Director of Public Policy & Advocacy

Hybrid (Tallahassee, FL, USA)
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

Director of Public Policy & Advocacy

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC)

Florida | Full-Time | Remote Hybrid Eligible

Influence Policy. Champion Advocacy. Drive Lasting Systems Change.

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) is seeking an accomplished, mission-driven Director of Public Policy & Advocacy to help advance public policies and advocacy initiatives that improve the lives of Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced public policy and advocacy professional to work at the intersection of government relations, disability rights, legislative education, and statewide systems change. Working closely with the Executive Director, Council members, policymakers, advocacy organizations, and community partners, the Director will help shape policy priorities, strengthen collaborative relationships, and advance initiatives that promote independence, inclusion, self-determination, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Florida.

About FDDC

FDDC is Florida's federally funded Developmental Disabilities Council, established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act). The Council identifies pressing needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and advances innovative programs, public policy initiatives, advocacy efforts, and collaborative partnerships designed to improve Florida's systems of services and supports.

FDDC's work is guided by a comprehensive Five-Year State Plan and a commitment to ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have opportunities to participate fully in their communities and make informed choices about their lives.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy plays an important role in advancing FDDC's legislative education, public policy, and advocacy priorities at the state and federal levels.

The Director serves as a key resource to Council leadership on emerging legislation, regulatory developments, and policy issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities. This position develops and maintains relationships with government officials, legislators, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders while coordinating efforts that strengthen the Council's voice and influence in public policy discussions.

The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of the legislative process, the ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable strategies, and a genuine commitment to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Public Policy & Advocacy will:

• Advance public policy priorities by working with the Executive Director and Public Policy Committee to identify, develop, and coordinate advocacy initiatives aligned with FDDC's Five-Year State Plan.
• Build influential relationships with Florida legislators, legislative staff, executive branch officials, government agencies, disability organizations, and community partners.
• Monitor and analyze legislation and policy developments at the state and federal levels, evaluating their potential impact on individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and Council priorities.
• Serve as a trusted policy resource by preparing legislative briefings, policy analyses, educational materials, and recommendations for Council leadership, stakeholders, and policymakers.
• Coordinate legislative education and advocacy activities , including meetings with elected officials, stakeholder forums, Disability Awareness Day activities, and disability policy seminars.
• Strengthen grassroots advocacy by supporting self-advocates, families, caregivers, and Council members in developing the knowledge, communication skills, and confidence to participate effectively in public policy discussions.
• Facilitate collaborative partnerships with advocacy coalitions, legislative consortia, task forces, and other organizations to identify shared priorities and opportunities for systems change.
• Support the Public Policy Committee through meeting coordination, policy updates, research, and implementation of committee priorities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state requirements governing legislative education, lobbying, and advocacy activities.

The Ideal Candidate

FDDC is looking for a knowledgeable, relationship-driven professional who combines public policy expertise with a passion for advocacy and meaningful systems change.

The strongest candidates will demonstrate:

• Extensive knowledge of Florida's legislative and executive processes, public policy development, and government relations.
• A strong understanding of intellectual and developmental disability issues, services, supports, and advocacy priorities.
• Demonstrated success developing relationships with legislators, government officials, advocacy organizations, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience analyzing complex legislation, developing policy strategies, and communicating policy implications to varied audiences.
• A proven ability to coordinate grassroots advocacy initiatives, build coalitions, and engage individuals and families in advocacy efforts.
• Exceptional written communication, public speaking, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Sound judgment, political awareness, professionalism, and the ability to navigate complex policy environments.
• A collaborative approach that values the perspectives, experiences, and voices of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and effectively represent organizational interests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of professional experience in disability policy and grassroots advocacy.
• Registered lobbyist or ability to become registered upon employment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative processes, public policy analysis, and advocacy strategies.
• Ability to participate in meetings, legislative activities, conferences, and stakeholder events as required.

Why This Role Matters

Public policy decisions shape access to services, opportunities, independence, and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

As FDDC's Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, you will have an opportunity to help influence those decisions, elevate the voices of individuals and families, and build partnerships that advance meaningful and sustainable improvements in Florida's systems of services and supports.

This is more than a public policy position. It is an opportunity to turn advocacy into action and help create lasting change across Florida.

For a professional who is passionate about disability rights, public service, legislative engagement, and collaborative advocacy, FDDC offers an opportunity to make a meaningful statewide impact.

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and encourages qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to apply.

Florida Public Records Disclosure

In accordance with Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine and Public Records Laws, applications and supporting materials submitted for this position may be subject to public disclosure under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Applicants should be aware that information submitted as part of the recruitment and selection process, including resumes and other application materials, may be available for public inspection upon request, unless otherwise exempt or confidential under applicable law.