Mental Health Policy Analyst and Fellowship Coordinator

Mental Health Policy Analyst and Fellowship Coordinator

Are you looking to pursue a career in public policy research and advocacy, working on a wide range of mental health and substance abuse policy issues? If so, you’re in the right place.

Are you a recent graduate looking to develop a mental health lens to carry into your professional career — whether in social work, law, business, counseling, education, or another field? If so, you might be a good fit for the Mental Health Policy Fellowship. (Think you might want to try for both positions? You can do that, too – but you must apply for each position separately.) The deadline to apply for both positions was August 13. 

Oklahoma Policy Institute (OK Policy) is seeking a new policy analyst to conduct research primarily related to issues of mental health policy, with a particular emphasis on how these policies affect low- and moderate-income Oklahomans. This analyst will also oversee and assist in developing a new mental health fellowship program within the organization.

We are a non-partisan think tank working to promote adequate, fair, and fiscally responsible funding of public services and expanded opportunity for all Oklahomans by providing timely and credible information, analysis, and ideas. If you’re looking to join a team that’s fighting to make Oklahoma better for all Oklahomans, this might be the place for you. Click here to apply. 

As the Mental Health Policy Analyst at OK Policy, here’s what you should expect:

  • You will conduct research and analysis of policy issues (including fiscal policy) related to mental health, including substance use disorders, incarceration, and access to care.
  • You’ll oversee and help develop our new Oklahoma Mental Health Policy Fellows Program. This will include opportunities like guiding the fellows’ research and collaborating with community partners on fellowship programming.
  • As you work, you’ll collaborate with other policy staff at OK Policy, as well as our partner organizations.
  • You’ll share your work in various formats, including on our blog, in issue briefs and fact sheets distributed to policymakers and the public, and in presentations to various groups.
  • You’ll get to be a strong advocate by developing strategic responses to state and federal policy developments and working with the team to develop and carry out issue-based campaigns.
  • You’ll be encouraged to develop as a professional. This can include attendance at conferences and trainings, development of new skills and knowledge, and taking on new roles and responsibilities within the office.
  • You’ll actively participate in the life of the organization. This includes regular team meetings, facilitated teambuilding sessions, and assisting in the planning and execution of organization events and celebrations. We all chip in as needed on administrative work, like grant preparation and reporting and hiring and supervising our interns.

You should apply if you have:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (graduate or professional degree is preferred but not necessary)
  • Educational and/or professional experience with mental health policy issues
  • Professional or academic experience conducting research on public policy and strong writing and research skills (including the ability to write effectively for diverse audiences and some familiarity with statistics and quantitative methods)
  • The ability to effectively supervise and coordinate others
  • Significant experience leading complex projects with diverse stakeholders
  • Familiarity with the Oklahoma policy environment, including public agencies, interest groups, other advocacy groups, and the state Legislature
  • Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one, in group settings, and in public presentations
  • Proven computer skills, including experience with word processing, spreadsheets, project management tools, and social media

This is a full-time position based in Tulsa. The starting salary range is expected to be $40,000-$50,000 commensurate with academic training and experience. OK Policy offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, retirement, and generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. We also offer flexible work hours to allow our employees to be active family and community members.

OK Policy is fully committed to cultural diversity and equal opportunity. It is OK Policy’s procedure to make opportunities available to a wide-range of diverse individuals without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, HIV status, any condition defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or citizenship status. OK Policy is committed to providing a work environment free of bias based on the above classifications, and to complying with the ADA and the policies and directives of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, to the extent applicable. All OK Policy employees are expected to support this policy.

The deadline to apply for this position has passed.