Assistant Director of Congressional Relations

American Society for Radiation Oncology•Arlington, VA

53d•Hybrid

About The Position

Do you want to join a mission-driven organization that makes a difference in the U.S. healthcare landscape? Are you looking to take the next step and advance your career in the legislative affairs world? ASTRO is the premier radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 10,000 members who are physicians, nurses, biologists, physicists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists and other health care professionals who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. These medical professionals make up the radiation therapy treatment teams that are critical in the fight against cancer. Together, these teams treat more than one million cancer patients each year. Reporting directly to the VP, Advocacy, the Assistant Director of Congressional Relations leads ASTRO’s efforts to educate members of Congress, their staffs and federal agency officials about ASTRO/radiation oncology issues; designs ways to drive active participation by ASTRO members at the grassroots level in the legislative and regulatory processes; directs the activities of ASTRO’s Political Action Committee (ASTRO PAC); participates in ASTRO member education and support activities; oversees compliance with federal lobbying requirements, and leads efforts to achieve the federal policy goals and objectives of the Government Relations Department, as defined by ASTRO’s Board of Directors, Government Relations Committee and Subcommittees, CEO, and Vice President of Advocacy. NOTE: ASTRO offers a hybrid work environment. The position is based in Arlington, VA at ASTRO’s headquarters and eligible for telework up to 3x/week after an initial training period.

Requirements

Four-year college degree in a related discipline
Eight or more years of experience in a related role working for a member of Congress, federal agency or professional/trade association.
Recent experience lobbying on health care issues, with experience on Medicare-related issues preferred
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge of Legislative and Executive branch operations, activities and personnel.
Training in healthcare policy or scientific/medical field.
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
A proven ability to work independently (exhibiting leadership qualities) and to develop strong working internal relationships and collaborate in a team setting as well.
Excellent oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with contacts inside and outside the association, particularly with volunteers and physicians; employs active listening skills; able to present complex technical issues and options; and is viewed as an expert resource.
Proficiency in processing and analyzing intricate regulatory guidelines, legislation and laws.
Previous supervisory experience preferred, as position may manage government relations staff.
Results-oriented with the ability to work at a fast pace, determine priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
Superior interpersonal skills that demonstrate understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, cooperation, concern, and respect to others; ability to relate well to different people from varied backgrounds and different situations and maintain professionalism, e.g., internal staff, volunteers, physicians, and other external entities.
Organization and planning with the ability to organize and/or schedule people or tasks; develop realistic action plans while being sensitive to time constraints and resource availability.
Strong decision-making and problem solving with an understanding of organization-wide programmatic, operational, financial and management issues and priorities and ability to provide strategic vision to the Government Relations department.
Dedication to ethical compliance, including registration and compliance with all FEC rules and regulations; including ASTRO and external counsel.
Ability to manage and execute a department wide budget

Nice To Haves

Previous supervisory experience preferred, as position may manage government relations staff.

Responsibilities

Lobby legislative and executive branch officials.
Educate and influence members of Congress, their staffs, key committee staff and federal agency officials to advance ASTRO and its legislative priorities, including reimbursement, coverage and research issues.
Develop and maintain Congressional champions.
Produce effective legislative briefing materials, letters and presentations.
Attend and influence relevant hearings and markups.
Participate and lead coalition meetings representing a spectrum of interests: patient groups, scientific researchers, physicians, medical specialty associations, manufacturers, providers, insurers, and external stakeholders representing ASTRO members and the radiation oncology specialty.
Provide analysis of legislative/regulatory proposals and their impact on radiation oncology.
Collaborate with ASTRO advocacy staff and subject matter experts on issues that support successful radiation oncology practices.
Lead the development and execution of annual Fly-In/Lobby Day for ASTRO members.
Create and disseminate grassroots alerts on critical legislative/regulatory proposals; develop strategies for increased member engagement
Work with ASTRO members to organize meetings with members of Congress in their state/district
Lead the development and execution of ASTRO PAC strategic plan, including fundraising and distribution approaches; develop strategies to grow ASTRO PAC.
Work with Communications department to create and maintain marketing materials.
Host and attend fundraising events for members of Congress.
Provide staff support for Government Relations Committee and Congressional Relations Subcommittee, which makes recommendations on ASTRO-supported legislation.
Respond to member inquiries regarding legislative/regulatory proposals, questions around volunteer activities, and action around advocacy engagement.
Maintain and provide written and oral content for ASTRO’s website, internal communications, Board of Directors meetings, ASTRO publications and additional updates related to government relations activities.