Public Affairs Manager

About the role

The Public Affairs Manager is a strategic, advocacy-driven role responsible for advancing CommuniCare+OLE’s mission through public relations, government affairs, and policy engagement. This position elevates the organization’s voice with policymakers, media, and community partners, with a strong focus on protecting and expanding public funding, shaping healthcare policy, and advocating for the communities we serve.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in public relations and government affairs—ideally within healthcare or a mission-driven environment—and brings cultural humility, political savvy, and a deep commitment to health equity. Experience working with Latino/Hispanic communities and multilingual or cultural competency skills are highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate advocacy strategies that support FQHC sustainability, healthcare access, and health equity at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, government agencies, Chambers of Commerce, legislative staff, and policy influencers.
• Support the CEO with tracking, analyzing, and responding to legislation, regulations, and policy developments impacting community health centers.
• Organize and support legislative visits, site tours, briefings, coalition work, and advocacy campaigns.
• Draft policy briefs, testimony, fact sheets, and advocacy communications that clearly articulate CommuniCare+OLE’s impact and policy priorities.
• Coverage of multiple software and database systems, including Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Maintain a high level of professionalism; perform effectively in fast-paced environments, respond well under pressure, treat others with respect, take accountability and follow through on commitments.
• Deliver excellent customer service, collaborate, adapt, and act.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal staff, vendors, community members, and colleagues through courteous and clear communication.
• Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competency, particularly when engaging Latino/Hispanic communities.
• Support bilingual or culturally tailored communications when appropriate.
• Develop and execute proactive public relations campaigns that raise awareness of CommuniCare+OLE’s role in the overall ecosystem in the communities we serve.
• Serve as primary media contact; pitch stories and manage relationships with local, regional, and healthcare media.
• Maintain and update contact records in the CRM, including campaign tagging and data integrity.
• Write and edit press releases, statements, op-eds, talking points, and messaging for executives, board members and clinicians.
• Prepare organizational leaders for media interviews, public speaking, and advocacy engagements.
• Curate and create quarterly newsletters that elevate patient and community stories in an ethical, respectful, and culturally appropriate way.
• Identify, track, and submit for awards and speaking opportunities.
• Support crisis communications and rapid-response advocacy as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communications, Public Administration or other relevant field desired, or comparable experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public relations, communications, government affairs, or public policy.
• Experience in healthcare, public health, government, or a mission-driven organization strongly preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills (Spanish highly desirable).
• Demonstrated success working with policymakers and managing media relationships.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to translate complex healthcare and policy issues into clear, compelling messages.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in the healthcare safety net, FQHCs, or community-based organizations.
• Experience working with all levels within a mid- to large-size organization.
• Experience working with diverse populations, particularly Latino/Hispanic communities.
• Knowledge of California and federal healthcare policy and funding environments.

Qualifications

• Proficient in multiple software and database systems, including Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Highest level of professionalism; performs effectively in fast-paced environments, responds well under pressure, treats others with respect, takes accountability and follows through on commitments.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and action-oriented.
• Maintains strong relationships with internal staff, vendors, community members, and colleagues through courteous and clear communication.
• Demonstrates cultural and linguistic competency, particularly when engaging Latino/Hispanic communities.
• Supports bilingual or culturally tailored communications when appropriate.

Skills

• Advocacy and Government Affairs
• Public and Media Relations

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
• 18 days of PTO (Vacation & Sick)
• 10 Paid Holidays + 1 Float Holiday
• 2% employer match with employee 4% Contribution 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition Reimbursement of up to $2,000 per Calendar Year for part-time and full-time employees (prorated per Full-Time Equivalent)
• Life & Accidental Insurance Coverage Employer contribution for Health Savings Account

Pay

Depends on years of public affairs experience

Schedule

Monday through Friday, full-time at 40 hours per week, with the expectation of occasional work outside standard business hours to support community events. A hybrid remote schedule becomes available after successfully completing the probationary period.