Public Relations Jobs 2026 (Now Hiring) – Smart Auto Apply

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manager of Public Policy is a member of Truth Initiative's Public Policy team and advances the organization's policy priorities by conducting strategic policy research and analysis; monitoring and evaluating legislative, regulatory, and public health developments related to nicotine and substance use, cannabis, opioids, and other emerging public health issues; developing policy reports, issue briefs; and supporting policy advocacy efforts through research, coalition engagement, and stakeholder education. In addition to contributing to work on nicotine and tobacco issues, The Manager serves as a subject matter expert on substance use and addiction policy issues and works collaboratively across Truth Initiative to translate complex policy developments into actionable insights, evidence-based recommendations, and audience-appropriate materials.

As the addiction landscape evolves, Truth Initiative is expanding its scientific focus beyond tobacco and nicotine to better understand the broader ecosystem of substance use and addiction, behavioral health, emerging nicotine products, cannabis use, and the growing challenge of polysubstance use among youth and young adults. Truth Initiative is also expanding its portfolio of externally funded research through partnerships with federal agencies, foundations, and academic institutions.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (*ESSENTIAL DUTIES):

• Monitor, research, and analyze federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, and policy developments related to nicotine and tobacco, substance use prevention, cannabis regulation, opioid misuse and overdose prevention, addiction treatment, and related public health issues.*
• Identify policy trends, emerging issues, and opportunities for organizational engagement, public education, and policy impact.*
• Produce policy analyses, issue briefs, fact sheets, regulatory summaries, white papers, reports, and other written products.*
• Draft and support the development of formal comments to federal and state agencies.*
• Synthesize scientific literature, policy research, surveillance data, and public health evidence into actionable policy recommendations.*
• Attend and report on hearings, regulatory meetings, policy briefings, and conferences.*
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, coalitions, public health organizations, academic institutions, and governmental agencies.
• Represent Truth Initiative in external meetings, working groups, coalitions, and professional conferences.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Health Policy, Political Science, Law, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 5-7 years of professional experience in public policy, government affairs, health policy, public health advocacy, regulatory affairs, or policy research and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in substance use prevention policy, opioid policy, cannabis policy, addiction treatment policy, behavioral health policy, and tobacco control policy.
• Preferred candidate would have previous exposure to substance use prevention world and contacts
• Experience monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory activity at the federal and/or state levels.
• Excellent public health policy research and analytical skills.
• Strong writing, editing, and policy communication skills.
• Ability to interpret legislation, regulations, scientific evidence, and public health data.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working on federal public health, substance use, healthcare, behavioral health, or regulatory policy issues.
• Familiarity with federal legislative and regulatory processes and agencies including FDA, CDC, SAMHSA, NIH, CMS, DEA, ONDCP, and HHS.
• Experience drafting or contributing to public comments, Congressional briefings, policy recommendations, or regulatory analyses.
• Experience engaging with federal agencies, Congressional offices, national advocacy organizations, or public health coalitions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position is based in Washington, D.C. with a hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two telework days.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

The salary range for this role is starting at $85,000-$90,000 per year on a national basis. Individual pay decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to qualifications for the role, relevant work experience, skillset, internal equity, location, and certifications, consistent with applicable law. Salary is just one part of our total rewards package which additionally includes performance bonus for eligible roles, and competitive benefits.

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume here

OR

mail application materials to:

Human Resources

Attn: Public Policy Manager

900 G Street, NW

Fourth Floor

Washington, DC 20001

Fax: (202) 204-5214

No telephone calls please.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or disability.