Advocacy Program Manager
Painted Brain
Richmond, CA$65,000 - $85,000 a yearFull Time
Job Description
*Reports To: *Chief Administrative Officer
*Employment Type: *Full-time, Exempt
*Last Revision Date:* 2/2026
*Benefits*
This position is eligible for the following benefits: 100% Employer Paid Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans Available, Health Savings Plan Available, 401(k) Plan Matching, Paid Sick Time, Paid Vacation Time, 11 Paid Holidays, and 3 days of Paid Bereavement Leave.
*Organization Background*
The mission of Painted Brain is to create lasting community-based solutions to mental health challenges and the impact of social injustice through arts, advocacy, and enterprise. Painted Brain is an innovative peer-run mental health arts and tech forward organization that uses a peer model focused on recovery. Painted Brain defines a peer as any person with lived mental health challenges and or trauma including but not limited to: social injustice, interpersonal violence, and/or societal exclusion. Our primary focus over the years has always been using the arts to help people learn to interact socially and effectively while experiencing the impacts of trauma, psychosis, depression, autism, anxiety, and other unwanted mental experiences.
*Position Summary *
The Advocacy Program Manager will lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of advocacy program strategies and initiatives. This role involves managing program operations, monitoring outcomes, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including community members, partner organizations, and policy makers, to advance the organization's mission and objectives.
*Key Responsibilities*
*Program Development & Management:*
● Develop and implement advocacy plans and strategies.
● Oversee the execution of advocacy campaigns and initiatives.
● Coordinate advocacy program activities, build out services, and ensure effective communication.
● Monitor program progress and evaluate outcomes.
● Manage program budgets and resources effectively.
● Prepare reports and presentations on program activities and results.
*Policy Analysis and Research*
● Conduct research and analysis on relevant policy issues.
● Develop policy briefs and position papers.
● Track legislative and regulatory developments.
● Provide recommendations on policy changes and advocacy strategies.
*Budget and Resource Management:*
● Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets.
● Identify funding opportunities and assist in grant applications or proposals as needed to sustain programs.
● Ensure compliance with financial and regulatory requirements.
*Stakeholder Engagement:*
● Build and maintain relationships with funders, community members, partner organizations, policymakers and other stakeholders.
● Represent the organization in meetings, events, and collaborations to advance program goals.
● Facilitate meetings and workshops to gather input and build consensus.
● Coordinate with the communications team to disseminate information and engage the public.
● Respond to inquiries and provide program updates to stakeholders as needed.
*Compliance and Risk Management:*
● Track and evaluate program performance using qualitative and quantitative metrics.
● Ensure that programs comply with organizational policies, funding requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
● Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to program delivery.
*Supervisory Responsibilities*
● Supervise and support program staff, volunteers, and/or interns.
● Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to team members.
● Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field.
● At least 3-5 years of program management experience working in a health service agency, nonprofit, or a related setting.
● Proven track record of managing programs from inception to completion, with measurable impact.
● Experience with grant-funded programs, budget management, team leadership, reporting, and compliance.
*Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required*
● Excellent leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
● Have knowledge of the California Human Services landscape.
● Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
● Professional demeanor while representing the organization at meetings, events, or client sites.
● Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders in-person and remotely.
● Ability to work with staff and community members from diverse racial, sexual orientation, gender identity and cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, including populations with re-entry, mental health, and substance use challenges.
*Preferred - Non-Essential Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities*
● Bilingual or Multilingual communication abilities.
● Experience with writing grants, grant reports, policy briefs.
*Work Environment*
● This position requires a mix of office work, community engagement, and occasional travel to multiple locations as needed.
● The working conditions for this position are Hybrid.
● Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
● Follow safety standards and protocols.
● Regular and predictable attendance is required.
● Employees may be asked to perform other duties as assigned.
*General Travel Expectations*
● Ability to travel domestically, including both driving and flying, as required by job responsibilities. Transportation is not to be provided by Painted Brain, however mileage reimbursements are available for eligible travel.
● Comfortable traveling for extended periods, including trips lasting up to 8 hours during flights or ground transportation.
● Flexibility to manage potential travel complications.
*Physical and Endurance Requirements*
● Ability to remain seated for extended periods, including up to 8 hours, during flights or ground transportation.
● Ability to carry personal items or job-related materials weighing up to 20 pounds during travel.
*Driving & Flight Requirements*
● Valid driver’s license and ability to drive long distances, including up to 8 hours in a single day, with appropriate breaks.
● Willingness to travel by air within the country, including managing typical air travel challenges such as long security lines, flight delays, and varying seating arrangements.
Physical Requirements
● Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
● Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, or reach as needed for tasks such as filing, organizing, or setting up equipment.
● Ability to climb stairs or use ramps when elevators are unavailable.
● Capacity to lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
● Ability to push or pull carts, equipment, or materials, if applicable.
● Adequate vision for tasks requiring focus, such as reading documents, screens, or labels.
● Hearing ability sufficient for understanding verbal communication in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
● Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, such as evacuating a building or assisting others in need.
● Physical readiness for occasional high-energy demands, such as helping set up events or responding to critical situations.
Mental Requirements
The incumbent in this position must be able to accommodate all of the following: constant distractions, interruptions, uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules, processing information, and handling stress. There may be exposure to inappropriate behavior and/or the language of those being served at times.
The requirements above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for successful performance of the essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The inability to cope with a stressful work environment does not constitute a protected disability.
_Painted Brain is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer _
_All opportunities at Painted Brain are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and verification of any applicable degree or license. If the position requires driving, a valid driver’s license, a motor vehicle clearance, and proof of auto insurance are required at the time of employment and must be maintained throughout employment_.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Health insurance
* Health savings account
* Paid time off
* Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
* Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management. Social Work, Public Administration or related field?
* How many years of Program Management Experience do you have?
* Do you have experience with grant-funded programs, budget management and team leadership?
Work Location: On the road
*Employment Type: *Full-time, Exempt
*Last Revision Date:* 2/2026
*Benefits*
This position is eligible for the following benefits: 100% Employer Paid Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans Available, Health Savings Plan Available, 401(k) Plan Matching, Paid Sick Time, Paid Vacation Time, 11 Paid Holidays, and 3 days of Paid Bereavement Leave.
*Organization Background*
The mission of Painted Brain is to create lasting community-based solutions to mental health challenges and the impact of social injustice through arts, advocacy, and enterprise. Painted Brain is an innovative peer-run mental health arts and tech forward organization that uses a peer model focused on recovery. Painted Brain defines a peer as any person with lived mental health challenges and or trauma including but not limited to: social injustice, interpersonal violence, and/or societal exclusion. Our primary focus over the years has always been using the arts to help people learn to interact socially and effectively while experiencing the impacts of trauma, psychosis, depression, autism, anxiety, and other unwanted mental experiences.
*Position Summary *
The Advocacy Program Manager will lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of advocacy program strategies and initiatives. This role involves managing program operations, monitoring outcomes, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including community members, partner organizations, and policy makers, to advance the organization's mission and objectives.
*Key Responsibilities*
*Program Development & Management:*
● Develop and implement advocacy plans and strategies.
● Oversee the execution of advocacy campaigns and initiatives.
● Coordinate advocacy program activities, build out services, and ensure effective communication.
● Monitor program progress and evaluate outcomes.
● Manage program budgets and resources effectively.
● Prepare reports and presentations on program activities and results.
*Policy Analysis and Research*
● Conduct research and analysis on relevant policy issues.
● Develop policy briefs and position papers.
● Track legislative and regulatory developments.
● Provide recommendations on policy changes and advocacy strategies.
*Budget and Resource Management:*
● Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets.
● Identify funding opportunities and assist in grant applications or proposals as needed to sustain programs.
● Ensure compliance with financial and regulatory requirements.
*Stakeholder Engagement:*
● Build and maintain relationships with funders, community members, partner organizations, policymakers and other stakeholders.
● Represent the organization in meetings, events, and collaborations to advance program goals.
● Facilitate meetings and workshops to gather input and build consensus.
● Coordinate with the communications team to disseminate information and engage the public.
● Respond to inquiries and provide program updates to stakeholders as needed.
*Compliance and Risk Management:*
● Track and evaluate program performance using qualitative and quantitative metrics.
● Ensure that programs comply with organizational policies, funding requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
● Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to program delivery.
*Supervisory Responsibilities*
● Supervise and support program staff, volunteers, and/or interns.
● Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to team members.
● Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field.
● At least 3-5 years of program management experience working in a health service agency, nonprofit, or a related setting.
● Proven track record of managing programs from inception to completion, with measurable impact.
● Experience with grant-funded programs, budget management, team leadership, reporting, and compliance.
*Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required*
● Excellent leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
● Have knowledge of the California Human Services landscape.
● Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
● Professional demeanor while representing the organization at meetings, events, or client sites.
● Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders in-person and remotely.
● Ability to work with staff and community members from diverse racial, sexual orientation, gender identity and cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, including populations with re-entry, mental health, and substance use challenges.
*Preferred - Non-Essential Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities*
● Bilingual or Multilingual communication abilities.
● Experience with writing grants, grant reports, policy briefs.
*Work Environment*
● This position requires a mix of office work, community engagement, and occasional travel to multiple locations as needed.
● The working conditions for this position are Hybrid.
● Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
● Follow safety standards and protocols.
● Regular and predictable attendance is required.
● Employees may be asked to perform other duties as assigned.
*General Travel Expectations*
● Ability to travel domestically, including both driving and flying, as required by job responsibilities. Transportation is not to be provided by Painted Brain, however mileage reimbursements are available for eligible travel.
● Comfortable traveling for extended periods, including trips lasting up to 8 hours during flights or ground transportation.
● Flexibility to manage potential travel complications.
*Physical and Endurance Requirements*
● Ability to remain seated for extended periods, including up to 8 hours, during flights or ground transportation.
● Ability to carry personal items or job-related materials weighing up to 20 pounds during travel.
*Driving & Flight Requirements*
● Valid driver’s license and ability to drive long distances, including up to 8 hours in a single day, with appropriate breaks.
● Willingness to travel by air within the country, including managing typical air travel challenges such as long security lines, flight delays, and varying seating arrangements.
Physical Requirements
● Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
● Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, or reach as needed for tasks such as filing, organizing, or setting up equipment.
● Ability to climb stairs or use ramps when elevators are unavailable.
● Capacity to lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
● Ability to push or pull carts, equipment, or materials, if applicable.
● Adequate vision for tasks requiring focus, such as reading documents, screens, or labels.
● Hearing ability sufficient for understanding verbal communication in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
● Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, such as evacuating a building or assisting others in need.
● Physical readiness for occasional high-energy demands, such as helping set up events or responding to critical situations.
Mental Requirements
The incumbent in this position must be able to accommodate all of the following: constant distractions, interruptions, uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules, processing information, and handling stress. There may be exposure to inappropriate behavior and/or the language of those being served at times.
The requirements above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for successful performance of the essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The inability to cope with a stressful work environment does not constitute a protected disability.
_Painted Brain is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer _
_All opportunities at Painted Brain are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and verification of any applicable degree or license. If the position requires driving, a valid driver’s license, a motor vehicle clearance, and proof of auto insurance are required at the time of employment and must be maintained throughout employment_.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Health insurance
* Health savings account
* Paid time off
* Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
* Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management. Social Work, Public Administration or related field?
* How many years of Program Management Experience do you have?
* Do you have experience with grant-funded programs, budget management and team leadership?
Work Location: On the road