The District of Columbia Hospital Association (DCHA) has, for 45 years, worked to advance the missions of the hospitals and health systems of the District of Columbia by promoting policies and initiatives that strengthen the system of care, preserve access and promote better health outcomes for the patients and communities they serve. The Director, Government Relations & Advocacy is responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of government relations programs on behalf of the association, including providing assistance to DCHA’s VP, Public Policy & External Affairs and members regarding legislative and regulatory issues, problems, and concerns; federal and local lobbying compliance; and advocacy efforts.
The Director, Government Relations & Advocacy will achieve success by:
- Garnering the respect members and governmental stakeholders.
- Being able to work independently and be a strong effective team player, committed to delivering timely results; with excellent organization skills and effectively manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
- Being a collaborative partner with the Association’s leadership and members to develop proactive strategies and responses to facilitate project goals and objectives.
- Demonstrating a “can-do” approach and sense of ownership on Association-wide projects as a member of a small team where “it’s not my job” is not an option.
- Lead a team of coordinators and interns to assist in carrying out programs and assignments as necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General Office Management
- Provide management and supervision for assigned staff and interns.
- Provide staff liaison support, and coordination of activities for assigned committees and task forces of the association.
- Maintain relationships with other associations, societies, industry, government and public service organizations in conformity with the overall mission and policies of the organization.
- Serve as association liaison and staff resource to hospital and associate members by responding to requests for information.
- Assist other professional staff in the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
- Carry out such other general responsibilities as may be delegated.
Governmental Relations/Advocacy
- Identify and monitor legislative and regulatory policies, programs and proposals which may have an impact on health care services in the District of Columbia, including all District, federal, private payor, and fiscal intermediary activities which represent a potential impact on the financial viability of association members.
- In collaboration with the VP, Public Policy & External Affairs, recommend and develop strategies and actions to address legislative and regulatory issues at District and federal levels, including DCHA’s annual Advocacy Agenda that articulates the Association’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
- Maintain regular contact with elected officials and staffs of the Council of the District of Columbia and senior officials in the Executive Office of the Mayor and relevant departments and agencies.
- Represent DCHA on health policy related boards and committees as assigned.
- Draft and manage legislative and regulatory proposals through the legislative and regulatory processes.
- Prepare DCHA testimonies, public statements and position papers.
- Plan, schedule and participate in meetings between association committees and representatives from government agencies involved with funding of health and hospital services.
Policy Development
- Provide appropriate input into the internal association strategic planning and policy development process with emphasis on anticipated impact of external issues and their impact on association members.
- Provide research, analysis, writing and related input for formulation and development of public policy positions for the association and its members.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education/Experience
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years experience in advocacy & government relations.
- Successful experience as a team member and leader.
- Experience and comfort in communicating with senior managers and executives.
Skills & Abilities
- Understanding of health system operations, advocacy and community engagement.
- Ability to position hospitals and medical practices as national leaders.
- Excellent communication skills (listening, writing, and speaking).
- Skills in establishing and maintaining relationships.
- Effective budget management.
- Strong skills in collaboration, leadership and motivation.
- Skilled in persuasive, conversational and editorial writing.
- Strong sense of personal and professional integrity.
Technology Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint required. Proficiency with email.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the positions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is hybrid (in-office/telework) and is required to report to the office a minimum of at least 50% a pay period with in-person presence above that as the position requires certain weeks. The work is typically performed in an office environment, with a moderate noise level. The position requires working in an office environment with the usual office equipment, including copiers, technology equipment and computers. The position requires incumbent has at adequate off-site office environment for remote work. The employee is frequently required to talk and hear on the telephone and in person with individuals and groups. The incumbent may carry materials/equipment weighing up to 25 lbs. on occasion. The incumbent is required to read and respond to documents in hard copy and electronic form. The position requires occasional travel to member facilities and meetings requiring transportation.
