Attorney, Director I (Legislative Counsel, FDA) - (Hybrid)

American Medical Association•Washington, DC

9d•$153,355 - $207,144•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Medical Association (AMA) is seeking an Attorney, Director I (Legislative Counsel) for its Government Affairs team in Washington, D.C. This hybrid role requires three days per week in the Washington office. Under the supervision of the Director, the attorney provides legal counsel and support on legislative, regulatory, and advocacy matters affecting the AMA, with emphasis on FDA, drugs, lifestyle medicine, and other AMA priorities. The attorney analyzes and interprets complex legislation, regulations, and judicial opinions to inform AMA Advocacy staff, senior management, the Council on Legislation, the Board of Trustees, the AMA House of Delegates, and other constituencies. The role independently leads a portfolio of significant legislative and regulatory issues, acting as a strategic legal advisor and developing recommended policy and advocacy approaches. It also includes preparing AMA testimony, briefing witnesses, and drafting advocacy materials to advance AMA policy objectives. This is an exempt position with a stated salary range of $153,355–$207,144. Employees are eligible to participate in an incentive plan. The AMA describes its workplace as business casual and says it respects work-life balance. Some travel is required.

Requirements

J.D. degree.
Active membership in good standing in at least one state Bar.
At least 10 years of professional experience.
At least 3 years of health law experience.
Subject matter expertise in the U.S. Congressional, legislative, and/or federal regulatory process.
Demonstrated strategic judgment and ability to independently lead complex, cross-functional advocacy initiatives.
Experience with physician-related issues across a wide range of health law subjects, such as FDA, lifestyle medicine, and drugs.
Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills.
Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce polished and persuasive legislative and regulatory advocacy documents under short deadlines.
Strong project leadership and organizational skills to prioritize complex work and coordinate cross-functional activity.
Interpersonal skills, including persuasiveness and relationship building.
Political acumen.
Some travel is required.

Nice To Haves

Previous legislative, federal agency, or association experience is highly preferred.
Extensive knowledge of the AMA’s and Federation’s organizational structure and policy development processes is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide legal, legislative, and regulatory advice to AMA Advocacy and other business units on complex issues, with a focus on FDA and lifestyle medicine.
Identify and analyze emerging federal legislation and regulations, assess their implications for AMA priorities, and recommend policy and advocacy approaches.
Identify AMA positions on legislation and regulation, identify gaps where policy may be needed, and prepare or coordinate formal AMA responses to proposed regulations.
Represent the AMA to external groups and participate in coalition meetings to advocate the organization’s policy goals.
Prepare advocacy documents, draft comment letters, and strategic communications for Congressional, Administrative, and grassroots operations of the Washington Office.
Develop responses to oral and written inquiries from Congress, the Administration, other organizations, member physicians, and other stakeholders regarding AMA policy.
Develop arguments and talking points for lobbying and grassroots communications, and contribute to direct issue lobbying as appropriate.
Brief national medical specialty societies, state medical societies, and AMA Sections or their representatives on request.
Prepare AMA written testimony and oral statements for Board of Trustees members to present before Congress, federal agencies, and boards.
Prepare and brief AMA witnesses for public forums, including developing effective responses to anticipated questions.
Lead an assigned portfolio by determining analytical frameworks and recommended approaches, coordinating across Advocacy and other business units, and driving execution as issues evolve.
Serve as a subject matter expert across business units and guide or mentor junior attorneys as needed.
Advise Council members on legislative and political aspects of key issues, particularly Executive Committee and Workgroup members, and keep them apprised of significant legislative and regulatory developments.
Assist the Reference Committee B Secretary at the AMA Annual or Interim meeting as assigned.
Develop and deliver presentations to specialty and state societies and other organizations on relevant legislative or regulatory issues.
Prepare and present substantive written and oral issue briefings, develop proposed policy and advocacy approaches when existing AMA policy does not clearly address an emerging issue, and provide recommendations to the Council on Legislation at formal meetings.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.