and administrative services and fiscal sponsorship from Connecticut Legal ... Connecticut is one of the wealthiest state
Health Equity Solutions Executive Director Connecticut SUMMARY Health Equity Solutions (“HES”) is a newly formed organization committed to transformative, practical changes that enable greater health equity for all residents of Connecticut. Supported by a well-respected board, a multi-year funding commitment from the Connecticut Health Foundation and administrative services and fiscal sponsorship from Connecticut Legal Services, HES is currently seeking its Founding Executive Director to serve as its chief architect of growth and impact. Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states in the country – with some of the best doctors and hospitals, and it is the insurance capital of the world. Yet it also has some of the greatest health disparities of any state in the country. If Connecticut is to thrive as a state, then more of its citizens need to be healthy. Currently, there are many well-respected organizations tackling health equity as part of their broader mission. Separately, others effectively use advocacy as a tool to impact broader health policy. But there is no single organization whose sole focus is to address health equity using advocacy and policy. The Executive Director will be the only leader in the state with this as his or her primary charge. Health Equity Solutions’ purpose is to catalyze systemic public policy changes that advance and sustain health equity in Connecticut through a non-partisan, collaborative, results-oriented approach. To accomplish this, HES will work to shape and influence laws, policies and regulations; monitor the implementation of legislation and regulation; conduct policy analysis and research to educate and inform; engage diverse partners; convene public forums and implement campaigns; engage in communications, messaging, and media advocacy; and actively participate on related coalitions and committees. The ideal candidate will have experience leading efforts towards greater health equity in the U.S., with specific knowledge of Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. S/he will bring extensive knowledge of minority and special population health issues, public health principles and practices, 1
health disparities and equity, policy development, executive and administrative advocacy, and legislative analysis. Furthermore, the Executive Director will have a successful background in research and program evaluation, strategic planning and nonprofit management, facilitative and collaborative leadership, and a track record or demonstrated capacity to oversee and execute successful fundraising and outreach strategies. The latter includes actively identifying ways to expand HES’ reach by generating new sources of revenue (including unrestricted) from foundations, individuals, and potential partnerships.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES FOR THE FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In addition to overall responsibility for the strategic, programmatic, financial, and general operations of the organization, the incoming Executive Director will advance HES’ mission by furthering its advocacy efforts across the state of Connecticut. Moreover, s/he will effectively manage the budget, increase revenue streams, and recruit and lead a small, but highly invested and capable team. The challenges and responsibilities that will engage the Executive Director during the first 12-16 months of his/her tenure include:
Strategic Planning and Leadership In partnership with the Board of Directors, and with the support of the Connecticut Health Foundation and Connecticut Legal Services, the incoming Executive Director will further establish and implement HES’ strategic vision and concrete plan for the future, aligned with its mission and core values, while responding effectively to the changing landscape of issues relevant to health outcomes and equity. S/he will maintain a deep commitment to and appreciation for the powerful impact of sound advocacy and policy, and the necessary partnerships and collaborations that inform the field and extend HES’ influence and success. The Executive Director will work with the Board of Directors and staff, as appropriate, to build the organization’s long-term capacity. Specifically, s/he will promote Board engagement in critical thinking, strategic planning, resource/financial development, and overall organizational wellness.
Organizational Leadership The Executive Director will oversee an initial annual budget of $300,000 and will act in a fiscally astute, disciplined, and responsible manner, while actively identifying additional ways to broaden revenue streams. S/he will understand and convey the importance of efficient and seamless operations in a mission-driven environment and will work with the Board to build long-range financial and development plans that support future advocacy, research, lobbying, convening, and capacity-building efforts, among additional activities. S/he will hire and supervise a very small, but high performing staff, and will foster a culture that embraces teamwork, effective communication, accountability, and integrity. 2
Fundraising The Executive Director will be expected to cultivate and nurture relationships with individuals, foundations, and important partnerships to increase and diversify the overall funding base, including unrestricted funds.
Communications and External Relationships The Executive Director will establish him or herself as a respected public presence on health equity, actively raising awareness and advocating for equitable health outcomes. As chief spokesperson, s/he will articulate and communicate the mission, vision, and objectives internally and externally. S/he will represent HES with policy makers, media, donors, and other community-based organizations, including through public speaking engagements and new media placements. S/he will provide verbal and written testimony and public comment on policy issues, along with cultivating a statewide network of partner organizations and government contacts focused on common policy goals.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial, proactive, charismatic, and nimble leader who possesses both the vision to inspire and the skills to lead an organization from its conception into a successful, results-oriented entity. S/he will have a proven understanding of the non-profit, advocacy and/or academic arenas, preferably related to health equity, and will illustrate a clear commitment to improving health outcomes and equity. To ensure HES achieves its goals, the Executive Director will utilize extraordinary facilitative leadership and communications skills, and will ensure HES operates at the highest of standards. While no one person may embody all of the qualities enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
An understanding of and unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes and equity; a sound knowledge of multicultural healthcare and public health issues.
Experience with various advocacy strategies and in-depth knowledge of the state legislative process important. Demonstrated ability to analyze public policy proposals, including drafting legislative language, commenting on regulations, requesting enforcement of existing laws, advocating for or against executive orders, and influencing administrative decisions on policy and program implementation.
Enthusiasm, focus, drive, and a good sense of humor, all of which are required to launch a highly successful, results-oriented start up.
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Effective facilitative leadership skills developed through a minimum of five years of executive-level experience in the policy-making legislative arenas, non-profit, advocacy or academia, combined with the ability to lead in a manner that embodies respect, teamwork, and collaboration from a diverse group of constituents.
A strategic and comprehensive approach to planning and decision-making with the ability to back assertions with evidence while balancing multiple tasks and demands simultaneously.
Ability to lead programs and initiatives balancing compassion with a practical, strategic business sense; demonstrated budget development experience and proven ability to interpret, forecast, and manage financial statements.
A successful background in capacity building and network building with multicultural communitybased organizations. A demonstrated ability to work cross-culturally with a diverse range of healthcare related and community-based organizations and individuals including for profit, academic, government, and nonprofit entities.
A track record and/or illustrated capability in nonprofit fundraising with a commitment to maintaining current funders and the skills and relationships necessary to cultivate new donors.
The ability to be a team builder who is participatory and inclusive in style when appropriate, as well as a decision-maker, able to successfully implement strategic priorities; a willingness to roll up one’s sleeves to accomplish any task.
Exceptional oral, written, listening, and interpersonal communications skills; desire and demonstrated ability to work with and be advised by others including community partners, organization leaders, state and local agencies, as well as newly cultivated HES stakeholders.
Advanced degree in Law, Management, Public Administration, Public Health, Health Policy or Administration, Social Work, Family Policy or a related field.
To Apply: This search is being conducted with assistance from Alison Falk and Tamitha McKinnis of Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please send nominations and/or applications including cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word format), salary history, and where you learned of the position to:
[email protected]. HES is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
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