Director, Congressional Affairs

American Academy of Dermatology•Washington, DC

1d•$190,000 - $205,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Academy of Dermatology is seeking a Director, Congressional Affairs located in our Washington, DC. office responsible for leading the Academy’s federal legislative team in the development and implementation of federal legislative policy goals, objectives, and related strategies to promote the Academy’s advocacy priorities. Partner and collaborate with staff to pursue strategies to engage Academy leadership and members to advance the interests of dermatology, dermatologists, practices, and patients. Contribute to planning and implementing Academy strategic initiatives including working collaboratively across the organization to further the Academy’s mission by integrating congressional, activities with those of the Advocacy & Policy division and the Academy. Participate in the overall management, direction and success of the Advocacy & Policy Division.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred, preferably in political science, public administration, health policy, or related field.
Minimum twelve years relevant experience with government and/or private sector advocacy is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of health policy and government affairs.
Experience in a federal congressional office preferred.
Demonstrated progressive managerial experience required.
Extensive experience and established relationships working with members of Congress and their staff, in particular with key health care committees.
Experience working on complex health care policy issues, with a working knowledge of Medicare, health system reform and appropriations preferred.
Knowledge of relevant LDA rules and filing requirements for lobbying essential.
Minimum of 8 years of people management including leading, mentoring, and coaching direct and indirect reports.
Collaboration – Establishes and maintains effective work relationships, works cooperatively in group situations. Offers assistance and support to coworkers.
Communication – Apply effective verbal, nonverbal, and written communication methods to achieve desired results. Respond intelligently to standard business correspondence. Demonstrate sufficient business vocabulary to communicate effectively.
Decision Making – Able to exercise discretion and independent judgment to understand issues, identify problems and opportunities to determine the appropriate course of action. Demonstrate sound decision-making skills with an increasing number of alternatives to be reviewed by management.
Evaluation of Results Against Organizational Goals – Assess how well workplace performance, learning strategies, and results match organizational goals and strategic intent.
Finance and Accounting – Assist with preparing, managing, and monitoring budget and expenses.
Integrity – Demonstrate personal integrity in all interactions. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Leadership – Lead, influence, and coach others to help them achieve desired results. Consider and respond appropriately to the needs and feelings of others; treat others equitably.
Strategic Development – Create strategies and contingency plans that allow the organization to have a competitive advantage.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred, preferably in political science, public administration, health policy, or related field.
Experience in a federal congressional office preferred.
Experience working on complex health care policy issues, with a working knowledge of Medicare, health system reform and appropriations preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the Academy’s federal legislative activities and team, including lobbying consultants. Generate, identify, and prioritize policy-related issues that impact the Academy and its members. Monitor and direct lobbying efforts for all federal legislation that has the potential to affect dermatologic care, patients, and practices. Accountable for accurate and timely filing of required lobbying disclosure reports.
Develop federal advocacy positions, working with physician leaders and staff, and based on available research of issues related to dermatology and the broader health care environment. Direct and manage the drafting of policy statements and legislative language as needed.
Collaborate with Associate Director, Advocacy Engagement to develop and execute strategies and initiatives related to the Academy’s political action committee (SkinPAC) disbursements to federal candidates.
Educate Members of Congress and key staff regarding the Academy’s position on relevant issues. Establish and maintain liaison with key congressional staff, medical specialty and state societies, dermatology subspecialty groups, patient groups, and other organizations responsible for and interested in policies and programs that affect the practice of dermatology. Cultivate, facilitate, and coordinate member contacts with Members of Congress and key staff. Represent the AADA at political events and other relevant outside activities.
Partner with Associate Director, Advocacy Engagement on AADA’s grassroots outreach and development program. Collaborate with AADA staff to execute annual Legislative Conference.
Draft and/or contribute to Academy policy statements, legislative testimony, and regulatory comments when appropriate. Respond to inquiries from Congress, government agencies or other organizations or individuals as appropriate. Respond to requests and inquiries from members of the Academy. Work with Communications Department to report on legislative and political activities to membership and respond to related media inquiries.
Present and report to Academy leadership through regular written updates and through other venues, including conference calls, in-person meetings, state society meetings as needed and appropriate, on pertinent issues and developments.
Collaborate with Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Policy in the assessment and development of strategic and financial goals that relate to Advocacy & Policy and the overall Academy mission. Develop and execute approved plans targeted to business strategies and initiatives.