Director of Political Affairs

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)•Rockville, MD

About The Position

The Director of Political Affairs manages ASHA’s Political Action Committee (ASHA-PAC) and coordinates political fundraising to advance the Association’s Public Policy Agenda on behalf of the audiology and speech-language pathology professions. 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 position’s major duties and advancing the agenda’s priorities. The Director consults with the Senior Director of Federal and Political Affairs and is guided by ASHA policies and priorities established by the Board of Directors and Facilitating Team as needed. The role requires political fundraising and PAC management experience, knowledge of campaign finance compliance and filing requirements, and the ability to engage in strategic lobbying and build relationships with lawmakers, policymakers, and allied stakeholders. It also calls for collaborative leadership, strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently under pressure and achieve consensus. ASHA expects staff to collaborate, support the organization and its members, foster a welcoming community, encourage learning and innovation, deliver excellent member service, advance equity, and promote diversity, inclusion, and science and research. ASHA is an equal opportunity employer. Staff may be asked to take on additional responsibilities and assist colleagues from time to time.

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 applicable 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.
Familiarity with health care and education policies that impact the Association.
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.
Understanding of communications sciences and disorders is desirable.

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 to identify, develop, execute, and evaluate 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 designed 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.