HIDA is seeking a Director of Government Affairs!  This position advocates for HIDA’s regulatory and legislative agendas before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies.  Working closely with the VP, Government Affairs, this position leads the development and implementation of proactive advocacy strategies designed to achieve HIDA’s policy objectives.  The Director plays a role in setting the advocacy agenda for the organization by collaborating with leadership and members.

The Director of Government Affairs develops and maintains relationships with policymakers by solidifying HIDA's position as a trusted resource for members of Congress, Administration officials and their staffs. The Director also oversees systematic issue management processes within government affairs to ensure effective implementation of advocacy strategies. This position reports to the Vice President, Government Affairs along with collaborating with advocacy, membership, policy and communications teams. This position is based in the Washington DC area.

  The Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) is the trade association serving medical products distributors and their trading partners. HIDA members deliver essential medical products to the nation’s hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, home care, and physician practices. HIDA is a leading voice on matters important to the healthcare distribution industry as well as the healthcare supply chain. 

HIDA offices are located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and operate on a flexible 3-day in-office, 2 days remote schedule. This position requires travel 3-8 times per year.

Job Responsibilities
•    Develops and implements comprehensive advocacy and lobbying strategies to advance HIDA’s objectives before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies.
•    Facilitates collaborative development of HIDA’s advocacy issue agenda.
•    Crafts and recommends policy positions on specific issues.
•    Leverages issue management processes to maintain department effectiveness, productivity and member value.
•    Tracks legislative and rule-making processes to include: mark-ups, comment periods, proposed rules, hearings and intelligence.
•    Leads the production of high-quality policy briefs, summaries, reports, white papers, infographics, fact sheets, presentations, and other materials.
•    Develops and delivers executive-level summaries of healthcare regulations and reimbursement policies as an annual member service.
•    Collaborates on government affairs team initiatives such as annual fly-in, PAC, Preparedness Summit, research, issue working groups and press.
•    Serves as the liaison with HIDA’s Advocacy Council for member input on policy direction.
•    Develops subject-matter expertise in the distribution industry.
•    Provides rapid and effective response to member inquiries on policy matters.
•    Presents at HIDA Advisory Council meetings, conferences and webinars.
•    Manages the relationship with external consultants, providing oversight and direction.
•    Leads grassroots mobilization as dictated by lobbying strategies.

Education/Experience
•    Bachelor’s degree in political science, health policy, economics, or related 
field. Advanced degree preferred. 

•    Minimum 7 years professional experience in a related field, which may include government affairs, policy research, or a Congressional staff position.

•    Healthcare trade association and/or political/Capitol Hill experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
•    Analytical skills to identify issues and define their potential impact on association members, their customers, and the overall industry.
•    Knowledge of legislative and regulatory procedures and processes.
•    Experience directing a diverse range of issues.
•    Ability to create strategies in line with overall organization vision, mission, and direction.
•    Ability to create strategies to achieve goals with regard to policy issues
•    Exceptional writing and oral communication skills.
•    Experience collaborating with teams and developing consensus.