Allergy & Asthma Network, a 501(c)3 patient organization, is seeking a Director of Advocacy to lead, shape, and advance its policy agenda, supporting the health and well-being of individuals affected by asthma, allergies, and related conditions. As a strategic leader, you’ll lead policy analysis, advocacy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement while ensuring our efforts are grounded in evidence-based research and align with current legislative and regulatory developments. This senior role will involve direct collaboration with lawmakers, regulatory agencies, partner organizations, and communities at local, state, and national levels to advocate for impactful policy changes. This is a hands-on position that will evolve into a supervisory role, building a team dedicated to advancing our mission.
Position is remote but the candidate selected for this role must live local to DC to attend frequent meetings on Capitol Hill.Occasional out of town travel is required.
About Allergy & Asthma Network
Allergy & Asthma Network is a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness, educating, and on behalf of the 60 million people in the US with allergies, asthma, and related health conditions. With a strong emphasis on health equity, we deliver programs to drive positive change for patients, caregivers, and the community.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Policy Leadership
- Develop and implement the Network’s policy and advocacy strategy in alignment with organizational goals.
- Identify and prioritize policy objectives, anticipating emerging issues, threats, and opportunities.
Policy Development & Advocacy Strategy
- Conduct and oversee research on relevant laws and regulations, focusing on public health and healthcare access.
- Create actionable policy briefs, white papers, and advocacy tools to support organizational positions.
- Represent the organization at advocacy events, including annual Hill day events.
Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building
- Build and maintain partnerships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and peer organizations.
- Advocate for individuals with asthma and allergies in various public forums and coalition groups.
- Lead the planning and execution of the organization's annual Capitol Hill Day event.
Legislative & Regulatory Monitoring
- Track and analyze legislative developments affecting asthma and allergies, providing timely updates and strategic recommendations.
- Prepare position statements, testimonies, and responses to proposed legislation.
Internal Communication & Collaboration
- Regularly brief senior leadership on advocacy progress and policy developments.
- Collaborate with communications, programs, and other teams to ensure alignment with organizational outreach efforts.
- Work internally with staff in a collaborative and team oriented approach.
Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a health or business-related field; Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Health, or related field is strongly preferred.
Experience: 8+ years in policy analysis, advocacy, or related fields, with a strong background in public health policy or healthcare advocacy. Supervisory experience is required.
Advocacy Skills: Proven track record in advocacy strategy development, coalition building, and familiarity with using advocacy technology platforms.
Public Speaking & Executive Presence: Confident communicator with public speaking experience and an executive presence.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills with experience managing cross-functional initiatives.
Comfort with Use of Technology: Strong proficiency in use of technology including advocacy technology platforms, project management software, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint is an absolute requirement for this position.
Lived experience with food allergies or asthma is preferred.
Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for individuals and families living with allergies, asthma, and related conditions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to end needless death and suffering, empower people to take control of their health and well-being, and make healthcare more inclusive, equitable and accessible for people living with these conditions. We are committed to raising awareness, promoting understanding, offering resources, fostering collaboration, and advocating for policies and research that enhance the quality of life for everyone impacted by these conditions. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable to all while promoting evidence-based care.