Director of Policy and Advocacy

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 www.sepsis.org .

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 organization’s 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 Alliance’s 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

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

Community Mobilization and Advocacy Campaigns

Cross-Department Collaboration

Operational Oversight and 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 :

Preferred :

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.

Time Off and Wellness

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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