**To be considered for the Director position, you MUST submit a Cover Letter with your application. Please include the Cover Letter within your Resume attachment.**

The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (Meadows Institute) seeks a collaborative and strategic professional to serve as Director of Government Affairs – Texas (Director). The Director collaboratively sets strategic policy direction and coordinates efforts of the Meadows Institute operating units in matters involving the Texas Legislature and state executive agencies. In this role, the Director advances sound mental health and legislative policies in areas of importance to the Meadows Institute at the state level and maintains effective and cooperative working relationships with state officials. The Director is expected to perform in a teamwork environment with colleagues, contractors, partner agencies, and stakeholders to advance Meadows Institute legislative and other state government opportunities. The required work location for this position is in Texas. Statewide travel (up to 10%) may be required. Duties require access to reliable personal transportation.  

Responsibilities:

• Manages state policy development.
• Researches, monitors, and analyzes state legislation.
• Identifies, analyzes and makes recommendations regarding key legislative issues.
• Works closely with stakeholders, state legislative leaders and key government leaders to build coalitions to effect change that will have a positive impact on the delivery of mental health services in Texas.
• Assists and leads, where appropriate, with issues involving state and local government relationships.
• Keeps current on local, regional and national affairs, policies, and legislation affecting mental health and substance use disorder.
• Creates reports on topics under the purview of this position.
• Assists in local events and other activities to build awareness among government officials.
• Works with contractors/consultants.
• Reports regularly to manager and Meadows Institute colleagues.
• Must register as a lobbyist.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Advance degree preferred in public policy, health policy, political science or a similar area of study. 
• Extensive familiarity with the Texas Legislature and relevant state agencies.
• Excellent leadership skills with results driven focus. Self-starter. 
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Minimum 5 years experience with legislative and/or regulatory groups, lobbying, coalitions, or legislative office experience.
• Strong writing ability and verbal skills. Articulate. Concise. 
• Goal and results oriented. 
• Diplomacy and tact. 
• Strong analytical skills. 
• Demonstrable familiarity with health policy issues in Texas. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• The ideal candidate will live within 50 miles of Austin, Texas.
• The required work location for this position is in Texas.
• Relocation assistance not available. Successful candidates must show proof of eligibility to work in the United States.