The Director of Advocacy & External Affairs leads Mental Health Partnerships’ strategic efforts to shape and amplify the organization’s voice, presence, and impact across public, media, and governmental arenas. This role is responsible for setting and executing a cohesive strategy across advocacy, government relations, and public relations to advance MHP’s mission and policy priorities. The Director will serve as a visible and influential leader, representing MHP at all levels—locally, regionally, and nationally—by building strong relationships with elected officials, policymakers, the media, grassroots partners, and the broader public. Through legislative engagement, media relations, storytelling, and cross-sector collaboration, the Director will elevate MHP’s role as a leader in community-based, peer-driven mental health services, training, and advocacy. This position also oversees internal and external high-level messaging, guides participant-led advocacy initiatives in collaboration with the Senior Program Manager, and supports organizational fundraising and marketing goals.

The position is located at 833 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, with a hybrid schedule, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with some flexibility in start and end times).

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy, government affairs, public policy, communications, or nonprofit leadership, with at least 5 years in a senior or strategic role.

• Expertise in mental/healthcare-related public policy and a commitment to advancing the agenda surrounding mental health and peer support; 

• Lived experience with mental health or peer support systems, or a demonstrated commitment to centering such voices, is strongly valued.

• Extensive knowledge of legislative processes; experience researching, analyzing and interpreting legislation and regulatory language.

• A deep understanding of contemporary advocacy communications, advocacy strategies, and tactics.

• Demonstrated experience drafting compelling policy materials, public testimony, and media content, and engaging effectively as a spokesperson in public and political forums.

• Ability to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences; 

• Excellent advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and leadership skills; demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with other staff and other organizations; demonstrated ability to build relationships with groups and individuals across the political spectrum (government, policy shops, academic institutions, etc.).

• Experience leading strong teams and managing staff, consultants, and contractors.

• Ability to balance strong day-to-day management needs with visionary thinking. 

• Strong organizational skills, including financial oversight and planning capability, and ability to troubleshoot, multitask, and manage several projects at once.

• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and to adjust to frequently changing demands, prioritizing tasks and delegating when appropriate.

• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within the parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.

• Must possess the necessary computer skills to perform essential job duties, including desktop computing, e-mail, timesheet management, reporting, internet research, etc., using relevant software and digital applications.

• Unimpeachable integrity and ethical standards.

• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate self-confidence, common sense, and good listening. 

About Mental Health Partnerships

For nearly 75 years, Mental Health Partnerships has worked tirelessly, in partnership with people experiencing mental health challenges, to break down barriers to mental health care, ensuring that individuals and families have access to the peer-driven support, resources, and advocacy they need to thrive. Guided by a steadfast commitment to hope, self-determination, and respect, we champion every person’s right to a fulfilling life—no matter where they are in their recovery journey.

Connections working at Mental Health Partnerships