Director of Policy

Benefits Data Trust is a not-for-profit social change organization committed to transforming how individuals in need access public benefits and services. Through its innovative Service Delivery Model, BDT seeks to improve the lives of vulnerable individuals, the systems they navigate, and the communities in which they live. BDT infuses over $135 million into the homes of low-income individuals every year, allowing them to buy food, heat their homes, and afford healthcare.  BDT cannot do it alone.  The organization relies on cross-sector partnerships with government, healthcare providers, philanthropic entities, and community based organizations to re-engineer the health and human services system making benefits access more simple, comprehensive and cost-effective.

Founded in Philadelphia in 2005, BDT operates programs in Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, Colorado, North Carolina and New York. Over the past four years, BDT has had an approximate 30% annual growth rate and currently employs 185 FTE with a 2016 operating budget of approximately $14 million.   Having established itself as a social change agent and thought leader in the benefits access sector with a proven impact model, BDT is at a critical juncture in its growth and is poised to take the next step. BDT is looking for a Director of Policy.

Position Summary:

The Director of Policy plays a critical role at BDT and will be responsible for guiding the organization’s efforts to transform benefits access through policy and systems change.  S/he will engage in the national dialogue about poverty, public benefits modernization and the positive outcomes associated with comprehensive person-centered service delivery.  S/he will build and strengthen relationships with national and state policy leaders and identify opportunities to test new strategies to reduce enrollment barriers for vulnerable populations.  As a core member of BDT’s Impact Team, the Director of Policy will inform program design and oversee policy compliance. S/he will work with  BDT partner states to maximize federal and state policy options in order to streamline enrollment processes, and create a more simple, comprehensive and cost effective benefits landscape.

The Director of Policy reports to the Chief Strategy Officer.

Main Responsibilities:

• Design and execute BDT’s Policy and Systems Change Agenda.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with national and state policy leaders, including government agency staff, academics, and advocates.  Participate in strategic coalitions, as necessary.
• Strengthen BDT’s role as a thought leader in the benefits access space through conference presentations, policy briefs and blog posts, in coordination with Communications.
• Identify new opportunities and inform program design efforts to test innovative strategies to reduce barriers to benefits enrollment.
• Provide technical assistance to state partners to maximize use of federal policy options and waivers and move states towards meaningful systems change.
• Supervise and support the professional development of the Policy Manager and Policy Coordinator(s) / Subject Matter Expert(s).
• Advance BDT’s outcomes-based research and evaluation efforts, in coordination with Analytics team.
• Build and maintain a strong knowledge of laws and regulations related to public benefits.

Requirements:

• Detailed knowledge of poverty alleviation, public benefits policy, including SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and/or other means-tested programs.
• 5-7+ years of progressive leadership experience in policy environment.
• Past success managing and coaching a talented and highly motivated staff.
• Experience interpreting and responding to state and federal regulations to strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.
• Existing relationships with policymakers, advocates, and other anti-poverty stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills, including experience presenting at national conferences on complex material.
• History of innovation and willingness to experiment and push boundaries to overcome the status quo in public benefits service delivery.
• Advanced degree in policy, public administration, law, or related field preferred.
• Proactively and enthusiastically rolls up his/her sleeves to take the necessary steps to affect policy and create systems change