Director of Federal Government Relations

The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research • New York, NY

282d • $155,000 - $175,000

About The Position

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Director of Federal Government Relations position. This position will lead and execute high-level advocacy strategies to advance the Foundation's policy and funding priorities, with a strong focus on federal appropriations. This role is responsible for securing increased federal investments in Parkinson's research, influencing the National Parkinson's Project, and expanding access to care as well as other policy priorities as assigned. The Director will develop and implement lobbying strategies, engage with Congress and federal agencies, and build coalitions to drive impactful policy outcomes. Reporting to the Interim Chief of Policy, the role will oversee a team of professionals, managing resources and ensuring alignment with the Foundation's broader policy goals. This position must be based in the Washington D.C. area and will have minimal overnight travel requirements (approximately 1x/month to the Foundation's office in New York City) and weekend work on an as-needed basis.

Requirements

• Relevant experience in federal government affairs, with a strong track record in appropriations advocacy and legislative policy; experience in health policy and/or patient advocacy preferred
• Relevant experience in a leadership role managing teams and strategy
• Relevant experience engaging with Congress, particularly in the appropriations process, budget negotiations, and securing federal funding for research initiatives
• Relevant experience in legislative and regulatory policy development, preferably in healthcare or the nonprofit sector
• Strong relationships with policymakers, congressional staff, and federal agencies
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and negotiation skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in policymaking and advocacy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a shifting environment while ensuring attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate with people at all levels with a professional approach
• High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
• Ability to remain calm, professional, focused, and solution-oriented under pressure
• Must be registered as a federal lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement government relations strategies to advance the Foundation's policy priorities, focused on securing federal appropriations to support Parkinson's research and related initiatives
• Lead advocacy efforts to influence annual budget and appropriations processes, including working with Congressional offices, key committees, and federal agencies to ensure increased research funding
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, federal agencies, and stakeholders to drive policy and funding goals
• Manage a team budget, external consultants, and related vendor contracts as needed to ensure support for policy planning targets set annually that are backed by resources allocated across a portfolio of programs, projects, and operations and are aligned with overall business unit goals
• Monitor and analyze appropriations legislation, regulatory developments, and policy proposals to identify opportunities and risks for the Foundation's mission
• Provide strategic leadership to a team of government relations professionals, offering mentorship and ensuring team objectives align with the Foundation's advocacy priorities
• Coordinate with internal teams, researchers, and advocacy partners to maximize influence and impact in the federal funding landscape
• Translate complex policy and appropriations issues into accessible language for internal stakeholders, advocates, and the broader Parkinson's community
• Commit to the Foundation's mission and goals, embodying a sense of responsibility and accountability in all endeavors
• Represent the Foundation before Congress, the Administration, and external partners in meetings, hearings, and events
• Ensure compliance with all lobbying and advocacy-related reporting requirements

Benefits

• 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
• Competitive dental and vision plans
• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer paid life and disability insurance
• 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4
• Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work
• Discretionary bonus on an annual basis
• Regular training courses and events for staff and leadership cultivation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations