Healthy Minds Policy Initiative works to end untreated mental illness and addiction in Oklahoma through policy and practice transformation. As the state’s premier think tank for mental health issues, Healthy Minds collaborates with state and local leaders to elevate sound policy and community solutions driven by data and fueled by trust, cooperation and optimism. Through legislative and local policy, health care, education and criminal justice systems, Healthy Minds champions best practices that improve the state’s ability to prevent and treat mental illness in the least costly, least restrictive manner possible.

JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Policy Analyst will become a trusted source of knowledge on the nuances of mental health policy issues and stakeholders in Oklahoma, and an effective contributor both to the development of policy solutions and strategies for implementing policy. This position will contribute to community-wide mental health policy conversations by providing policy research, recommending strategies, and facilitating policy conversations with community leaders and policymakers. In addition, this position will provide research and policy advice for the mental health fellows participating in the Tulsa Mental Health Fellowship. This position will report to the Director of Policy Research and Engagement.

• The salary range for this position will be $75,000 - $85,000 / yr. depending on experience and education.
• Relocation assistance will be considered for qualified candidates that do not currently reside in the Tulsa or OKC metro areas.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will be able to demonstrate exemplary research skills, writing ability, and political acumen. This position will also demonstrate an ability to learn and explain complex policy concepts and their practical implications for mental health treatment and prevention in schools, criminal justice settings, and treatment systems to multiple stakeholders and audiences. In addition, this position will regularly meet with mental health fellows employed by the Healthy Minds Fellowship and assist in facilitating the fellows’ work, research, and learning.

Responsibilities:

• Research and analyze policy issues related to mental health prevention and treatment
• Compile relevant research findings in written reports
• Synthesize data and compelling talking points in meaningful, usable documents tailored to specific audiences
• Work with the Policy Director to locate and develop data and research designed to advance policy objectives
• Understand the status of the mental health landscape in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and statewide, including gaps and opportunities at the policy and systems levels.
• Develop/provide public education, presentations, and outreach regarding mental health issues as needed
• Facilitate communication between mental health stakeholders, community leaders, and policymakers within specific policy projects as assigned
• Create and organize agendas and materials for meetings with stakeholders and partners
• Make recommendations on the advancement of key policy issues, including state legislative strategy and systems implementation
• Identify and propose creative solutions for addressing gaps and opportunities in mental health services, including national best practices
• Manage invitations and attendance for meetings with stakeholders and partners
• Provide logistical support for the external outreach activities of Healthy Minds, as needed
• Provide advice to the Healthy Minds Fellowship, which includes:
  • Meetings with mental health fellows
  • Providing strategic advice to support fellows’ research projects
  • Communicating progress, challenges, and opportunities around the fellowship
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Advanced degree required, Doctoral/Juris Doctor degree preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in public policy or a related field
• Familiarity with public health or mental health policy issues

Desired Strengths and Abilities:

• Ability to understand public health problems and summarize them in common language
• Ability to coordinate and maintain multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Effective communication — to a broad range of audiences; comfortable working with diverse populations and knowledge of a wide subject matter
• Strategic thinking and innovation – ability to reason and solve problems in high-pressure situations; recognize strategic opportunities for systems change; introduce new tactics or approaches that significantly improve or revise existing systems
• Self-motivation – results-oriented, takes action, committed to continuous learning and growth
• Collaboration – skilled in facilitating and staffing meetings and developing buy-in
• Social acumen – social skills to navigate interpersonal relationships with policymakers and mental health fellows

Other Skills and Requirements:

• Detail oriented
• Organized
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, Outlook, OneDrive
• Regular and routine presence at an established office in Tulsa or Oklahoma City, when COVID-19 precautions are no longer required.
• Ability to remotely work from home as part of temporary COVID-19 precautions.
• Willingness to travel outside of Tulsa County, especially between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Overnight trips are possible on rare occasions.
• Ability to lift objects under 25 pounds and set up presentations