Open To Work
JAMES FITZPATRICK
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Dynamic nonprofit leader with a proven track record in advocacy, public policy, and program delivery, driving increases in network engagement and securing grant funding for initiatives. Expertise in building coalitions and influencing decision makers through strategic communication and community engagement across the multiple states.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Advocacy Director (AZ/NV)
Alzheimer's Association
Phoenix, AZ
12.2014 - 01.2026
- Recruited, trained and maintained 50+ advocates for ongoing engagement with federal and state legislators, influencing key policy decisions.
- Established strong statewide and national coalitions that amplified policy visibility and legislative support.
- Achieved consistent top national ranking for advocacy engagement and volunteer actions.
- Direct and mentor teams of volunteer advocates, developing persuasive messaging for state and federal legislators.
- Organized 10+ community engagement events annually, expanding advocacy network by 20% and increasing participant engagement across Arizona and Nevada.
- Developed partnerships with healthcare organizations and community groups to enhance advocacy efforts.
- Trained volunteers on effective advocacy techniques and messaging strategies.
- Represented the organization at conferences, meetings, hearings, rallies.
Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
Alzheimer's Association
Arizona
09.2019 - 06.2022
- Developed public policy initiatives advocating for increased Alzheimer's research funding, enhancing organizational influence in legislative discussions.
- Advised state legislators and 10+ nonprofit partners on Alzheimer's policy initiatives, resulting in a unified approach to legislative impacts across Arizona.
- Represented the Alzheimer's Association in 5 state and national advocacy coalitions, contributing to influential policy discussions impacting Alzheimer’s care.
- Conducted policy research on 10+ legislative priorities for Alzheimer's, guiding advocacy efforts across Arizona and Nevada.
- Partnered with Arizona executive leadership to implement specific best practices, resulting in the advancement of three public policy objectives in health and education, improving community engagement.
- Led the development of advocacy campaigns to influence public policy decisions at local, state, and federal levels.
- Engaged with government officials to discuss Alzheimer's policy priorities and strategies.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to influence legislative decisions affecting Alzheimer's care.
- Trained staff on effective advocacy techniques, empowering the team to engage more effectively with policymakers.
- Monitored implementation of approved policies by appropriate governmental entities.
- Participated in stakeholder forums and provided expert advice on proposed legislation or regulations affecting organization's activities.
- Coordinated with external organizations on collaborative efforts to advance shared goals in public policy arena.
- Formulated strategies to increase awareness of organization's mission among elected officials, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Analyzed legislative and regulatory developments, identifying key impacts on organization's programs and services to inform strategic responses.
- Served as primary spokesperson representing the organization at hearings or other events related to public policy issues.
- Organized meetings with legislators, staff members, and constituents to promote organization's interests.
- Conducted outreach programs designed to educate constituents about pending legislation or regulations that could affect their lives.
Director of Programs & Advocacy
Alzheimer's Association
Arizona
10.2014 - 08.2019
- Developed and executed 6 strategic programs, increasing service reach by 25% and enhancing community engagement across Arizona and Southern Nevada.
- Oversaw 20+ advocacy campaigns that aligned community engagement with organizational goals, increasing stakeholder participation by 30%.
- Implemented targeted outreach programs that increased advocate participation by 30% in key legislative initiatives.
- Authored and managed 10 grant proposals, securing $500K in funding for regional Alzheimer's initiatives over three years.
- Trained and mentored a team of 10 staff, resulting in a 20% increase in program delivery effectiveness in advocacy initiatives.
- Developed program strategies to enhance community engagement and support families in navigating Alzheimer’s challenges.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff to improve service delivery and support skills.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to promote awareness of Alzheimer's disease.
- Managed program budgets and resources to align with organizational goals and maximize impact.
- Coordinated outreach efforts to connect with underserved populations in the community.
- Oversaw volunteer recruitment and management to ensure effective program execution.
- Implemented evaluation processes to assess program effectiveness and participant feedback.
- Provided leadership in developing innovative approaches to meet program goals.
- Hired and developed staff members to collaboratively achieve program goals.
- Developed strategic plans to ensure successful program operations.
- Monitored program operations for compliance with policies and procedures, applicable standards and relevant contractual policy.
- Managed program operations and provided strategic leadership for workers.
- Compiled reports on program outcomes to inform stakeholders and guide future initiatives.
Residential Services Director
Sojourner Center
Phoenix, AZ
06.2010 - 10.2014
- Managed three residential programs with a staff of 45, ensuring compliance and delivering high-quality services to over 260 clients.
- Oversaw daily operations of residential services, ensuring individuals received necessary assistance and support.
- Coordinated recovery programs serving over 400 participants, achieving a 40% success rate in helping individuals regain stability after domestic violence.
- Collaborated with 5 government agencies to extend program reach by 30% and align key policy initiatives, enhancing community impact.
- Reduced operational costs by 15% through process improvements in service delivery while maintaining high quality standards.
- Organized support services to address client needs, improving service delivery and satisfaction.
- Oversaw staff to uphold high standards of care and service delivery.
- Developed policies and procedures for the efficient management of residential services.
- Implemented policies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Developed training programs to enhance team skills and knowledge base.
- Evaluated program effectiveness and made recommendations for improvements regularly.
- Coordinated community outreach efforts to promote client involvement and assistance.
- Cultivated relationships with external organizations that provide support services for low-income families residing at the premises.
- Planned activities such as social gatherings or educational workshops for residents at the property.
- Resolved tenant complaints promptly, maintaining company standards and enhancing resident trust.
Lead Teacher / ABA Therapist
Lauren's Institute for Education
Gilbert, AZ
02.2008 - 11.2009
- Developed and implemented personalized developmental plans for 20+ children with behavioral challenges, improving their engagement by 30% over six months.
- Created and implemented tailored learning programs for 20+ students while fostering strong communication with their families through regular updates.
- Developed lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs and learning styles, enhancing overall classroom engagement.
- Implemented assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adapt instruction accordingly.
- Coordinated parent meetings to discuss student performance and address concerns, fostering collaborative support for student success.
- Facilitated community-building activities and events to strengthen school culture and encourage student participation.
- Coordinated with parents to discuss student performance and address concerns effectively.
- Promoted a positive school culture through community-building activities and events.
- Organized activities to promote physical, mental and social development of each child.
- Evaluated and improved classroom environment to promote ultimate learning experiences.
- Collaborated with other school staff to ensure that all students have access to a safe and supportive learning environment.
Site Manager
Civitan Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
02.2007 - 02.2008
- Directed 4 site operations for a team of 6, improving resource allocation and quality control, which enhanced service delivery by 20%.
- Managed scheduling and compliance for 4 community programs, tracking performance metrics that improved engagement by 15%.
- Engaged 25+ teens and young adults with developmental disabilities in community projects, enhancing inclusion and social participation.
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize coverage and improve service delivery.
- Cultivated relationships with community partners and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and support.
- Mentored new employees on safety protocols, processes and procedures.
Education
Masters of Science - Infant-Family Practice
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05-2012
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts - Family & Human Development, Sociology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05-2009
Skills
- Advocacy software
- Campaign Management
- Strategic Planning
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Community Organizing
- Coalition Building
- Advocacy training
- Nonprofit Management
- Digital Advocacy
- Volunteer Coordination
- Social Media Strategy
- Advocacy Event Strategy
- Lobbying
- Data Analysis
- CRM tools
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Organizational development
- Report Writing
- Research Skills
- Public Speaking
- Networking
- Volunteer Coordination
- Advocacy Branding
- Communication Skills
- Social media strategy
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Analytical skills
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteSalary Range
$100000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
Alzheimer's Association
09.2019 - 06.2022
Advocacy Director (AZ/NV)
Alzheimer's Association
12.2014 - 01.2026
Director of Programs & Advocacy
Alzheimer's Association
10.2014 - 08.2019
Residential Services Director
Sojourner Center
06.2010 - 10.2014
Lead Teacher / ABA Therapist
Lauren's Institute for Education
02.2008 - 11.2009
Site Manager
Civitan Foundation
02.2007 - 02.2008
Masters of Science - Infant-Family Practice
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts - Family & Human Development, Sociology
Arizona State University