November 4, 2024

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is seeking a full-time Associate Vice President, Policy and Advocacy (37.50 hours per work week).

The AVP, Policy and Advocacy is responsible for developing and executing a strategy to advocate across key stakeholders for the high standards of care, quality and patient safety in the medical profession embodied by ABMS certification programs. Responsibilities include developing policy positions, white papers, and talking points aligned with the ABMS Advocacy Agenda targeted to key stakeholders including health systems, hospitals, patients, and health plans. Research issues impacting the physician workforce and physician certification for the Health Policy and Strategy Committee to inform the further development of the ABMS Advocacy Agenda. Identify new opportunities to align and include ABMS priorities for physician certification in federal agency and national programs and policies. Develop and disseminate targeted advocacy messages to key partners on shared priorities related to workforce, access, quality, patient safety, professionalism, and patient-centered care.

This position is exempt and reports to the Senior Vice President, Policy and External Affairs.

Established in 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is responsible for the creation of standards overseeing physician certification in the United States. Dedicated to improving the quality of care to the patients, families and communities they serve, the 24 ABMS Member Boards develop educational and professional standards and programs of assessment to certify physicians and medical specialists. More than 995,000 physicians and medical specialists are certified by one or more of the ABMS Member Boards in one or more of 38 specialties and 89 subspecialties. For more information about ABMS, visit abms.org.

Position Responsibilities

Policy 50%

• Research and analyze national health care policies and programs and make recommendations for engagement on relevant issues that impact physician certification.
• Develop position statements that reflect ABMS values on critical issues impacting the physician workforce, patient safety, and ABMS Member Boards.
• Engage ABMS Associate Members on topics of mutual interest impacting physician certification.
• Collaborate with national medical societies, patient advocacy organizations, and health systems to identify advocacy priorities that align with the ABMS advocacy agenda.
• Research issues that impact the health care environment and report these issues to the Health Policy and Strategy Committee annually to assess potential impact on physician certification and the ABMS advocacy agenda.
• Develop strong interdepartmental relationships to assure policy and advocacy positions align with ABMS policies and coordinate with other programs and initiatives.
• Write annual reports on the work of ABMS to share with Associate Member organizations and other key partners.
• Track and assess current engagement with national health care organizations and identify potential gaps to make recommendations for new collaborations.
• Research patient safety and workforce policy among federal health care agencies and make recommendations for potential engagement and/or partnerships.
  

Advocacy 50%

• Lead the development of advocacy tools to communicate the value of ABMS certification targeted to patient advocacy groups, hospitals, diplomates, medical societies and other key constituencies.
• Develop monthly communications for use with Member Boards and ABMS staff on critical policy, legislative and advocacy issues.
• Develop targeted advocacy communications, including posters and presentations, for use at national conferences.
• Research and write policy briefs on key advocacy issues impacting physician certification.
• Manage the work of the Patient and Family Advisory Council to collect and disseminate feedback on issues related to physician certification most important to patients and families.

COMPETENCIES   

• Organized, results oriented, and able to prioritize
• Strong project management, acute attention to detail, and dependable follow-through
• Ability to research, analyze and plan strategic engagement with stakeholders on critical health care issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong ability to build relationships across various audiences.
• Strong consensus-building skills.

EDUCATION 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in a healthcare related field desire

 EXPERIENCE 

• At least 5 years of experience in health care, with progressive leadership responsibilities in a professional society, governmental organization, or consulting to health care organizations. Required
• Experience researching and writing related to healthcare policies or regulations.
• Project management experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams). Required
• Experience in health care environment and key issues impacting patients and health care professionals

Less than 10% travel

Salary, Work Hours, and Benefits

ABMS is offering a starting salary range negotiable from the mid $150’s to the upper $160’s based on relevant experience. ABMS offers a comprehensive benefit package including three Blue Cross Blue Shield medical plan options; Flexible Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts; Heath Savings Accounts; dental and vision plans; a retirement plan with a three percent “safe harbor” employer contribution; a discretionary annual bonus; and generous paid vacation and leave programs.

The AVP, Policy and Advocacy position is a remote position with preference for a candidate to be based in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. ABMS employees are currently working remotely unless they choose to work in the Chicago office. If an employee wishes to visit the office, the employee must be vaccinated against COVID-19. ABMS considers an employee to be vaccinated against COVID-19 if the employee has received the primary vaccine and one booster dose. This policy may be revised at any time.

Closing Date: Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.

This position is scheduled to begin in January 2025. 

How to Apply 

Send your resume and writing samples to Dan Hoppe, Director, Human Resources.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be added at any time with or without notice.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

About American Board of Medical Specialties

Established in 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is responsible for the creation of standards overseeing physician certification in the United States. Dedicated to improving the quality of care to the patients, families, and communities they serve, the 24 ABMS Member Boards develop educational and professional standards and programs of assessment to certify physicians and medical specialists. More than 985,000 physicians and medical specialists are certified by one or more of the ABMS Member Boards in one or more of 40 specialties and 89 subspecialties. For more information about ABMS, visit abms.org.

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