Position Title*
AVP, Federal Government Relations
Position Description*
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning. Essential Functions / Responsibility and % of Time Legislative and Regulatory Activity 35% Develop and execute strategies to advance a portfolio of issues related to appropriations, research and treatments. Provide oversight for the strategy for regulatory affairs for the Society with government agencies such as Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense and Center for Medicare Services. Develop positions on legislative and regulatory issues affecting people with MS. Analyze legislative and regulatory activity that impacts MS and MS-related research initiatives, and access to therapies developed for people with MS. Plan and execute relevant advocacy strategies and tactics; to include activities such as briefings for Congressional and Executive Branch staffs, visits to Members of Congress, preparing public comments and testimony, activation of grassroots and related activities. Research and develop plans for new opportunities to increase funding, create incentives and/or enhance the environment for MS research. Leadership 30% Oversee and shape the Society’s federal policy agenda in Congress and the regulatory space. Lead the Society’s Federal Advocacy Team, providing coaching and supervision, and prioritizing team allocation of time and focus on issues. Develop and manage the federal advocacy budget. Serve on department leadership teams. Provide strategic guidance and have a key role in planning and execution of the Public Policy Conference and MS Activist Rally. Work with VP, Advocacy to develop strategy and engagement of the Activism Advisory Committee. Collaborate with leadership staff across research, healthcare access and MS Navigator to incorporate data, lived experiences of people with MS and more into advocacy positions and messaging. Strategic Partnerships and Relationships 20% Develop strategic partnerships with coalitions and other organizations to advance priorities. Hold leadership positions as appropriate in influential coalitions. Build and maintain relationships with key influencers in Congress. Build and maintain relationships with key influencers at the Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and other agencies and programs as appropriate. Educate key influencers about the developments and promise of MS research and the concerns of people living with MS. Communications and Activist Engagement 15% Communicate complex research and policy issues and engagement opportunities to constituents across functional areas. Manage flow of communications with relevant agencies, like the FDA. Contribute to the communications strategy for blog/newsletters; media and stories to Congress. Engage Advocacy staff as necessary for grassroots advocacy. Work with marketing and engagement staff to ensure the personal stories of people affected by MS highlight and help advance our policy priorities. Develop plan and process to engage MS researchers in research advocacy work including at the Public Policy Conference. Role Qualifications Masters in Public Health, Public Policy or similar OR equivalent experience/degree preferred. Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible management experience, including supervisory experience. Knowledge of federal appropriations process, biomedical research pipeline, access to medications issues, healthcare system and the legislative process. Knowledge of disability and non-profit issues is a plus. Experience with advocacy issue management and tactics. Excellent relationship building skills and experience in public speaking. Strong oral and written presentation skills, including the ability to write technical responses to the government, such as testimony, support letters, etc. Technical Competencies Knowledge and strong competencies with technology tools including the Microsoft Office suite and web-based presentation skills. Knowledge of constituent relationship management a plus. Ability to travel and work occasional nights and weekends to support advocacy needs, events, committee meetings, etc. Ability to measure impact. Understanding of healthcare system and patient journey a plus. Experience with bill tracking tools, e-advocacy and lobbyist reporting preferred. Compensation, Benefits and Company Info: Estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $105,000 - $120,000. Final offers are based on candidate geographic location and will take into consideration candidate’s career experience. Final offers may vary from this range due to these and other factors. You will have the opportunity for a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package that the Society provides to employees. Your benefits include a considerable Paid Time Off Plan; Paid Holidays; 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match; Educational Reimbursement Plan; Professional Development Assistance; Commuter Benefit Plan; Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage, Life Assistance Plan as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings. We value continuous learning and support your professional development through a Professional Development Assistance plan. You will join an incredible mission focused team of people!
Link to Application and/or Original Job Posting*
https://nmss.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/nmss/details/AVP--Federal-Government-Relations_NAT10026?locations=415430c87c0201f8f8c224da4f25af11
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
