Advocacy and Awareness Manager

Description Job Title: Advocacy and Awareness Manager 

Reports to: Executive Director 

Location: In-Person - Atlanta, Georgia 

Status: Full-time, Exempt, Evenings and Weekend work occasionally required 

Date: January 2026 

JOB SUMMARY: 

At the direction of the Executive Director, the Advocacy and Awareness Manager is responsible for mental health policy and grassroots advocacy-related network mobilization, initiatives and projects, which may include building awareness, collaborations, researching legislation, preparing and providing testimony, summarizing hearings or committee meetings in writing, and organizing and engaging key stakeholders in public policy and awareness efforts. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Help create awareness and partnerships for to enhance the vision and mission of the organization. 

Monitors and develop legislation and policy initiatives as directed by Executive Director and the National policy Guidelines. 

Attendance at and active participation in Georgia partnership, collaboration and coalition meetings. 

Write, edit and proofread newsletters, MH Advocacy Guide, articles, fact sheets, memos, testimony, and online content. 

Organizes Mental Health Day at the Capitol and other grassroots advocacy, identifying ways to increase member involvement in advocacy and all areas of policy and awareness. 

Act as admin at policy and coalition meetings, scheduling and setting up meetings, sending follow up and creating agendas.  

Write h news releases, public policy alerts, research, and web and social media content to members and stakeholders. 

Create advocacy presentations to be used by the Executive Director and or stakeholders 

In the absence of the Executive Director, represent the organization at presentations, meetings, legislative hearings, and other public hearings. 

Collaborate with other organizations and other key stakeholders to coordinate policy and awareness efforts. 

With support of program coordinators, plan, host and implement NAMI SMARTS for Advocacy programming and facilitate the growth of the program and SMARTS trained leaders across the state. 

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, partnering agencies, affiliates, advocates, policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. 

Track and maintain deliverables and spending as required by project and funder needs. 

Ensure NAMI Georgia staff are up to date with advocacy activities and engage in advocacy support across departments where appropriate. 

Provide written and/or verbal project and other updates to staff, funders, board members etc. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Understanding of the GEORGIA mental health field and the legislative process 

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. 

Knowledge and experience using social media, email marketing, and other outreach tools. 

Energetic, enthusiastic and demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate and engage others. 

Ability to convey appropriate messages in a meaningful and compelling way and represent the organization through various forms of public engagement. 

Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups within and outside of the organization. 

Must embrace the mission of the organization. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

3-5 years' experience in proven leadership and management role. 

5 years of relevant work experience supporting non-profit advocacy or community organizing. 

Experience being accountable for timelines, managing competing priorities, and openness to cross-functional collaboration (as needed) to achieve key organizational goals, requiring strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills 

Proven success at managing and growing a project that involved fundraising, publicity, staff management, and maintenance of long-term volunteer and sponsor relationships 

Ability to use a computer to develop, track, transfer and access information related to required job responsibilities. Above average proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite of products - Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook. 

Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional weekends or evening hours as needed – sometimes on short notice (e.g., public hearings that go beyond scheduled time frames). 

Ability to stand for long periods of time, if necessary, at public hearings. 

Ability to travel quickly between office and legislative buildings/hearings as necessary. 

Lived experience with mental illness and/or knowledge of mental illness preferred. 

Measures of Performance: The Advocacy and Awareness manager shall be considered to be performing in an acceptable manner when the following have been accomplished: 

1. Dependability – Can be relied upon to handle a fair workload, maintain communication, meet deadlines and commitments, and accept responsibility for actions. 

2. Analytical Thinking – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternatives; Notices discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information; Approaches a complex task or problem by breaking it down into its component parts and considering each part in detail; Weighs the cost, benefits, risks, and chances for success in making a decision; Designs work flows and procedures. 

3. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 

4. Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Tailors the content of speech to the level and experience of the audience; Uses appropriate grammar and choice of words in oral speech; Organizes ideas clearly in oral speech; Responds well to questions;  Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. 

Note 

    Starting salary will be determined based on post-college annual experience and relevant career

    field expertise.

We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.