Legislative Affairs & Government Grant Manager - Houston, TX

Company: Cenikor
Location: Houston
Posted on: September 20, 2023

Job Description:

Cenikor is a non-profit organization and one of the largest substance use treatment centers in the nation. We are currently seeking a Legislative Affairs & Government Grant Coordinator for our Corporate office in Houston, TX.JOB SUMMARY:Under the direction of Advancement Director, the coordinator supports legislative affairs and government relations, and government grant functions of Cenikor Foundation. In collaboration with Cenikor executives and Cenikor consultants, the incumbent plans and executes a comprehensive and proactive strategy for that will advance the Cenikor mission and goals with local, state, and federal elected officials in markets served by Cenikor facilities, and internal / external stakeholders and clients. The incumbent is also responsible for the preparation of proposals and grant applications, and performance of professional and administrative work in researching, identifying, developing and responding to government grant opportunities.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Legislative Affairs and Government Relations

• In collaboration with Director of Advancement and other Cenikor executives, develops and manage Cenikor strategy for strengthening relationships with elected officials and government agencies and increasing their understanding of and support for Cenikor.
• Works with the Cenikor leadership to identify priority legislative and government relations issues potentially impacting Cenikor, and crafts Cenikor position and response thereto.
• Communicates and advocates Cenikor priorities to local, regional, state, and national elected officials and staff.
• Organizes and collaborates with community supporters and partners to lobby around specific legislation, including political action committees, with approval from Cenikor Executive Staff.
• Monitors legislation and policy activities, updates, and advises Cenikor leadership about relevant policy proposals and actions, and works with Cenikor executives to analyze potential impacts on the Cenikor. Communicates with the Cenikor community to inform them of relevant government issues.
• Coordinates government relations strategy with other relevant stakeholders, including Cenikor executives and Foundation Board members, state and national associations, student organizations, employee unions, and government relations staff from other agencies. Engages constituents inside and outside the Cenikor in support of the Cenikor's government relations agenda.
• Develops a wide range of materials in support of the Cenikor's government relations agenda, such as talking points, legislative summaries, factsheets, testimony, reports, and letters. Works with Cenikor Marketing and Advancement teams to develop relevant public relations materials and MarCom materials.
• Plans and implements events and other activities to support the Cenikor's government relations goals, such as town halls, news conferences, and meetings. Collaborates with external Cenikor lobbyists to execute lobbying events in accordance with campaign plans as necessary to further advance Cenikor legislative goals.
• Provides technical assistance to Cenikor executives and staff on government relations issues.Government Grants
• Responsible for conducting the full range of activities required to prepare, submit, and manage government grant proposals.
• Document the grant deadlines for consistent communication regarding funding opportunities across all locations, and update as needed.
• Coordinate grant completion with Advancement Manager or other designated facility or corporate contacts.
• Perform prospect research and evaluate prospects for government grants.
• Work with accounting department to gather information necessary to report to funders of current or prospective grant programs.
• Communicate and comply with all government grant reporting as required. Assist with quarterly or annual reports as required by governmental granting agencies.
• Responds to inquiries from community members and other interested parties; when needed, recruits a knowledgeable spokesperson or information source to assist.
• Ensure completion of Big 5 performance management tool by the required deadline and use of SMART goals to support annual performance compensation review.
• Uphold the core principles of Cenikor's culture and create a positive working environment for all team members.
• Perform all additional duties as assigned and consistent with the exempt functions as assigned in this job description.QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:Knowledge of:

• Local, state, and federal legislative and executive processes.
• Government grant information sources.
• Research techniques for grant prospect research.
• Basic fundraising and grant writing techniques and strategies.
• Project management and planning principles and practices.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office required.Demonstrated Skills or Abilities in:
  • Developing and deploying traditional and digital marketing collateral.
  • Digital marketing strategies and actions
  • Writing compelling articles, persuasive proposals, legislative summaries, and speeches / executive talking points.
  • Proposal writing and institutional donors.
  • Strong attention to detail, editing skills and ability to summarize details for executive and board reports.
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with public officials, consultant firms, and their respective staffs.
  • Communicating clearly and effectively with all levels of management, boards of directors, and staff as well as external individuals and groups.
  • Analyzing and interpreting legislation and policy documents.
  • Legislative advocacy, negotiation, and persuasion.
  • Communicating complex concepts through oral and written mediums, including proven skill in preparing a variety of written communications such as reports, testimony, and factsheets.
  • Planning and organization of multiple simultaneous projects to ensure all projects progress on a timely and cost-efficient manner.
  • Working independently, as well as with teams, including the proven ability to collaborate and build consensus with people from diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Ability to consistently uphold the Core Principles of Cenikor's Culture:
    • Demonstrate mission of service to our clients
    • Positive, respectful communication with both staff and clients
    • Demonstrate self-motivation and perseverance to achieve goals
    • Role model appropriate, professional behaviors including appropriate client boundaries
    • Work effectively as part of a team, helping to set up others for successEducation:
      • Bachelor's degree in political science, public affairs, public relations, communications, or related field required.Experience:
        • Minimum 2 years of government relations / legislative affairs, public relations, or marketing experience required.
        • Experience with non-profit, substance use disorder, healthcare, mental health, or education is preferred.IMPORTANT NOTES:Drug FreeWorkplaceEqual Opportunity Employer

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