Director, Maternal & Infant Health Initiative (Remote in AZ)

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We are advocating for policies to protect them. We are working to radically improve the health care they receive. We are pioneering research to find solutions. We are empowering families with programs, knowledge and tools to have healthier pregnancies. By uniting communities, we are building a brighter future for us all.

We are dedicated to hiring a diverse workforce that fosters opportunities for personal and professional development. We provide a collaborative and supportive environment built upon our fundamental core principles where each employee is valued. Join us in the fight for healthy moms and strong babies.

SCOPE:

The Director of Maternal & Infant Health leads the implementation of March of Dimes' mission strategy across the state by advancing programs, partnerships, and policy efforts that improve maternal and infant health outcomes. This role serves as the organization's maternal and infant health lead in the state, working with community partners, volunteers, policymakers, and internal teams to identify priority needs, implement evidence-informed initiatives, and advocate for policies that support healthy moms and babies. The Director collaborates closely with national and local staff to align strategies with national priorities, mobilize cross-sector partnerships, and translate mission impact into opportunities for community engagement and donor investment. Through strategic leadership, coalition building, and data-informed decision-making, the Director drives initiatives that reduce disparities and produce measurable improvements in maternal and infant health statewide. This position reports to the (Senior) Executive Director of Market Impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy, Program Implementation, and Partnerships

• Serve as the maternal and infant health lead for the state, engaging and mobilizing community partners while building strong volunteer and partner relationships.
• Lead the development and implementation of a state-level strategic plan and advocacy strategy aligned with March of Dimes priorities.
• In collaboration with community partners and using data, identify areas of high need and burden and prioritize local programming.
• Partner with the national mission team to manage and implement mission initiatives, including new innovative opportunities, programs, and national campaigns at the local level.
• Foster strong collaboration with internal market staff to advance mission impact goals and ensure strategies are integrated across development, communications, marketing, and advocacy efforts.
• Build and sustain a strong network of volunteers and strategic partners-including maternal and child health organizations, agencies, and community leaders-to advance the mission.

Leadership

• Embody and demonstrate organizational core values: Diversity, Integrity, Mission, Excellence, and Success (DIMES) in all professional interactions and responsibilities.
• Exemplify adaptive, results-driven leadership by centering community voices and positioning MOD as a trusted leader in MCH across the state
• Proactively assess implementation risks and challenges and develop strategies to mitigate barriers and ensure successful program execution.
• Maintain accountability throughout all processes and engagement.

• Lead the implementation of programs and strategic initiatives that drive measurable impact and improve maternal and infant health outcomes statewide.
• Represent March of Dimes in media engagements and serve as a spokesperson at conferences, speaking engagements and events.

Advocacy & Government Affairs

• Perform ongoing management of issues and execution of strategy, tracking of legislative and regulatory priorities, production of advocacy materials, and lobbying of policymakers.
• Manage coalition relationships. Plan and execute advocacy events.
• Represent MOD in various capacities with policymakers, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Register as a lobbyist consistent with state laws and regulations. If applicable, utilize electronic data management tools in order to review and analyze legislative developments.

Donor/ Revenue Development

• Translate and share mission and/or advocacy impact in ways that invite donor investment and supporter engagement.
• Collaborate with staff partners and key volunteers to identify, cultivate and secure program funding, including sponsorship, for relevant mission campaigns.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous Experience: A minimum of 5 years' experience in one or more of the following areas: maternal/child health program planning and implementation; advocacy and government affairs; public health programming; working with disadvantaged populations; community development.
• Experience with results-based accountability model.
• Skilled organizer with experience in community engagement and coalition management including multicultural communities.
• Ability to interact across multiple acculturation levels and socio-economic groups.
• Familiar with the geography, key institutions and key partners and volunteers.
• Experience convening and leading partners, building strategic partnerships, and conducting meetings with internal and external partners.
• Critical thinking skills in assessing the local market environment and available resources to successfully implement new and existing programs.
• Ability to recruit, mobilize and lead volunteers and partners.
• Education: Master's degree in public health, health advocacy or policy, community health, public administration, or other related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

March of Dimes provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.