Director of Policy and Government Affairs

Sick Cells is hiring a Director of Policy & Government Affairs to join its team. Sick Cells is a national advocacy nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of the sickle cell disease (SCD) community and driving systemic change. Through storytelling, advocacy, and policy engagement, we elevate the lived experiences of those affected by SCD, influence health policy, and promote health equity.

The Director of Policy & Government Affairs provides policy and government affairs support to the Sick Cells Chief Policy Officer (CPO). The role strengthens Sick Cells’ capacity to advance national and state-level advocacy initiatives, support coalition participation, track legislation, and manage critical relationships that advance the mission of improving the quality of life and care for individuals living with sickle cell disease. The Director reports to the Chief Policy Officer.

The Director of Policy & Government Affairs position is full-time. This is a hybrid position, with two days per week spent in the Washington, D.C. office. Occasional travel, weekend, and evening work may be required.

Key Responsibilities:

Government Affairs & Legislative Engagement

• Support Congressional stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare legislative meeting materials, talking points, and briefing packets.
• Coordinate Ambassador legislative meetings, including scheduling, logistics, and follow-up.
• Maintain a policy calendar of hearings, deadlines, and key government affairs activities.
• Oversee planning for Sick Cells Hill Day and Policy Forum, targeting, and briefing development.

Coalition & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate Sick Cells’ participation in national coalitions, working groups, and alliances.
• Manage relationships with partner organizations.
• Track coalition priorities and provide summaries and recommendations to the CPO and Sick Cells leadership.

Research & Policy Products

• Monitor and synthesize emerging policy trends, legislative hearings, and regulatory developments.
• Draft and support public comment letters, written testimony, and advocacy statements.
• Maintain an organized archive of Sick Cells policy materials, letters, and submissions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public health, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in government affairs, health policy, or advocacy.
• Strong understanding of federal health policy; rare disease experience preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple high-level partnerships and timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear policy briefs and presentations.
• Experience with legislative tracking, coalition participation, or appropriations processes preferred.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to health equity, patient advocacy, or related mission-driven work.

Benefits

This is a full-time position. The salary range for this position is $110,000-120,000, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a current resume and cover letter to employment@sickcells.org, with “Director of Policy and Government Affairs” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.