Job: Government Relations Manager

Jobing Description

Job Description

What's your motivation? Opportunity? Creativity? Contribution? It's all part of working for the American Heart Association---where you can combine professional growth with personal fulfillment. So if you're considering a new and rewarding career, consider the American Heart Association. We have an excellent opportunity for a Government Relations Manager in our Federal Advocacy Office.

The Government Relations Manager will represent the AHA before Congress, Executive agencies, and coalition groups on assigned legislative and regulatory issues, including but not limited to, emergency cardiac care and issues related to health care quality, including long-term and end-of-life care. The incumbent will monitor relevant legislative and regulatory issues and report key developments to the VP, Federal Advocacy.

Other responsibilities will include conducting background research, investigating specific policy issues, preparing written materials, and developing solid relationships with appropriate congressional, federal regulatory and coalition partner staffs. The selected candidate will also help prepare relevant congressional testimony, draft correspondence to members, staff and Federal agencies, prepare regulatory comments on assigned issues and brief AHA volunteers, in preparation for congressional and Federal agency hearings and meetings.

The Government Relations Manager will provide input for advocacy communications materials, participate in required AHA strategic planning meetings, provide technical assistant on legislative and regulatory issues to National Center staff, affiliates and volunteers, and prepare updates for the Advocacy Coordinating Committee, Board of Directors and other volunteer committees, subcommittees or task forces, as necessary

Major Responsibilities Include:
1. Monitor relevant legislative and regulatory issues on a daily basis and report key developments to Vice President of Federal Advocacy verbally or in writing as they occur and upon request.
2. Conduct background research and investigate issues to help develop specific legislative and regulatory initiatives.
3. Develop and maintain solid relationships with appropriate congressional, federal regulatory and coalition partner staffs.
4. Manage heart and stroke coalitions in the House and Senate.
5. Attend subcommittee and committee meetings, federal agency meetings, coalition meetings, press conferences, issue briefings, hearings, and other events.
6. Prepare congressional testimony, statements for the record, correspondence to members and Federal agencies, including regulatory comments on assigned issues and as required.
7. Brief AHA witnesses and volunteers in preparation for congressional and Federal agency hearings and meetings. This includes preparation of written and oral statements and providing a general review of relevant issues.
8. Provide input for internal and external communications materials, as necessary.
9. Provide necessary technical assistance on legislative or regulatory issues to National Center staff, AHA affiliates and volunteers as necessary, and upon request.
10. Participate in required AHA strategic planning activities and national meetings on federal advocacy issues and other matters as appropriate.
11. Assist in preparation of updates for the Advocacy Coordinating committee, Board of Directors, Senior Leadership Group, and Administrative Cabinet meetings, as well as other volunteer committees, subcommittees or task forces, as necessary.

Required Experience

1. BA in government relations, political science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
2. At least 5 years of experience in government relations (or related field).
3. Knowledge of federal legislative and executive branch procedures and policies.
4. Knowledge of and experience in advocacy.
5. Knowledge of relevant health issues.
6. Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
7. Ability to think analytically.
8. Ability to identify issues and opportunities in the legislative environment that will help further the mission of the American Heart Association.
9. Ability to operate with minimum supervision, take initiative, and produce results.
10. Experience working on Capitol Hill desirable.

Attracting talented, committed employees means offering a competitive benefits package, ongoing professional development and training, and a diverse and inclusive environment in which to work and grow. And we do.

To apply for this position or to see other opportunities with the American Heart Association please visit www.heart.org/careers. We no longer accept mailed, faxed or e-mailed resumes. Only those candidates deemed most qualified will be contacted to interview.

The American Heart Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and works to prohibit discrimination and to assure fair and uniform treatment of applicants and employees in all aspects of Human Resources administration without regard to political or religious opinions or affiliations, membership or non-membership in employee organizations, age, sex, disability, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or any other non-merit factor.