Job Opportunity: GCDD Accepting Applications for Public Policy Director
Written by GCDD on .
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is accepting applications for the Public Policy Director position. Applications are due by June 20, 2026.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Summary of Primary Responsibilities
Administers the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities' public policy program and oversees a portfolio of projects with community partners. Works closely with Executive Director, Chief Program Officer, and Public Policy Coordinator to plan and implement comprehensive, effective public policy strategies in collaboration with Council members, staff, advocates and partnering organizations. Plans and develops public policy. Serves as policy analyst and assists in the development of new initiatives. Reviews pertinent legislative proposals and activities of other key state agencies and determines the impact each has on the agency and its areas of focus. Provides information to state leaders, constituents, and other stakeholders. Initiates and oversees a portfolio of projects; develops and manages projects and oversees project management and development by subordinate staff. Completes special projects as requested and other job-related duties as assigned. Supervises support personnel.
Core Functions/Duties
Core Function: Project Leadership
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Under guidance of Chief Program Officer, initiates and oversees a portfolio of projects based on the Council’s strategic plan and public policy priorities.
- Under the guidance of Chief Program Officer, develops and manages projects from RFP development to closeout; oversees development and management of projects by subordinate staff.
Core Function: Administer Public Policy Program
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Provides comprehensive oversight and coordination of GCDD’s public policy program.
- Recommends annual public policy agenda of shared goals and objectives with stakeholders.
- Oversees Public Policy Coordinator to track changes in legislation and review newly enacted legislation and analyze how these changes may impact the agency, people with disabilities and their families.
- Works with Public Relations Director to improve spreading public policy information to stakeholders.
- Attends relevant state agency meetings & relays information back to GCDD.
- Makes policy recommendations to appropriate individuals or groups.
- Creates and presents public policy presentations.
Core Function: Liaison to Government Officials
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Serves as a representative of the agency to the Georgia legislature, Congressional Delegation, state and federal agencies and national and regional associations. Must be available during Georgia's legislative session for regular in-person work at state capitol, and in-person meetings and activities throughout the year as needed.
- Responds to stakeholder requests and inquiries regarding constituents or providers in a timely manner.
- Serves as representative of the agency to the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities Public Policy Team.
- Coordinates with members of the Georgia General Assembly and state agency officials on agency issues that may impact services.
Core Function: Research
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Develops, compiles and analyzes surveys, focus group data and other data to formulate policy and programmatic recommendations for Council members, staff, advocates and others.
- Schedules and conducts meetings to present, explain and discuss the Council’s policy recommendations with individuals and groups.
- Develops research findings and recommendations for policy and program activities by preparing policy memos, position papers, issue papers and other reports for review by Council members, staff, advocates, legislators and others.
Core Function: Supervision & Teamwork
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Supervises Public Policy Coordinator providing regular evaluation and feedback, and taking corrective action when appropriate.
- Works closely with Executive Director, Chief Program Officer and Public Policy Coordinator to plan and implement comprehensive, effective public policy strategies in collaboration with Council members, staff, advocates and partnering organizations.
- Collaborates with staff & Council members to support Council programming & activities.
- Leads staff in major, targeted advocacy activities.
Hiring Statement
GCDD welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. GCDD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. GCDD recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Qualifications/Competencies
| Required / Preferred | Qualifications and Competencies |
| Required |
Completion of a bachelor’s degree, preferably in business or public administration, management, political science, social work, or a closely related field AND four or more years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role. Strong working knowledge of public policy development, concepts related to research and policy analysis, and how to conduct analysis of policy and programmatic alternatives. Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to understand and communicate effectively with people who have developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, policy makers, and support/advocacy groups. |
| Preferred |
Experience in program management, done in an effective and collaborative manner. Experience partnering with a broad variety of individuals and/or organizations to advance shared goals. |
| Preferred | Significant experience and knowledge of programs, available services, laws, regulations and issues related to people with developmental disabilities. |
| Preferred | Advanced degree in psychology, social work, law or public administration. |
| Preferred | Previous work experience in the area of human services with policy makers and/or advocacy organizations. |
Special Conditions of Employment
Statements identifying the fundamental non-negotiable job conditions and/or requirements which an individual must meet to be eligible for the position. For example, the ability to pass a background check, work in a particular environmental setting, work a flexible or irregular work schedule, and/or possess a required degree, license or certification.
Ability to pass a background check. Available to work in-person at Georgia State Capitol during legislative session, and attend in-person meetings and events throughout the year as needed. Must be available for some travel within the state and occasional out-of-state travel.
All GCDD employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
Applications are due by June 20, 2026. Click here for more information and to apply.