Chief Public Policy Officer

Overview

Reporting to the President and CEO and serving on the executive leadership team, the Chief Public Policy Officer (CPPO) provides visionary leadership in public policy, external affairs, and strategic initiatives to advance the agency’s mission, values, and long-term goals. The CPPO influences organization-wide strategy, shapes external funding decisions, and drives systems change across California communities.

Job Summary

The CPPO leads development of the agency’s annual public policy platform, builds organizational capacity to advance policy priorities, and oversees the Workforce, Engagement, and Impact department, advancing inclusion, equity, and workforce development. This role cultivates strong relationships with external partners, internal stakeholders, and federal and state industry associations to drive strategic initiatives, strengthen coalitions, and maintain a strong public image for Pacific Clinics.

Compensation

We Offer The initial annual compensation range for this position is $199,000 - $285,000. Exact starting salary is based on a combination of factors including experience, education, location, and internal equity considerations. 7.5% Bilingual Differential for qualified positions*

Benefits

We Offer Benefits Eligibility starts on day ONE* We provide a robust benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, See our Benefits Page HERE. 401K Employer Match up to 4% Competitive Time Off PlansMust meet eligibility requirements based on employment status

Responsibilities

• Serves as chief strategist for public policy, collaborating with internal subject matter experts to initiate, coordinate, and respond to legislative and regulatory proposals at the national, state, and local levels.
• Partners with the CEO and executive leadership to develop and execute annual public policy priorities aligned with the agency’s strategic advocacy efforts.
• Ensures alignment and impact across regions by partnering with executive and regional leadership.
• Supports and trains Executive Directors, Board members, and Regional Advocacy Committees to engage effectively in advocacy, including grassroots campaigns.
• Reports regularly to executive leadership and the Board on legislative developments and their impact on clients, workforce, and financial sustainability.
• Builds and maintains relationships with legislators and staff through meetings, events, and ongoing engagement, positioning Pacific Clinics as a trusted leader.
• Represents Pacific Clinics in professional associations, legislative hearings, and community forums to advance advocacy and thought leadership.
• Oversees use of the Public Policy Salesforce Dashboard to track advocacy efforts and communicate legislative outcomes.
• Advocates for Pacific Clinics with state and local elected officials regarding relevant appropriations and agency-specific grant funding support.
• Collaborates with Pacific Clinics Fund Development team and other agency departments in the exploration and engagement of additional funding opportunities.
• Promotes and supports the Workforce, Engagement, and Impact department, advancing inclusion, equity, and workforce development.
• Manages and develops the Workforce, Engagement, and Impact function, including direct supervision of senior leaders and staff.
• Coaches and mentors leaders to support professional growth and organizational succession.
• Provides guidance to strengthen team capabilities and expand internal and external leadership exposure.
• Partners with Communications to develop and coordinate official messaging and advocacy communications.
• Represents Pacific Clinics in external affairs, meeting with legislators, stakeholders, and public forums.
• Delivers presentations to legislative bodies, professional associations, and thought leadership panels.
• Provides internal policy updates and training to leadership and staff.
• Ensures all advocacy activities comply with 501(c)(3) regulations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressive experience, including at least 3 years in senior leadership roles in public affairs, advocacy, or related human services fields.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and competing priorities.
• Proven ability to deliver results on time and within budget.
• Strong knowledge of communications, media, and digital engagement strategies.
• Familiarity with and contacts in California media and public sector environments.
• Excellent research, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of behavioral health, human services systems, and relevant regulations (e.g., Medicare/Medi-Cal) and familiarity of CalAIM initiatives preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office productivity tools.
• Valid California driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Job Competencies

• Strategic, systems-level thinker with strong decision-making capability.
• Ability to manage complex priorities and administrative responsibilities.
• Strong analytical and interpretive skills for complex information.
• Effective communicator on complex or sensitive issues with executive and external audiences.