The Carter Center is seeking a skilled leader and mentor who oversees the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism (RCJF), a landmark program which seeks to develop a diverse cohort of better-informed journalists who can more effectively report on mental and behavioral health. The Senior Associate Director also leads the Mental Health Parity Newsroom Collaborative, a multistate newsroom partnership focused on exploring access to and inequities in mental health care in the U.S

The Senior Associate Director is responsible for strategic planning, equitable recruitment and training, curriculum design, development strategy, partnerships, and management of the fellowships and Newsroom Collaborative under the Mental Health Program. They serve as a liaison and as a key U.S. and international spokesperson on media and behavioral health reporting, and work in collaboration with other organizations and departments. The position reports to the Director, Mental Health Program, and manages the performance and team effectiveness of professional staff. Due to the travel locations, Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) will be required.

FORMAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Assists in the development of all aspects of MHP's initiatives in media and behavioral health.
• The position would be responsible for developing short- and long-term program goals and objectives by analyzing departmental strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and constraints and making recommendations to the Director, including design and articulation of the vision moving forward.
• Plans, administers, and monitors relevant program budgets, including operations, and personnel, by reviewing prior budget expenses, regularly reviewing year-to-date expenses, investigating variances, and taking corrective action to control expenses at approved levels.
• Participates in the development of opportunities for project funding, develops and writes grant proposals and reports in collaboration with development, assists development and the Director in maintaining relationships with funders, and serves as liaison to the Development Office and other Carter Center programs.
• Designs and implements project activities in support of program missions and provides leadership on selected projects related to the Journalism Fellowship Program and media and behavioral health (e.g., training workshops, international program development and sustainability of current country fellowship programs).
• Able to represent the Program in negotiations with domestic and international governmental and nongovernmental agencies.
• Represents the Mental Health Program and/or program Director with both internal and external clients, including visits of dignitaries, other organizations, donors, and guests.
• Networks and promotes collaboration with other Carter Center programs and operations. Collaborates across MHP initiatives.
• Represents the Program, Director, and/or Mrs. Carter at external formal or ceremonial events both domestically and abroad.
• Represents MHP on advisory boards and domestic and global groups where relevant to ensure Carter Center leadership in behavioral health and media and Mrs. Carter's over 50 years of effort continues to propel the field forward.
• Writes and presents speeches as a representative of the Mental Health Program/Carter Center at meetings, conferences, and forums.
• Drafts and clears speeches and talking points for key principals when content is related to media and behavioral health.
• Provides supervision of all activities related to media and behavioral health.
• Manages the Senior Program Associate - Journalism Fellowship Program, the Program Associate that supports both RCJF and Public Policy activities, contractors, and the work on the RCJF. Makes recommendations to the Director related to departmental hiring and performance management when associated with media and behavioral health.
• Oversees and reviews the writing and editing of briefings, publicity materials and specialized reports, and drafts confidential correspondence and responds to written inquiries.
• Writes professionally on content related to media and behavioral health and contributes to national and/or international reports and materials including media guides, reporting recommendations, etc.
• Initiates and oversees the coordination of workshops, professional meetings, summits, symposia, and forums.
• Provides guidance and ensures compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
• May recommend and develop efficient procedures for the implementation of program activities.
• Maintains professional growth and development of self and program staff by identifying educational/training programs, professional organizations, activities, and resources to maintain knowledge of national trends and to promote leading edge expertise.
• Performs related responsibilities as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in a field related to the program, and seven years of professional experience in journalism, communications, public health, or education; experience working with journalists or an extensive professional journalism network; previous supervisory and program/project management experience, OR an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
• Experience with domestic or international mental health or media program development and implementation is preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7 years of professional experience in public health, public administration, or communication
• Experience with domestic and/or international mental health communications and/or media program development and implementation.
• A track record of managing teams and inspiring, energizing and mentoring journalists; experience managing a fellowship or internship program a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal communication.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Experience writing and editing.
• Takes a collaborative approach to work, with the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Empathy and open-mindedness, and the ability to seek creative solutions that help fellows from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds thrive.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to The Carter Center on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines. The Carter Center reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. The Carter Center requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption.