Our client, The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) has created a new Division of Public Policy and is seeking a strategic and driven Vice President Federal Relationsto lead the Association’s Federal public policy efforts. As a key member of the newly established and growing Public Policy team, this individual will develop and implement initiatives that shape Federal policies to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease. This individual will establish the Association’s Federal public policy agenda, drive advocacy campaigns, engage with policymakers and partners, and conduct policy-related research and analysis, ensuring the APDA’s voice is heard in policy discussions at the Federal level.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in government, policy and advocacy, a deep understanding of how to advance priorities through legislative or regulatory processes, excellent strategic judgement, and a passion for advocating health-related issues.

The Vice President of Federal Relations is a public-facing position that will represent APDA with other leaders in the field and before Congress, the Administration, and other relevant federal and state government officials. This position is a hybrid role (a blend of work from home and in-person) and must be located in the Greater Washington DC Metro area, and reports to the Chief Public Policy Officer.

ABOUT APDA

Every day, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) provides the support, education, and research that will help everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease (PD) live life to the fullest. APDA is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting PD and works tirelessly to help the approximately one million people living with PD in the United States in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA provides outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevates public awareness about the disease, and supports research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease.

OUR CORE VALUES

• COMMITMENT: Compassionately provide high quality service and support.
• RESPECT: Foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible culture.
• COLLABORATION: Establish meaningful relationships to build strong, supportive communities.
• INTEGRITY: Act ethically with honesty, transparency, and accuracy.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Responsibly steward our actions, outcomes, and resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

• Develop and execute lobbying strategies to influence Federal legislation and policies related to the APDA’s mission.
• Draft, analyze, and track Federal legislation, amendments, and regulations.
• Prepare and deliver testimony before legislative committees and at public forums.
• Educate lawmakers, staff, and stakeholders on policy issues relevant to the APDA.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Federal legislators, legislative staff, Federal agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent the organization at legislative events, public forums, and meetings with officials.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative initiatives and regulatory developments.
• Research policy issues, prepare memoranda, and brief senior staff and leaders on important Federal legislative matters.
• Analyze legislation for its potential impact on the APDA and patients with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (affiliated lobbyists, advocates, and other stakeholder organizations) to coordinate efforts and maximize impact.
• Develop and disseminate Advocacy Action Alerts that mobilize APDA grassroots champions on key legislative/regulatory proposals; develop and implement outreach events and other activities.
• Works with APDA communications team in the use of media, including social media, to inform policymakers about Parkinson’s Disease and APDA policy positions.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed and meet the amount of education, training and/or work experience required.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree required (Political Science, Communications, Public Policy, public health, or related field preferred). Advanced degree preferred (e.g., MA, MPH, MBA, JD).
• Minimum 10 years of experience working in state government relations, public affairs, or lobbying.
• Registration as a federal lobbyist is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to analyze complex policy issues and develop effective policy and advocacy strategies.
• Strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes and a proven track record of navigating them to achieve results.
• Experience with legislative analysis, including tracking legislation, writing bill analyses, and preparing testimony.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders and partner organizations.
• Experience with grassroots advocacy.
• Commitment to the mission and values of APDA, familiarity with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, and a strong understanding of health-related public policy issues
• A proven ability to work independently (exhibiting leadership qualities) and to develop strong internal work relationships and collaborate in a team setting as well.
• Ability to travel as needed and work flexible hours to accommodate advocacy and legislative activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a hybrid role, blend of work from home and in person meeting. Travel may be required approximately 20% of the time. Must live in the Greater Washington DC metro area.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Starting Salary Range: $135,000 to $145,000. Annual compensation will be based background, experience, skills, and alignment with organizational needs.

APDA has an attractive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Life Insurance, Pension, HSA &FSA spending accounts available. Paid time off in addition to standard holidays.

APDA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Have we described a role that you have been seeking, along with a set of skills you possess?

If so, we’d like to hear from you!

To be considered, please forward your cover letter, resume and reference contact information to: michelle_kolev@ajg.com

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