Health Initiative Manager

Description

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is seeking a Health Initiative Manager to oversee our efforts to address pressing public health challenges. In recent years, we’ve leveraged our expertise and resources to advocate for transparency and evidence-based policymaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, improve the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s regulation of medical devices, and promote conflict-of-interest disclosures in research, among other topics. CSPI’s work in this realm aims to fight against misinformation and anti-science forces, and for scientific integrity, transparency, and agency accountability in US public health policy. 

We are seeking a science-savvy advocate with expertise in FDA regulations to ensure that CSPI’s Health Initiative moves our organization toward its ultimate goal of improving health and well-being for people in all communities, regardless of race, income, education, or social factors. This position works with the Executive Director, Dr. Peter Lurie, to help develop and oversee projects to be used for advocacy efforts related to a variety of topics, including: 1) Federal agency transparency; 2) Conflict-of-interest disclosures in research and policymaking; 3) Corporate and government accountability; and 4) Drug and medical device regulation. In many instances, this will involve generating research to be used in subsequent advocacy campaigns.

This is a full-time, grant-funded position for a period of up to 24 months, with the possibility of extension. The Health Initiative Manager reports to the Executive Director, supervises a Policy Associate on the Health Initiative team, and works in collaboration with colleagues across the organization engaged in activities related to scientific integrity. CSPI’s office is in Washington, D.C., where we offer a hybrid work environment with D.C.-based staff free to work from home but available for occasional in-person meetings based on team needs. But many of our staff work remotely at locations across the U.S. We will consider DC-based or remote applicants within the U.S. for this position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience with public health policy and/or advocacy, particularly related to FDA regulation (this experience can include education). This includes experience producing reports, peer-reviewed publications, and/or developing evidence-based regulatory documents (e.g., letters, petitions, fact sheets).
• 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).
• Interest and commitment to CSPI’s work and mission and embracing CSPI’s core values (described below). 

About CSPI  

CSPI, “Your food and health watchdog,” is one of the nation’s leading public health advocacy organizations with an over 50-year record of fighting for science in the public interest. We’ve led efforts to win passage of many state and local policies to improve school foods, require calories on chain restaurant menu boards, and remove sugary drinks from children’s menus. National policy successes include the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act; Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act; Food Safety Modernization Act; and Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act. The Health Initiative team was a major force behind a recent rule from the FDA to regulate laboratory-developed tests. Although it was later struck down by a court, we are still working to improve regulations around laboratory-developed tests.  

CSPI on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

CSPI is committed to including and valuing diverse voices and fostering a culture that ensures all staff feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to be their best selves. In that spirit, each of us is committed to putting in constant work to live up to our organization’s core values:

• We are inclusive. We seek to foster an environment where all staff feel a sense of belonging and are affirmed. We actively welcome and value staff with different experiences, backgrounds, attributes, abilities, and perspectives.
• We are open. We are honest and direct in how we communicate with each other. 
• We are kind. We communicate and treat one another in a respectful, generous, considerate, and compassionate way.
• We are collaborative. We work together for the common good and shared success.
• We are accountable. We acknowledge and assume responsibility for our actions, learn from our mistakes with humility, and change course when circumstances warrant.

Compensation

The salary range is $110,000 to 120,000, based on experience. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, internal pay equity, and business needs. CSPI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 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; and a 3% employer match contribution to the retirement plan after six months of service. We also offer ½ day Fridays, which means full-time staff work 36 hours per week. 

To Apply

Please use CSPI's Paylocity Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to apply for this position. You are required to submit a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience and interest, and answer several application questions. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications submitted by May 28, 2026.