Program Director, Advancing Public Health & Health Equity in the Courts

About the Opportunity

About the Center for Health Policy and Law:

The Center for Health Policy and Law (CHPL), “The Center” promotes innovative solutions to public health challenges at home and around the globe. The Center advances law and policy reforms to strengthen population health, reduce health disparities, nourish public health programs, and enhance access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Housed in the School of Law and firmly rooted in Northeastern University’s nine academic colleges and international network of campuses, the Center brings together Northeastern faculty, students, and experts across disciplines to share knowledge; conduct and disseminate research; and influence the formulation and implementation of health policy and law.

position Summary:

CHPL is seeking a Program Director to oversee projects and deliverables within the Advancing Public Health & Health Equity in the Courts program, as well as CHPL’s broader initiatives. The Program Director position require distinct levels of experience, aligning with their respective responsibilities and strategic involvement within CHPL. The Program Director will play a strategic role in guiding initiatives and projects.

The Program Director must have a strong understanding of public health legal and policy issues, excellent legal research and writing skills, commit to demonstrating and deepening that expertise, and contribute to research and writing on topics related to health policy and health law. Additionally, the Program Director must be able to facilitate meetings, organize events, present at conferences, work with external partners, supervise law students and be adept at project management. Ideally, the Program Director should have experience in brief writing.

We are looking for an attorney who wants to be part of a team that has a passion for health policy and law. This position will be lead staff for the Advancing Public Health & Health Equity in the Courts project, which includes maintaining communications, documentations, monitoring budgets and grants.

The Program Director will lead efforts identifying cases of significance for public health and/or health equity critical cases and connecting public health and health equity advocates and workers with law firms, lawyers, and scientists to facilitate the filing of amicus briefs in such cases.

The Program Director will also bring together lawyers, community groups, and health experts so that litigators can more effectively represent the views of public health scientists, workers, and advocates for health and equity. The Program Director will lead the hiring and supervision of a part time program coordinator.

The Program Director will lead the Gorge Consortium, a group of public health academics and attorneys to facilitate the filing of amicus briefs in cases with significant implications for public health and health equity. The Program Director will also help to research, organize, and write some amicus briefs, and will form and lead an Advisory Committee consisting of members of the Consortium, community organizations, and public health experts.

This position is grant-funded for 24 months with the possibility of extension based on funding and at the discretion of CHPL.

Here are the programs and initiatives that the Program Director will oversee and/or support:

Advancing Public Health & Health Equity in the Court

Building on the work of the Act for Public Health partnership, the Center will implement parts of the Action Plan to create a new strategy to secure public health in the courts. The Center will coordinate and facilitate filing of amicus briefs on behalf of public health and health equity, leverage the resources of a consortium of public health law scholars to support public health and equity in the courts, connect experts and advocates with lawyers and legal scholars, and inform public health and health equity advocates about crucial litigation developments.

Center for Health Policy and Law (CHPL)

The Program Director will assist CHPL as needed, including in events, budgeting, grant proposals and building coalitions and partnerships. The Program Director will work in collaboration with other members of CHPL, NUSL and partner organizations.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• JD and at least 3 years of relevant work experience (e.g. higher education, nonprofit, government),
• Extensive knowledge of public health law and health policy.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and a proven ability to work with a diverse group of students, staff, and faculty.
• Demonstrated expertise in a range of legal research methodologies and knowledge of legal databases, as well as experience and expertise in legal analysis.
• Experience in writing legal documents, including amicus briefs
• Strong attention to detail and proven ability to successfully plan, execute, and monitor complex projects with multiple stakeholders and deliverables.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, this includes the ability to facilitate meetings, conduct presentations and draft reports and legal arguments.
• A demonstrated ability to analyze and advocate for health policy changes based on research findings and legal analysis.
• Must be self-directed, able to make independent decisions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MPH or expertise in health law (a plus).
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with maintaining websites.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership and Supervision (20%)

• Develop and implement legal strategies and arguments to advance the goals of current programs and initiatives
• Shape and execute the strategic direction of current goals and initiatives, including fundraising efforts, with an emphasis on strategic partnerships and collaborations.
• Serve as a mentor and supervisor for student interns and research assistants, fostering their growth and development within the organization.
• Supervise the program coordinator once hired

Operational Leadership and Supervision (20%)

• Contribute to the development and implementation of legal strategies and arguments to support the achievement of current programs and initiatives.
• Collaborate in executing the operational aspects of current goals and initiatives.
• Identify and develop fundraising efforts
• Play a pivotal role in mentoring and supervising student interns and research assistants, facilitating their growth and development within the organization.

Advancing Public Health & Health Equity in the Courts and CHPL (60%)

• Oversee Advancing Public Health & Health Equity in the Courts and all its related components, acting as the primary point of contact and liaison with the George Consortium.
• Strategically shape and direct content creation for the website and maintain a presence across social media platforms.
• Engage with members of the private bar to enlist their willingness to help write and produce amicus briefs
• Help to identify cases for which amicus briefs will be filed
• Connect public health experts and advocates with public health legal scholars and members of the private bar.
• Oversee the drafting and dissemination of a monthly newsletter informing the public health community about cases of public health significance.
• Oversight of relevant listservs, ensuring communications and outreach for the George Consortium;
• Oversee the George Consortium subcommittee work and activities, including coordinating meeting scheduling, crafting agendas, and addressing staffing needs.
• In collaboration with CHPL and the George Consortium, identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration and/or funding.
• Provide visionary leadership in steering and leading George Consortium mobilization efforts.

Documents to Submit:

Please upload one PDF document that includes your CV/Resume, cover letter and at least 3 references.

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

110S

Expected Hiring Range:

$75,210.00 – $106,230.00

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

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