Director of Political Affairs

American Speech-Language- Hearing Assoc.•Rockville, MD

About The Position

The Director of Political Affairs manages ASHA-PAC and coordinates political fundraising activities to advance ASHA’s Public Policy Agenda on behalf of the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. The Director is part of the Federal and Political Affairs Team within the Government Affairs and Public Policy Cluster and has latitude to determine approaches and methodologies for carrying out the role’s major duties and advancing agenda priorities. The Director consults with the Senior Director of Federal and Political Affairs and follows priorities and policies established by ASHA’s Board of Directors and Facilitating Team as needed. The role includes managing political fundraising and compliance, assessing candidates for federal office, supporting lobbying and advocacy strategies, and developing communications and events for members and PAC contributors. The Director also serves as an ex-officio member of the ASHA-PAC Board. ASHA staff are expected to collaborate, support the organization and its members, encourage learning and innovation, deliver excellent service, advance equity, and promote diversity, inclusion, and science and research.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in political science, government, public policy, or a related field such as business or finance.
Five years of experience in political fundraising, campaign finance, or political action committee management; alternatively, experience at a nonprofit association.
Demonstrated ability to manage political fundraising activities and successfully meet fundraising goals.
Demonstrated knowledge of compliance and filing laws and regulations.
Demonstrated ability in strategic lobbying activities.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships with lawmakers, policymakers, and allied stakeholders.
Demonstrated understanding of the federal legislative process.
Strong collaborative and facilitative leadership skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to prioritize, organize, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a creative approach to work.
Ability to work independently and effectively under pressure with tight deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to achieve consensus when opposing viewpoints are presented.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree is preferred.
Familiarity with health care and education policies that affect the Association.
Understanding of communication sciences and disorders.

Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of ASHA-PAC, including developing fundraising strategies, issuing and tracking disbursements, recording transactions, preparing financial and activity reports, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Manage lobbying disclosure reports for the Government Affairs and Public Policy Cluster.
Assess the credibility and viability of candidates for federal office, including incumbents, who seek ASHA-PAC support.
Organize and attend political events on behalf of ASHA-PAC.
Collaborate on identifying, developing, executing, and evaluating coordinated advocacy strategies to advance ASHA’s Public Policy Agenda.
Engage in federal strategic lobbying activities as needed.
Collaborate on strategic communications, messaging, and grassroots materials to advance ASHA’s Public Policy Agenda.
Develop articles and other products for online and print communications.
Implement and execute member-facing political events and receptions.
Produce a monthly newsletter highlighting relevant political and policy news for PAC contributors.
Serve as an ex-officio member of the ASHA-PAC Board.
Take on additional responsibilities from time to time and help colleagues, as expected of ASHA staff.