Manager, OPHTHPAC & Congressional Affairs

American Academy of Ophthalmology Inc•Washington, DC

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, dedicated to protecting sight and empowering lives by advancing the profession of ophthalmology. Through education, advocacy, and innovation, the Academy supports ophthalmologists worldwide in delivering the highest-quality eye care. Our Annual Meeting is one of the largest medical gatherings in the United States, bringing together thousands of physicians, researchers, and industry leaders from around the globe. At AAO, employees contribute to meaningful work that directly impacts physician education and patient outcomes worldwide. The Manager, OPHTHPAC and Congressional Affairs collaborates with the Director of Congressional Affairs and the Manager of Advocacy Fundraising to develop and implement fundraising content and strategies that support federal legislative engagement and advance the Academy’s legislative agenda. This position also serves as a federal lobbyist for the Academy, conducting direct advocacy with Members of Congress and congressional staff to advance federal legislative and regulatory priorities and protect the practice of ophthalmology. The role executes legislative engagement strategies, builds bipartisan relationships on Capitol Hill, and represents the Academy in meetings, briefings, and coalition efforts to influence federal health policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or equivalent field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of the legislative process, Capitol Hill operations, grassroots advocacy, federal election laws, and political fundraising strategies.
Understanding of federal health policy, Medicare payment systems, appropriations processes, and federal research funding.
Experience building relationships with elected officials, congressional staff, coalition partners, and member stakeholders.
Strong policy analysis, legislative research, and advocacy planning skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop advocacy materials, policy briefs, legislative summaries, and talking points.
Experience managing PAC operations, fundraising initiatives, and compliance requirements.
Strong database management and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and competing deadlines.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Experience coordinating committees, volunteers, and external vendors.
Ability to build and sustain bipartisan relationships and execute effective lobbying strategies.

Nice To Haves

Travel required for the Annual Meeting, Mid-Year Forum, OPHTHPAC events, advocacy activities, committee meetings, and other Academy-related meetings.
Ability to represent the Academy at congressional, political, and fundraising events.
Ability to work effectively with physician leaders, volunteers, coalition partners, and elected officials.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Manager of Advocacy Fundraising to develop and implement fundraising strategies for OPHTHPAC.
Plan and coordinate logistics for OPHTHPAC events, including the Mid-Year Forum reception, OPHTHPAC retreats, committee meetings, and fundraising booths at Annual Meeting and Mid-Year Forum.
Develop and implement fundraising communications aligned with Academy legislative priorities.
Develop and implement quarterly Speaker Series programs for OPHTHPAC donors.
Identify and select candidates for the OPHTHPAC Direct Program in collaboration with the Director of Congressional Affairs.
Partner with Communications staff to increase Academy member awareness and participation in the OPHTHPAC Direct Program.
Manage the day-to-day operations of the OPHTHPAC Direct Program.
Manage OPHTHPAC day-to-day activities, including PAC operations, event planning, and tracking.
Supervise paid vendors to ensure quality control and cost effectiveness.
Provide support to the OPHTHPAC Committee Chair and committee members.
Organize OPHTHPAC committee calls, meetings, and retreats in collaboration with the Director of Congressional Affairs and Grassroots Specialist.
Maintain records and operational processes supporting PAC activities and compliance.
Manage annual PAC disbursements to Members of Congress and federal candidates while ensuring compliance with Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations.
Interview candidates and provide political evaluations and recommendations.
Track election information and provide updates to Governmental Affairs staff throughout election cycles.
Manage the Academy’s independent expenditure program, including decision-making authority on messaging.
Coordinate PAC and grassroots activities with the Grassroots Specialist to ensure timely delivery of contributions and advocacy engagement.
Work with the Director of Congressional Affairs to leverage PAC contributions strategically.
Manage the OPHTHPAC calendar, including identifying fundraising opportunities, coordinating attendance, handling RSVPs, and tracking events.
Organize fundraising events for OPHTHPAC champions and identify opportunities to engage physician and dental communities.
Develop and maintain relationships with Academy-supported candidates elected to Congress.
Represent the Academy at fundraising events and congressional engagement activities.
Lobby Members of Congress and congressional staff to advance the Academy’s federal legislative priorities through meetings, briefings, coalition engagement, and strategic follow-up.
Collaborate with the Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Director of Congressional Affairs, and Academy leadership to develop positions on legislative initiatives.
Monitor federal legislative activities and assess their impact on the practice of ophthalmology.
Prepare issue summaries, legislative leave-behind materials, and advocacy resources for congressional offices.
Coordinate lobbying strategies with internal policy staff, subspecialty societies, and coalition partners.
Support additional legislative and advocacy initiatives as assigned.
Assist with maintaining and updating the OPHTHPAC section of the Academy advocacy website.
Contribute articles and content for Washington Report Express and other Academy publications.
Support advocacy-related communications through digital channels and social media platforms.
Promote awareness of Academy advocacy priorities and member engagement opportunities.