Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a leading national organization focusing on mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder, which affects over 21 million Americans, accounts for over 50% of the nation’s suicides every year, and costs $23 billion in lost workdays and other workplace losses.
Through our extensive online and print resources and our support groups and chapters, DBSA reaches millions of people each year with in-person and online peer support; current, readily understandable information about depression and bipolar disorder; and empowering tools focused on an integrated approach to wellness.
DBSA publishes in peer-reviewed medical journals and conducts surveys on issues of importance to individuals living with mood disorders and those treating these disorders.
DBSA’s prestigious 40-member Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is comprised of leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders. SAB members review DBSA publications and programs for medical and scientific accuracy. In addition, SAB members present at DBSA conferences, author peer-reviewed manuscripts on behalf of the organization, and represent DBSA to the media.
DBSA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and depends upon public support to achieve its vital mission to empower and educate peers…and save lives. Roughly 85% of DBSA’s budget comes from charitable contributions, which include gifts and grants from corporations, foundations, individuals, and government agencies. The remaining 15% of DBSA’s budget comes from earned revenues, chapter affiliation and membership fees, program dues, contracted work in training and consultation, and event and publication fees.
DBSA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
DBSA recognizes the unique ways identity, culture, and access affect people living with mood disorders. We strive to create safe and inclusive spaces for individuals to feel empowered on their own path to wellness. DBSA seeks to create equitable access to peer support services and mental health resources and advocate for all individuals with a lived experience with a mood disorder, regardless of cultural and social identity or systemic barriers.
Our Team Values
Integrity
- Perform at the highest standards. We strive for best in class.
- Be honest in our interactions and develop trusting relationships.
- Take personal, and where appropriate, team responsibility for results.
- Acknowledge what we don’t know.
Openness
- Demonstrate a willingness to continuously learn, grow, and change.
- Celebrate our differences.
- Be present, curious, and receptive to new and different ideas and situations.
Mindfulness
- Ask for help and reciprocate help when needed.
- Respect each other’s perspectives, experiences, and sensitivities.
- Be mindful of our individual impact on the work environment.
- Speak with thoughtfulness. We think before we speak.
Collaboration
- Show a willingness to give up personal ownership for the greater good/outcome.
- Work together to foster individual and organizational growth.
- Create an environment where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
- Have a holistic view of the work of the organization.
- Remain flexible to achieve optimal outcomes.
Dedication to an Equitable Workplace
DBSA is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees, and to providing employees with a work environment free of any form of discrimination and harassment. DBSA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through our equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. At DBSA, we make a point to celebrate our differences and respect each other’s unique perspectives. In fact, it is core to the work we do.
Current Openings
Community Engagement Manager
Reporting to the Director of Policy and Peer Engagement, the Community Engagement Manager administers the Peer Council program for DBSA participants for whom speaking out and sharing their voice is a crucial component of their wellness toolkit. Other areas of specific responsibility include legislative and advocacy support, representing DBSA in clinical trials/research projects, and consulting on clinician education materials.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain communication and foster relationships with various organizations, including but not limited to:
- DBSA Advocates
- Other patient advocacy organizations
- Coalition partners
- Pharmaceutical and biotech industry partners
- Academic researchers
- Other stakeholders and interested parties
Peer Councils
- Manages recruitment for patient-centered research, focus groups, and peer council requests
- Facilitates safe, respectful, and inclusive environments where peer participants feel heard and empowered
- Coordinates technical and admin for councils including scheduling and data/content capture
CME
- Works with the PPE Director to plan, coordinate, and implement all educational activities with continuing medical education partners
- Reviews educational content for compassionate language and peer interests
Policy and Advocacy
- Identifies/fields inquiries from other mental health organizations, as well as faith-based communities and advocacy organizations that are working toward like-minded objectives
- Develops partnerships with identified organizations to work collectively toward legislation or public agency goals and objectives that advance access to quality mental health care and peer support
- Participates in mental health coalition workgroups and task forces
- Creates and submits comment and support letters for federal and state-level issues, including but not limited to access to quality mental health care and peer support
- Mobilizes the DBSA community of mental health advocates to take action on legislative actions through written and in-person communication
- Collaborates with bench of advocates who are willing to provide testimony and/or speak with the media on how they and/or family member is personally affected by barriers to quality mental health care
Academic Research, Clinical Trials, Learning Health Networks, Special Projects
- Amplifies the peer voice at every stage of a project cycle: grant application, project design, execution and management, and evaluation and dissemination
- Serves on advisory councils and steering committees for academic research, clinical trials, learning health networks, and other special projects
- All other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in public health, social work or other related field preferred.
- 2-5 years of experience in a related field
- Passion for mental health equity and systemic change, and the ability to sensitively connect with peers
- Passionate about helping people with mood disorders. Lived experience, either personally or through a loved one, is a plus.
- Possesses excellent speaking, presentation skills, written and verbal skills
- Passion for education and creating public awareness for systemic change
- Ability to diplomatically navigate stakeholders whose priorities are in conflict or competition with each other
BENEFITS & COMPENSATION
This is a full-time position with a salary range of $55,000-$69,000 and generous benefits including health, dental, vision, disability, 401K, and life insurance. The position will primarily work standard hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with flexible start/end times possible. Periodic evening or weekend hours may be required. Currently, this position will require 2 days (Monday & Wednesdays) in the office. The candidate may work the remaining days remotely. This policy may be reviewed and revised.
If you are interested, please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected].
