Associate Director, Congressional Affairs

American Society of Clinical Oncology•Alexandria, VA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cancer strikes more than 10 million people worldwide each year. The ASCO Association d/b/a Association for Clinical Oncology (the “Association”) is a 501(c)(6) professional membership association representing a diverse network of nearly 45,000 oncology professionals. The Association, along with its affiliates the American Society of Clinical Oncology (the “Society”), Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation , and QOPI Certification Program, LLC, (collectively, “ASCO”) are committed to conquering cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality care. ASCO is a flexible, high-performance membership organization where employees collaborate to support our mission through evidence, care, and impact. Together with Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation , we foster a culture that prioritizes customer-centricity, emphasizes teamwork, and commits to quality. Our culture, ASCO Works – Our Way of Working, has long enabled workplace flexibility and embraced technology to help us achieve balance. ASCO offers competitive salaries, an excellent benefits package, and opportunities to participate in professional development programs. To learn what it’s like to work at the Association, click here . Who we are looking for: ASCO is looking for an Associate Director, Congressional Affairs, who thrives at the intersection of legislative affairs, political strategy, and impact. Are you energized by shaping national health policy and strengthening relationships on Capitol Hill? Join ASCO in advancing cancer care legislation and representing the voice of oncology professionals to Congress and key stakeholders. The Associate Director, Congressional Affairs will collaborate across ASCO, to advance its legislative priorities on Capitol Hill , and serve as a trusted advisor to physician volunteers and leadership. If you thrive at the intersection of legislative affairs , political strategy, and impact consider applying today! This position is hybrid with a primary location in Alexandria, VA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent years of experience
7 + years of legislative or lobbying experience , legislative, electoral, and campaigns or experience working in Congress or a state legislative body
Thorough knowledge of and experience with developing legislative solutions to advance an organization 's policy goals
A working understanding of legislative procedure and the ability to quickly figure out the ins and outs of an unfamiliar legislative issue
Experience communicating effectively with both Republican and Democratic elected officials and their staff
Demonstrated analytical and research skills, including the ability to distill complex information and present it to ASCO volunteers, legislative staff and elected officials
Strong political astuteness skills
Excellent communication skills , including written , with ability to effectively interact with all levels of internal organization and external stakeholders
High level of energy to thrive in a fast-paced environment, self-motivation to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team
Outstanding time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines, prioritize workload, and multi-task
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking
High use of computer and other office technology equipment

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferable
Knowledge of issues impacting cancer care and research
Health care background

Responsibilities

Serve as a registered lobbyist for ASCO
Serve as point of contact for two A level congressional committees
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with staff members of key congressional committees, caucuses and individual congressional offices
Communicate ASCO positions to the U.S. Congress through meetings, testimony, letters, statements , RFI responses, and other forums
Regularly attend political events for Members of Congress from both parties, on behalf of ASCO Association PAC , which can occur outside of standard business hours when Congress is in session , and speak to ASCO’s advocacy priorities directly with elected officials and their senior staff. Collaborate with PAC staff on disbursement plans each cycle.
Represent ASCO in several coalitions , serving on steering committees and policy committees, developing strategies for coalition advocacy , reviewing legislation, drafting coalition support letters, one pagers and other written materials. Coordinate and participate in Hill meetings and coalition fly-ins.
Network and collaborate with other physician and patient advocacy organizations and other industry stakeholders to amplify ASCO’s advocacy priorities on Capitol Hill . This could include drafting joint support letters, participating in joint Hill meetings, Hill briefings, or other activities.
Identify and pursue opportunities to raise ASCO’s visibility on Capitol Hill, position ASCO to testify before key congressional committees , diligently follow legislative activities , and analyze legislative proposals in a timely manner , often providing feedback to Hill offices about draft legislation and making policy recommendations
Prepare substantive written and oral legislative updates for ASCO membership communications , which may include travel to State Affiliate meetings as requested , and drafting articles for weekly and biweekly newsletters
Provide strategic leadership to the Government Relations Committee and other ASCO committees and task forces on legislative issues , political positioning, and advocacy strategies and serve as resource for ASCO leadership on legislative issues, responding to member questions and provide background information, political and policy intel and explain strategies and seek physician feedback when necessary
Collaborate with grassroots staff to identify opportunities for outreach on legislative activities , review draft grassroots alerts and sample letters , and draft social media posts
Serve on internal planning team for ASCO’s annual legislative conference to help develop conference agenda and draft written materials , oral presentations, and legislative messaging for 150-200 ASCO members . During the conference, speak on panels around legislative messaging and lobby training and provide all-around conference support.
Arrange meetings with members of Congress and their staff for ASCO volunteers and coordinate legislative programs including briefings and receptions