Government Affairs Lead

National Multiple Sclerosis Society•Washington, DC

1d•$100,000 - $120,000•Remote

About The Position

The AVP, Government Affairs (Government Affairs Lead) leads implementation of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s federal advocacy strategy and advances legislative and regulatory priorities through engagement with policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders. The role is the primary liaison to federal government entities and works closely with Policy, Healthcare Access, and Mission leadership to coordinate advocacy efforts. It also partners with state government affairs colleagues and contracted lobbyists and consultants to align federal and state advocacy and identify opportunities for coordinated engagement. The position focuses on external engagement, relationship management, and advocacy execution. It contributes to the Society’s strategic pillars by aligning work, decisions, and partnerships with organizational priorities and collaborating across teams to advance mission outcomes. Work is primarily remote, with in-person team meetings when possible and necessary. The position is classified as Leader - Leading Others and leads the Federal Advocacy Team, providing strategic direction, coaching, and prioritization.

Requirements

8–12 years of experience in federal government affairs, lobbying, congressional relations, or public policy advocacy.
Strong understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes.
Demonstrated success engaging Congress, congressional staff, and federal agencies.
Experience building coalitions and managing stakeholder relationships.
Ability to translate complex policy issues into effective advocacy strategies and communications.

Nice To Haves

Experience in healthcare, patient advocacy, nonprofit advocacy, or life sciences.
Experience working within national associations or mission-driven organizations.
Advanced degree (MPP, MPH, JD, or related field).

Responsibilities

Implement and advance federal government affairs strategies aligned with the Society’s policy priorities, access principles, and strategic goals.
Lead federal appropriations work through a contracted lobbyist.
Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and key committees.
Represent the organization in meetings, briefings, and advocacy events on Capitol Hill.
Identify opportunities to advance legislative and regulatory priorities.
Plan and execute Capitol Hill days, legislative briefings, stakeholder roundtables, and other advocacy initiatives.
Support grassroots and grass-tops engagement strategies that amplify the voices of people with lived experience.
Advocate for policy implementation that supports patient access and organizational priorities.
Coordinate responses to federal rulemaking in partnership with the Policy team.
Build and manage relationships with advocacy partners, trade associations, and coalitions.
Represent the organization at conferences, policy forums, and stakeholder convenings.
Provide timely updates and strategic insights to internal stakeholders and assess the political landscape and its implications for advocacy priorities.
Partner with the VP, Policy to translate policy positions into actionable advocacy strategies.
Collaborate with Communications on advocacy campaigns and messaging.
Support executive leadership with briefing materials, talking points, and meeting preparation.
Coordinate with state government affairs colleagues to align federal and state advocacy priorities and messaging, share legislative and regulatory information, and support cross-functional planning.
Identify opportunities to leverage federal advocacy activities in support of state priorities and vice versa.
Contribute to planning and execution of major advocacy initiatives, including the Public Policy Conference and MS Activist engagement activities.
Contribute to development of the advocacy budget.
Lead the Federal Advocacy Team by providing strategic direction, coaching, and prioritization.
Partner across advocacy, healthcare access, mission, marketing and communications, and development teams to translate complex policy issues into accessible messages for diverse audiences using traditional and digital media, personal stories, and advocacy content.
Attend and actively engage in training, professional development, conferences, and staff meetings; share information, lessons learned, and stakeholder insights.
Participate in cross-functional initiatives and contribute to team success and the integrated mission operations plan, including working with regional Programs & Support team members to identify emerging issues.
Develop working knowledge of Society and relevant third-party information systems, including Salesforce or other Society CRMs.
Maintain knowledge of MS, treatments, disease and symptom management, and advances in MS through publications and research.
Implement and follow National MS Society risk management policies and procedures.
Participate in professional development to improve knowledge of healthcare systems and provider needs; contribute to team meetings and provide support and feedback to colleagues.
Perform other duties as assigned.