further its mission of making schools healthier places for all children. HSC focuses on issues affecting students of color and those from under-invested communities, and strives to make equity part of the public dialogue about education and health. HSC advocates for policies and practices that support health and learning, including comprehensive health services, nutritious school food, physical activity, green schoolyards and clean air at school. HSC has a staff of 16 and an annual budget of $2.6 million.
Position Description
The Policy and Program Manager will be responsible for providing program, research and writing support to HSC’s national program, which focuses on expanding Medicaid-funded school health services. HSC manages the Healthy Students, Promising Futures Learning Collaborative, which provides support to 20 states, and the Medicaid Expansion for School Health (MESH) Learning Collaborative, which provides support to school districts in Illinois. In addition, HSC creates a range of knowledge products to support states and school districts in expanding their school Medicaid programs. HSC also advocates for state and federal policies that support a healthy school environment, with a focus on school health services.
This new position will provide support at a time when federal, state and school officials have recognized the importance of school Medicaid programs in providing a sustainable source of funding for delivery of physical and mental health services to some of our nation’s most vulnerable children. This attention has resulted in additional resources at the federal and state levels. HSC’s work in advancing school Medicaid programs has positioned the organization as a leader, and there is increased interest in HSC’s work.
The Policy and Program Manager will assist the team in meeting the increasing needs of states and school districts, ensuring that new federal programs are effective and continuing to advance research and supportive policies. The Policy and Program Manager will join a team of three staff members, six consultants and two fellows.
This position reports to the National Program Director.
- Manage learning collaborative meetings (both national and Illinois) and other policy development meetings. This includes assisting with speaker outreach and coordination, material preparation, technical support, event evaluation and logistics.
- Provide project management support, including scheduling with partners, monitoring outcomes and activities, coordinating with consultants and team members, and tracking information for funders.
- Monitor legislative and administrative policies and initiatives related to HSC’s education and health policy work.
- Work with partner organizations to advance shared policy goals and disseminate resources.
- Provide research and writing support for the development of resources and tools, including fact sheets, position papers, briefing materials and presentations.
- Represent HSC in national and Illinois coalitions and meetings.
- Track key metrics needed for grant reporting and other stakeholders, as well as for internal use.
- Assist in the development, coordination and implementation of the work plan.
- Ensure HSC’s mission, values and commitment to racial equity are reflected in the organization’s programs.
- Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant post-college work experience.
- Strong writing skills.
- Strong project management skills, including experience with Google Workspace and workflow management tools such as Trello. Experience using Google products and Microsoft Office Suite in a collaborative work setting. Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
- Ability to connect with people and build relationships with organizations interested in and invested in HSC’s national program work.
- Ability to research and analyze policy proposals and regulations, and make recommendations.
- Knowledge of or experience in state and/or federal policy and advocacy.
- Knowledge of school health services, with an understanding of school Medicaid programs preferred.
- A commitment to HSC’s mission, vision, values and equity priorities, and a strong understanding of the issues HSC addresses.
- Candidates must have a functioning home office space for remote work.
- Residence in the Chicago region (where HSC is based) or Washington, D.C. region is preferred, but not required; living in the U.S. is required.
- Candidates must be willing to submit to background checks, including criminal and driving record reviews.
- This position will require periodic travel.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $75,000 depending on experience. Generous benefits package includes employer-paid medical, dental and disability insurance, 6% employer matching contribution to a retirement plan after one year of employment, and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.
In addition to the competitive salary, benefits and the opportunity to work with a collaborative and dedicated team, there are a few more things that make HSC a wonderful place to work:
- A flexible schedule that allows team members to be productive at work and focus on other priorities as well. This includes supporting and providing flexibility for new parents/caregivers.
- Individual health insurance is paid for from day one. Contribution to family coverage begins in year two. Multiple plans are offered to meet individual needs and preferences.
- A home office stipend.
- Option to work from home or the Chicago office.
- Additional days off when the office closes at the end of the year.
- A commitment to team building and organizational culture.
- A focus on equity and anti-racist work, both internally and externally.
To Apply
HSC is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability or veteran status. HSC strongly encourages Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), women and LGBTQIA+ people to apply.
Please PDF your resume and cover letter in one document and send, with your first and last name in the subject line, to: policyprogrammanager@healthyschoolscampaign.org
No phone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
About the Hiring Process
The hiring process will include a 45-minute screening meeting, a writing assignment, a 60-minute first-round interview, up to two rounds of interviews with team members and a possible presentation. If the candidate is Chicago-based, at least one interview will be in person. An offer will be contingent on reference reviews and a criminal background check.
