ADVOCACY NEWS: ACA Seeks Government Relations Specialist to Help Lead Policy Efforts
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is the leading national organization serving the needs of people of all ages living with the loss or absence of limbs. We have members, industry partners, peer visitors and support group leaders throughout the country. The ACAs government relations and public policy department is committed to advancing policies aimed at ensuring that people with limb loss are able to reach their full potential.
The ACA is currently seeking applicants to fill the position as the Government Relations Specialist for Healthcare. The Government Relations Specialist for Healthcare analyzes pending and/or proposed legislation, regulations and amendments by identifying proposals, responding to notices of proposed rulemaking, routing information to subject matter experts for input and identifying the potential impact to the limb loss community in order to advise key decision makers. Establishes and maintains relationships with external entities such as government organizations, customers, coalitions, business associations, and unions by networking, sharing information and identifying areas of mutual interest in order to foster future interactions and strengthen the ACAs position through a joint sphere of influence.
Responsibilities
Coordinates visits by elected officials and staff at the state and federal level in order to further our legislative goals around a range of issues related to access to healthcare and insurance reforms.
Builds grassroots advocacy coalitions by canvassing and assembling constituent groups such as employees, board of directors, members, donors, and other partners providing information on topics of mutual interest, educating constituent groups on lobbying and influence techniques and establishing and maintaining communication networks in order to expand and strengthen the ACAs sphere of influence.
Influences decision makers and stakeholders (members, leadership, donors community groups, professional organizations, legislative and regulatory bodies) by providing information related to issues, communicating impacts and providing recommendations in order to represent the interests of the limb loss community.
Maintains relationships with executive leadership and internal subject matter experts in order to further department priorities around quality of life, membership advancement, lifelong learning, and communications/pr through networking and understanding the work plans and processes of the overall organization in order to provide government relations guidance and incorporate ACA strategic goals and objectives requirements into lobbying prioritization.
Represents ACA as the lead for issues related to insurance coverage, health care access and public health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid
Creates reports and documentation (expense reports, federal/state/local reporting requirements) related to spending, lobbying activities, ethics and gratuities in order to comply with local/state/Federal laws and regulations and ACA requirements.
Monitors the Federal Register to track rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.
Assist with the writing, editing and compilation of written materials for internal and external audiences, including regular updates in internal communications and documents for external audiences.
Track communications with and information about involving members of Congress, their staff and other officials at the federal, state and local levels
Support logistics for the Directors visits with members of Congress, their staff and other officials at the federal, state and local levels.
Organize and assist with events involving members of Congress, their staff and other officials at the federal, state and local levels.
Assist with department logistics and administrative office functions, including submitting purchase orders and compiling materials for meetings and events.
Requirements
Bachelor's and typically 6 or more years' related work experience, a Master's degree and typically 4 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Direct experience working with Congress either as a staffer or in a previous government relations position
Strong knowledge and experience in healthcare policy
Strong understanding of the political, legislative and regulatory process
Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple complex projects
Extensive network of government and industry contacts
Deep knowledge of legislative procedure and rules of the House and Senate
Experience in legislative drafting and negotiations
Proven political experience and acumen
Strong written and verbal communications skills including public speaking experience
Ability to leverage teams and assets to drive a positive result
Ability to deliver results on time and within budget
Proven effective research skills
Ability to perform independently with minimal guidance and to work collaboratively with a team comprised of individuals from all levels of the organization
Flexibility and adaptability with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate growing levels of responsibility
Energetic, enthusiastic, and interested in learning within a growing, dynamic organization
Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with a candidates skills, experience and education. Full benefits package.
Please, e-mail a cover letter, writing sample and resume to Morgan Sheets, Director of Government Relations & Public Policy (msheets@amputee-coalition.org). The Amputee Coalition of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The ACA has staff in the Knoxville, TN and Washington, DC area. This position is located in the Tennessee office.
