Health Initiative Manager

Center for Science in the Public Interest

Health Initiative Manager overseeing public health advocacy at CSPI. Manage projects related to FDA regulation, scientific integrity, and public health policies in the U.S.

Posted 5/12/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $110,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work with the Executive Director to develop CSPI’s policy positions, priorities, and strategies for the Health Initiative
Manage ongoing projects, including: 1) A campaign tracking government use of advisory committees and publicizing potentially harmful changes to that process; and 2) Campaigns to ensure the safety and efficacy of particular medical devices and drugs
Identify opportunities to advocate for scientific integrity, transparency, and agency accountability, especially as it relates to the regulation of drugs and medical devices in the U.S
Mentor and manage a Policy Associate
Model CSPI’s core values, work with the Policy Associate to identify professional development opportunities, and provide ongoing performance evaluation as part of our culture of feedback
Work closely with the Policy Associate and other staff members to: write and review letters, fact sheets, reports, comments, petitions, op-eds, and other materials in support of initiatives; conduct policy research, including tracking federal bills and agency activities and reviewing regulatory comments to dockets; conduct scientific literature reviews to inform policy positions and support initiatives; collect primary or secondary data for research projects, including some suitable for publication in peer-reviewed literature; and mobilize and coordinate support for campaigns from partner organizations, academics, health professionals, CSPI members, and other concerned citizens
Represent CSPI and build strategic relationships with the media, funders, coalition partners, policymakers, industry, and the academic community
Effectively communicate CSPI’s policy priorities and mission with the media to drive our advocacy goals
Work with CSPI’s development team to raise additional funds for this initiative, manage grant deliverables, and draft reports to funders

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least 7 years of experience with public health policy and/or advocacy, particularly related to FDA regulation (this experience can include education)
Advanced degree, such as a JD (preferred) and/or Master of Public Health, Master of Public Policy, or PhD
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal, financial, and scientific documents and to distill science, health information, and policy initiatives into understandable and compelling content for media, community organizations, policymakers, and the public
Demonstrated commitment to transparency, accuracy, and scientific rigor in previous work
Ability to supervise and mentor staff and evaluate performance
Skills in multitasking and adapting in a fast-paced environment, with a track record of successfully managing multiple projects and deadlines
Experience working across teams in a positive, inclusive, collaborative, and strategic organizational culture
Demonstrated experience taking initiative, exercising good judgment, and using diplomacy and discretion
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Benefits

Comp & perks

3 weeks of annual vacation leave
additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1
8 weeks of paid parental leave
excellent medical and dental insurance with CSPI paying a significant portion of employee and dependent premiums
3% employer match contribution to the retirement plan after six months of service
½ day Fridays, which means full-time staff work 36 hours per week

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

public health policyFDA regulationpolicy researchscientific literature reviewsdata collectiongrant managementcampaign managementadvocacy strategiesperformance evaluationcontent development

Soft Skills

mentoringcommunicationmultitaskingadaptabilityinitiativejudgmentdiplomacydiscretioncollaborationstrategic thinking

Certifications

JDMaster of Public HealthMaster of Public PolicyPhD