Local Policy Coordinator

Definition of Position:
Responsible for coordinating and supporting efforts to advance the Place Matters local policy agenda,including: sustaining internal capacity to move the policy development initiative; collaborating with community leaders, businesses, policy leaders, governments, non-profits and others in an effort to move the local policy agenda forward; conducting research, policy analysis, and advocacy to support the local policy agenda and to respond to community requests for analysis; and other responsibilities as assigned. Works under the supervision of the Health Equity Policy Manager.

Major Responsibilities and Related Tasks:
1. Advance the Place Matters Local Policy Agenda
a. Co-coordinates the Criminal Justice and/or Education Policy Workgroups, supports the other workgroups
b. Supports the Place Matters Planning and Coordination Team – the steering committee for the implementation of the local policy agenda – by staffing meetings, coordinating follow-up, and creating tools and processes to support ACPHD’s local policy work
c. Monitors and prepares reports on Policy Workgroups’ progress advancing the local policy agenda
d. Ensures communication about Place Matters is current, including making sure that all new Place Matters materials are posted on the website and the Facebook page
e. Represents Public Health Department at meetings, including community meetings, relevant to local policy agenda
f. Works with Health Equity Policy Manager to problem-solve issues and concerns
2. Build Internal Capacity
a. Develops trainings, programs, and other strategies to increase Department-wide support for and engagement in local policy initiative, including:
i. Trainings related to policy advocacy, such as power analysis
ii. Lunch-time learning sessions
b. Participates in monthly Institutional Racism discussions
3. Respond to Emerging Requests for Policy Analysis and Advocacy
a. Responds to community partners’ requests for written and/or oral testimony regarding health impacts of policy or issue in question
b. Prepares memos for Health Equity Policy Manager, Deputy Director of Planning Policy and Health Equity, and Health Care Services Agency that provide health equity impact-based analysis of the requests and make recommendations for action
4. Research and Policy Analysis
a. Conducts ongoing research and policy analysis for the local policy agenda in each of the policy domains using tools such as Health Impact Assessments
b. Collaborates with epidemiologists, community partners and/or government partners to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of local health impacts of social determinants of health policies, and to disseminate results, including writing reports and making oral presentations
5. All other duties as assigned by the Health Equity Policy Manager.

Knowledge and Skills:
• Policy analysis and advocacy
• Program planning and coordination
• Collaboration with community partners and across sectors (health, community development, etc.)
• Quantitative and qualitative research
• Strong written and oral communication, including the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with various stakeholders
• Experience in criminal justice and/or education policy a plus, but not required
• Capacity to be flexible

Minimum Qualifications:
• Education: equivalent to graduation from an accredited four year college or university, with focus in public policy, public health, social welfare, urban planning, or similar degree preferred
• Experience:
o equivalent to three years of full-time work, including policy analysis, advocacy, research, and/or program planning and coordination (Possession of a Master’s degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience)
o demonstrated commitment to social justice


The Alameda County Public Health Department is looking for a person to serve as a Local Policy Coordinator! Join a dynamic team working for health and social justice!
The Local Policy Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the Place Matters local policy agenda, a core component of the Department’s efforts to advance health and social equity through local policy. For more information about Place Matters and the local policy agenda, see the Place Matters website:
http://www.acphd.org/healthequity/placematters/index.htm. The Local Policy Coordinator is responsible for supporting Department efforts to advance the local policy agenda, as well as supporting the Department’s response to community and government partner requests for policy analysis on the health impacts on any
local policy decision in the areas of criminal justice, education, economics, housing, and land use and transportation. Below you will find more details on the major areas of responsibility and the requisite knowledge, skills, and qualifications.
This is a temporary position, open for one year from the start date, beginning ASAP, with the opportunity for the position to become permanent. The hourly rate range is $20 to $40, depending on experience.
Please send a resume and cover letter describing your interest and experience to Alexandra Desautels at Alexandra.Desautels@acgov.org (email preferred) by August 17th. You can also fax it to Alexandra Desautels’attention at 510-268-7012 or mail it to the following address:
CAPE - Alexandra Desautels
Alameda County Public Health Department
1000 Broadway, 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607
This position is open until filled. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.