Job Description

Director of Policy and Advocacy

Sepsis Alliance
Location: Remote (Washington DC greater metropolitan area)

Reports To: CEO

Employment Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

About Sepsis Alliance
Sepsis Alliance, a leading patient advocacy organization, is saving lives and reducing suffering by improving sepsis awareness and care. Through Sepsis.org, Sepsis Alliance Institute, Sepsis Alliance Voices, and Sepsis Alliance Connect, Sepsis Alliance is providing healthcare professionals, the general public, and those touched by sepsis with the education, support, and advocacy to save lives and limbs. Sepsis Alliance is enacting and influencing positive change for the 1.7 million people diagnosed with sepsis each year, including the 350,000 adults and 6,800 children who die in the U.S. Infection prevention is sepsis prevention. For more information on Sepsis Alliance, a GuideStar Platinum Rated and Charity Navigator Four-Star rated 501(c)(3) charity, visit .

Position Summary
Sepsis Alliance is seeking a visionary and proactive Director of Policy and Advocacy with proven experience advancing policy objectives through legislatures and government agencies at the federal and state level. In this role, you will shape and execute a comprehensive policy agenda that elevates sepsis as a public health priority, working with survivors, loved ones, industry partners, and other advocates to drive legislative and regulatory change across jurisdictions. You will forge and sustain strategic partnerships with industry sponsors, federal and state regulatory bodies, bipartisan lawmakers, and key coalitions to advance our mission.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will drive advocacy campaigns from Capitol Hill briefings to grassroots mobilization, designed to secure funding, influence legislation, and raise public awareness of sepsis prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. You will supervise a part-time Senior Advocacy Manager, providing guidance on digital advocacy platforms, outreach strategies, and campaign execution, while ensuring alignment with the board member recommendations discussed at the Policy and Advocacy Committee meeting. Additionally, you will identify and cultivate policy-aligned and industry-sponsored funding opportunities, partnering with the Development team on grant applications, public-sector partnerships, and funding proposals.

This position is well suited to a mid-career policy professional who combines high-level strategic thinking with hands-on advocacy experience, is deeply passionate about improving health outcomes across communities, and is eager to drive impactful, resource-conscious initiatives within our funding parameters. Washington D.C. area candidates are strongly preferred due to the organizations need for regular in-person meetings and events with federal partners and stakeholders in Washington, D.C.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Strategy and Legislative Leadership

• Develop and lead Sepsis Alliances public policy strategy across federal, state, and local jurisdictions, focusing on maternal sepsis prevention, antimicrobial resistance, infectious disease mitigation, and ensuring equitable access to sepsis care.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to relevant legislation, regulatory proposals, and budgetary actions.
• Collaborate with industry sponsors and advocacy partners to identify policy opportunities and secure support for advocacy initiatives.
• Provide expert guidance to the CEO, Board, and senior leadership on evolving public health policy landscapes.
• Identify public-sector, policy-aligned, and industry-sponsored funding opportunities that support advocacy and organizational priorities.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise and mentor the part-time Senior Advocacy Manager, ensuring their work reflects board member guidance and aligns with the Policy and Advocacy Committees directives.
• Oversee digital advocacy platforms, including SepsisVoices.org and SoftEdge, and tools such as Salesforce and SharePoint for policy tracking, sign-on letters, action alerts, and impact analysis; guide strategy and ensure execution aligns with policy goals. Set advocacy timelines, lead campaign planning, and coordinate internal and external resources.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Cultivate and manage relationships with federal and state legislators, agency officials, and other public policy stakeholders.
• Represent Sepsis Alliance at policy events, roundtables, and Hill meetings and identify thought leadership opportunities for Sepsis Alliance senior staff and board members.
• Draft and deliver testimony, policy briefs, position statements, and letters of support.
• Lead efforts for annual Hill Days and briefings in D.C.

Community Mobilization and Advocacy Campaigns

• Lead multi-level campaigns and grassroots efforts via Sepsis Alliance Voices , helping advocates share their stories and take action.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications to develop compelling messaging, social media, and earned media tied to policy goals.
• Engage partners and organizations in advocacy that supports Sepsis Alliances national agenda.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing and Communications, Development, Clinical, and Program teams to align advocacy messaging and initiatives.
• Support fundraising efforts by contributing policy insights and data for grant proposals, government funding applications, and funder updates.
• Support grant and funder reporting by providing policy impact metrics and updates.
• Contribute to the broader strategic plan as a senior member of the team.

Operational Oversight and Reporting

• Develop and maintain internal systems for tracking engagement and advocacy results.
• Track and report on policy-related outcomes that support the organizations funding and impact reporting.

Travel

This position requires a regular presence in downtown Washington, D.C., to attend events, conduct in-person meetings with public officials, and represent Sepsis Alliance on Capitol Hill. Occasional travel to conferences and national meetings may also be required.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will possess:

Required:

• 710 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relations within health, nonprofit, or related sectors.
• Experience working with or in federal or state government.
• Demonstrated success in effecting policy change through issue-based advocacy initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Strong writing, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Bachelors degree in Public Policy, Public Health, or related field.

Preferred:

• Masters degree in Public Policy, Public Health, or Law
• Within driving distance of Washington, D.C.
• Experience managing advocacy platforms like SoftEdge and CRM tools such as Salesforce
• Familiarity with infectious disease, maternal health, or antimicrobial resistance policy
• Experience supervising advocacy staff or managing cross-functional teams
• Experience with policy-related grant writing or reporting

Workplace Culture and Benefits

Sepsis Alliance is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and flexible workplace that values the well-being of all team members.

Compensation and Pay Transparency

The salary range for this position is $110,000$130,000 annually, commensurate with experience, responsibilities, and geographic location.

• Health and Financial Benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees
• 403(b) retirement plan with immediate eligibility
• Tuition assistance for eligible full-time employees after one year of service
• Monthly remote work stipend (currently $100/month)
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through our 501(c)(3) status

Time Off and Wellness

• 1520 vacation days per year based on tenure
• Paid sick and safe leave (40 hours annually)
• 10+ paid holidays per year including Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, and Juneteenth
• Monthly Team Wellness Days (last Friday of each month, JanuaryOctober)
• Paid day off for your birthday
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid time off for jury duty and voting as required by law

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sepsis Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the hiring process in accordance with the ADA and other applicable laws.

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