Program Director,
Public Policy & Health Equity

Job Title: Program Director for Public Policy and Health Equity, VoiceUp

 

Location: Remote

Flexible Schedule 

Compensation: Equity stake during startup period

 

Company Overview: VoiceUp is a social impact organization dedicated to empowering young people to drive change through digital media, storytelling, and grassroots mobilization. We focus on the issues that matter most to college students and youth, including health equity, public policy, and social justice. Our mission is to uplift the voices of students and mobilize communities toward positive change by spotlighting critical issues and inspiring meaningful action.

 

Position Overview: The Program Director for Public Policy and Health Equity will lead VoiceUp’s efforts to engage college students and young people around pressing public policy and health issues that impact youth and their families. This role involves creating and executing programs that educate, inspire, and mobilize students to advocate for change in areas such as mental health, healthcare access, education reform, and social equity. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with expertise in public policy, a strong grasp of health equity challenges, and a passion for activating student voices for social impact.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

1. Program Strategy & Issue Identification:

 

Identify and prioritize public policy and health equity issues that significantly impact college students, youth, and their families, including mental health access, student debt reform, health care equity, and social justice.

 

Develop and execute a strategic plan for VoiceUp’s Public Policy and Health Equity initiatives, setting program goals, objectives, and impact metrics.

 

Stay informed on evolving policy and health equity trends, ensuring VoiceUp remains responsive to issues that resonate with youth and student audiences.

 

2. Student Mobilization & Advocacy Training:

 

Design and implement programs that educate college students on public policy issues, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to advocate for change.

 

Organize virtual and in-person events, workshops, and forums to engage students in discussions on health equity and public policy, bringing in experts, community leaders, and advocates to inspire action.

 

Develop resources and training materials to help students understand the policy-making process and learn how to effectively communicate their concerns to policymakers.

 

3. Public Policy Analysis & Awareness Campaigns:

 

Analyze current public policy issues affecting students, translating complex information into accessible and engaging content that resonates with youth audiences.

 

Create awareness campaigns that highlight the most urgent health and policy issues impacting students, using social media, digital storytelling, and multimedia content to drive awareness and engagement.

 

Work with VoiceUp’s creative team to produce infographics, videos, articles, and other materials that make policy information accessible and actionable.

 

4. Collaborations & Partnership Development:

 

Build and maintain relationships with advocacy organizations, student groups, public health entities, and policy institutes to expand VoiceUp’s reach and resources.

 

Collaborate with college student organizations, community health groups, and national policy advocates to amplify efforts and mobilize a broader base of support.

 

Develop partnerships with educational institutions, nonprofits, and health organizations to co-host events, share resources, and leverage expertise.

 

5. Health Equity Research & Impact Measurement:

 

Conduct research on health equity challenges and public policy impacts for youth, producing insights that guide VoiceUp’s program strategies and advocacy efforts.

 

Track and measure the outcomes of public policy and health equity initiatives, analyzing engagement, reach, and impact to refine future programs.

 

Prepare reports on program impact and share findings with VoiceUp leadership, partners, and student participants.

 

6. Student-Led Policy Advocacy Initiatives:

 

Create opportunities for students to lead or participate in policy advocacy initiatives, such as lobbying days, petition drives, and local campaigns.

 

Mentor and support student advocates, helping them craft policy proposals, engage with media, and build networks with other young leaders.

 

Champion student voices in policy discussions, working with media outlets, policymakers, and community groups to elevate the perspectives of college students and youth.

 

Qualifications:

 

Currently enrolled in a higher learning institution, including two-year or four-year colleges, universities, or trade schools.

 

Or recent alumni with very strong on campus real time connections.

 

Or Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Social Work, or a related field; advanced degree or specialization in health equity or policy advocacy a plus.

 

2+ years of experience in public policy, health equity, community engagement, or advocacy, with a track record of mobilizing young people.

 

Strong understanding of public policy, health equity challenges, and the social issues impacting college students and youth.

 

Proven experience in organizing and executing advocacy campaigns or public policy initiatives, especially those focused on youth or student engagement.

 

Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills, with a passion for mentoring and empowering young advocates.

 

Commitment to social justice and a strong understanding of issues impacting marginalized communities and underrepresented groups.

 

Compensation: Compensation will be determined based on the startup’s structure and resources, with the potential for an equity stake or deferred payment arrangement in the initial stages.

 

How to Apply:

Send to info@ellingtonbooks.com

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any examples of past work that showcase your experience in public policy advocacy or health equity initiatives. In your cover letter, describe your vision for mobilizing college students around public policy and health equity and why you’re passionate about VoiceUp’s mission.