Manager of Government Relations

Job Summary/Description

The National Association of Spine Specialists’ (NASS) government affairs office is seeking a Manager of Government Relations. The position is responsible for federal government advocacy and will work with the Director of Government Relations and the Associate Executive Director of Health Policy to develop and implement strategy for NASS Advocacy.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Builds and maintains relations with congressional offices and collaborates with the health policy staff and volunteers to support organization’s mission and priorities.

• Develops and grows the NASS Action Network (NAN), the organization’s nationwide grassroots coalition.

• Establishes and maintains contacts with relevant medical organizations and other health-related organizations and agencies. Acts as a liaison to various nationwide coalition efforts to support NASS’ legislative objectives.

• Creates grassroots and grasstops resources/training materials to aid NASS members’ participation in the legislative advocacy process. Tracks and analyzes proposed legislation/regulations and draft reports on their impact on NASS membership and their patients.

• Assists in the strategic and fundraising duties related to SpinePAC, including but not limited to, identifying SpinePAC investments for candidates seeking election to federal office, as well as developing and executing solicitation campaigns.

• Oversees administrative functions of SpinePAC. Processes SpinePAC contributions and disbursements. Coordinates with the Accounting department to maintain and update SpinePAC financials for the purpose of accurately reporting to the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

• Provides staff support for Advocacy and PAC events/booths.

• Oversees maintenance and updates of NASS Advocacy webpages and NASS Twitter account with latest information and responds to appropriate external and internal inquiries.

• Coordinates with the Marketing department to develop Advocacy/SpinePAC-branded materials.

• Assists the Director of Government Relations by providing staff support/reports to the NASS Board of Directors, the NASS Advocacy Council, and the Advocacy Council’s associated committees.

• Serves as the as the primary staff liaison to the SpinePAC Advisory and Political Engagement Committees.

• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Executive Director of Health Policy, NASS Board and Advocacy Council to contribute to the effectiveness, efficiency and growth of the department and its function and continued visibility of the organization on the Hill.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science or related fields required.

Experience

Candidate should have 2-3 years of experience in policy with federal government, private sector and/or health-related organization. Hill experience preferred.

Skills Necessary

• Thorough understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes.

• Superior communication skills necessary for developing and maintaining internal and external business relationships.

• Excellent organizational and analytical skills, as well as the ability to adapt to a variable workload, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and function in a deadline-oriented environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge and experience with lobbying disclosure forms and FEC reports.

• Must be a self-starter, with experience in working with little direct oversight of daily tasks.

• Excellent planning skills for all advocacy activities and events.

• Understand complex policy matters, concomitant political situations and ultimately determine final repercussions of proposed policies to help guide members to effective strategic approaches.

• Adept at managing committees and serve as a mentor and subject-matter on PAC and legislative issues.

• Work with other departments internally on related matters.

Supervision Exercised

N/A

Relationships

• Extensive contact within Health Policy Division staff

• Education, Marketing, Publications, IT & Membership Departments

Travel

• Occasional travel required (including weekends) for PAC events, NASS Board meetings, Annual Meeting and other events/conferences as needed (3-5 times a year).

Job Conditions

• Normal office environment

• Exposure to glare/eyestrain of computer screen

• Periodic evening/weekend conference calls and in-person meetings

• Frequent visits to the Hill and congressional offices during the day