GCDD is Hiring: Public Policy Director

Public Policy Director

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) works to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play and worship in Georgia communities. GCDD is one of 55 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000.

Our activities are governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the Governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interested in persons with developmental disabilities Today, the GCDD continues to serve as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities.

We are charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self-determination. Activities include public policy research and analysis, reform, project demonstrations, education and training. Today, we are working to bring marginalized populations together as a way to promote social justice for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Since our inception in 1971, we have been a powerful advocate for more than 1.7 million Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families.

With the many policy changes and challenges that face people with developmental disabilities and their families,GCDD seeks to hire a public policy director to move our public policy program and agenda forward. The public policy director is a valued member of the GCDD team and is responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive public policy agenda in order for GCDD to carry out its mission.

The successful candidate will help the organization create and advocate for conceptually coherent policies for the integration of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and the people who support them. This position requires superb written and verbal communication skills, experience working with local, state, and federal policy makers, skills in facilitating the development and operations of coalitions, and significant computer skills.

The successful candidate must be a well-organized problem solver who is self directed as well as a committed team player and leader. The Public Policy Director will bring expertise and passion for promoting public policy on the state and federal levels that result in people with developmental disabilities and their families being more independent, productive, included and integrated in their community and self determined in their lives.

The Public Policy Director will:

1. Coordinate and oversee the research and policy analysis processes of the Council. The Public Policy Director will initiate research projects based on the Council's established programmatic and legislative priorities. The Director will work with Council members, staff, advocates, and others to identify topics that may warrant research and analysis, providing needed assistance such as data collection and analysis, report composition and/or making presentations. This might include the publication of position papers, issues papers and other kinds of reports for review by Council members, staff, advocates, legislators and others.

2. Coordinate and administer the Council's public policy program. The Public Policy Director will coordinate efforts to recommend an annual legislative agenda founded in programmatic knowledge of shared goals and objectives with stakeholders.

3. Serve as primary liaison to state and federal representatives. The Public Policy Director will serve as representative of GCDD to Georgia legislature, Congressional Delegation, state and federal agencies, and national and regional associations as it relates to public policy. This includes maintaining a thorough knowledge of state and federal legislation that impacts people with developmental disabilities and the Council. The Director will also coordinate families' and advocates' presence and presentations at the Capital in response to budgetary or legislative issues.

4. Review/develop pertinent legislative proposals and determine impact on the agency. The Public Policy Director will manage the process of monitoring legislation proposed during the legislative session. The Director will work with staff and other advocates to track changes in legislation, or review newly enacted legislation and analyze how these changes may impact people with disabilities and their families.

5. Lead or participate on workgroups that address financial, programmatic and operational issues and/or broad, policy decisions with statewide impact. These may include projects of a limited scope, comprehensive efforts with specific deadlines, or ongoing group efforts. The Public Policy Director will participate in meetings with federal and state agencies, identify issues and inform the Executive Director in a timely manner of substantial issues. The Director will also attend and participate in legislative and public hearings including making presentations and answering questions.

Qualifications: The best candidates for the Public Policy Director's position will have completed a doctorate or master's degree in public administration and have previous work experience with policy makers and/or advocacy organizations especially in the area of public policies impacting people with developmental disabilities, The candidate will have significant experience and knowledge of programs, available services, laws, regulations and issues related to people with developmental disabilities. This includes working knowledge of budget and legislative processes in Georgia and federal government; expertise in the system of supports and services under the Medicaid waivers, Medicaid state plan, and state funded service, and familiarity with national trends and practices in Medicaid Managed Care; and working knowledge of federal laws related to or supporting people with disabilities such as IDEA, NCLB, The Rehab Act, The ADA and the ACA.

The ideal candidate will have:
• Strong working knowledge of concepts related to research and policy analysis and how to conduct analysis of policy and programmatic alternatives.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to understand and communicate effectively with people who have developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, policy makers, and support/advocacy groups
• Experience in convening task forces, coalitions and workgroups, and communicating with a varied array of stakeholders on the products and results of those efforts.

To apply:
If you have these qualifications and are seeking one of the most interesting, challenging, and rewarding positions available, please send your letter of interest, resume, and at least three references to:
Eric Jacobson
2 Peachtree Street, Suite 26-240
Atlanta, GA 30303
or e-mail to

GCDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is continually seeking to diversify its staff.

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