Director, State Advocacy & Outreach (Western Region)

American Academy of Physician Associates Inc•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

The Director, State Advocacy & Outreach, provides strategic leadership to advance AAPA’s state government affairs efforts in a designated region, with a strong preference for candidates based in the Western United States. This role leads and partners with AAPA’s constituent organizations (COs), collaborating with volunteer leaders to enact legislation and regulations that modernize PA practice laws and improve patient care. The Director is accountable for strengthening and scaling state advocacy infrastructure by providing strategic leadership, policy expertise, and hands-on technical support. The role serves as the staff expert and primary liaison between AAPA and its state chapters, providing policy expertise, technical assistance, and tactical support for advocacy. This position requires the ability to operate with a high degree of professionalism and autonomy, independently executing priorities, exercising judgment, building and maintaining strong relationships, analyzing bills and regulations, and collaborating effectively with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders across diverse political environments.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously, manage complex portfolios, and deliver results with minimal oversight in a fast-paced advocacy environment
Proven collaborative, solution-oriented leadership approach when working with staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders
Experience leading and managing staff, consultants, and outside contractors/vendors with accountability for outcomes
Strong interpersonal, public speaking, and relationship-building skills
In-depth understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes; healthcare policy knowledge strongly preferred
Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
Superior written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to accommodate occasional travel and non-standard hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of 5 years of experience in state government relations, public policy, or related field
Experience designing and executing grassroots advocacy strategies
Direct lobbying or legislative experience required

Nice To Haves

Established experience and strong professional connections with the Western state legislatures and/or advocacy community preferred
Familiarity with healthcare policy, including workforce and medical licensing issues a plus

Responsibilities

Serve as the senior staff lead and primary point of contact for assigned state/territory constituent organizations
Provide strategic direction and leadership to state organizations to align and advance AAPA’s advocacy priorities
Monitor and analyze state legislative and regulatory activity; independently assess political landscapes and provide proactive, strategic guidance to state leaders
Lead the drafting and development of bills, regulations, testimony, fact sheets, and advocacy materials
Represent AAPA as a senior policy leader at legislative hearings, stakeholder meetings, and regulatory proceedings, including providing expert testimony as needed
Serve as a trusted advisor to AAPA members, employers, and policymakers on state laws and regulations affecting PA practice
Collaborate with AAPA External Affairs and Communications Department staff to strategically elevate and amplify state advocacy initiatives and policy wins
Lead the cultivation and maintenance of strategic relationships with coalition partners, regulatory agencies, and allied organizations
Drive broader strategic initiatives to strengthen and sustain the advocacy capacity of state CO’s
Deliver high-level briefings and presentations to AAPA leadership, CO boards, and external partners on government affairs issues
Travel to represent AAPA at state-level events, meetings, and legislative days