Congressional Lobbyist

  • American Society for Radiation Oncology
  • Arlington, VA
  • Feb 24, 2022
Full time Advocacy Government Affairs / Relations Lobbyist Public Affairs Public Policy

Job Description

Do you want to join a mission-driven organization that makes a difference in the U.S. healthcare landscape? Are you looking to take the next step and advance your career in the legislative affairs world?

ASTRO is the premier radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 10,000 members who are physicians, nurses, biologists, physicists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists and other health care professionals who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. These medical professionals make up the radiation therapy treatment teams that are critical in the fight against cancer. Together, these teams treat more than one million cancer patients each year.

Reporting directly to the VP, Advocacy, the Congressional Lobbyist will lead ASTRO’s efforts to educate members of Congress, their staffs and federal agency officials about ASTRO/radiation oncology issues; design ways to drive active participation by ASTRO members at the grassroots level in the legislative and regulatory processes; direct the activities of ASTRO’s Political Action Committee (ASTRO PAC); participate in ASTRO member support activities; oversee compliance with federal lobbying requirements, and lead efforts to achieve the federal policy goals and objectives of the Government Relations Department as defined by ASTRO’s Board of Directors, Government Relations Committee and Subcommittees, CEO, and Vice President of Advocacy.

NOTE: The position is based in Arlington, VA at ASTRO’s headquarters. The position is eligible for immediate telework up to 2x/week. All employees must be fully vaccinated as a condition for employment.  At this time, masks are required unless at personal workstations.

 Major responsibilities will include:

 Lobby legislative and executive branch officials.

  • Influence members of Congress, their staffs, key committee staff and federal agency officials and educate them about ASTRO and its legislative priorities
  • Develop effective legislative briefing materials and letters.
  • Attend and influence relevant hearings.
  • Participate in and lead coalition meetings.
  • Provide analysis of legislative/regulatory proposals and their impact on radiation oncology
  • Collaborate with ASTRO Director of Health Policy on ASTRO payment reform initiatives.
  • Work closely with ASTRO’s external lobbying consultants
  • Partner with ASTRO’s strategic communications team to utilize media to influence policymakers

 Grassroots Engagement

  • Lead the development and execution of annual Fly-In/Lobby Day for ASTRO members.
  • Engage ASTRO members to build a culture of grassroots advocacy.
  • Utilize ASTRO Action Alerts that notify members that their response is needed to a critical legislative/regulatory proposal.
  • Work with ASTRO members to organize meetings with members of Congress in their state/district

 ASTRO PAC

  • Lead the development and execution of ASTRO PAC strategic plan, working closely with ASTRO’s Government Relations Specialist
  • Grow ASTRO PAC through creative and persuasive fundraising.
  • Disburse ASTRO PAC funds in a strategic manner, including hosting and attending fundraising events for members of Congress.

 Member Support/Services

  • Provide staff support for Government Relations Committee and Congressional Relations Subcommittee, which makes recommendations on ASTRO-supported legislation.
  • Respond to member inquiries regarding legislative/regulatory proposals.
  • Draft and produce written and oral content for ASTRO’s web site, Board of Directors meetings, ASTRO publications and additional news updates related to government relations activities.

 

Qualified candidates will have:

Education/Experience

  • Four-year college degree in a related discipline
  • Five or more years of experience in a related role working for a member of Congress, federal agency or professional/trade association.
  • Recent experience participating in policy development and lobbying on various aspects of health care payment reform and value-based payment, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills to interact effectively with contacts inside and outside the association, particularly with policymakers and volunteer physicians. Listens effectively and clarifies as needed; able to present complex technical issues and strategic options; and is viewed as an expert resource.
  • Knowledge of Legislative and Executive branch operations, activities and personnel.
  • A proven ability to work independently (exhibiting leadership qualities) and to develop strong work internal relationships and collaborate in a team setting as well.
  • Results oriented with the ability to work at a fast pace, determine priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
  • Experience in healthcare policy or scientific/medical field.
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Proficiency in processing and analyzing intricate regulatory guidelines, legislation and laws.
  • Previous supervisory experience preferred, as position may manage government relations staff.
  • Superior interpersonal skills that demonstrate understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, cooperation, concern, and politeness to others; ability to relate well to different people from varied backgrounds and different situations, e.g., internal staff, volunteers, physicians, and other external entities.
  • Organization and planning with the ability to organize and/or schedule people or tasks; develop realistic action plans while being sensitive to time constraints and resource availability and meet critical deadlines.
  • Ability to manage and execute a department wide budget; previous experience preferred.

Working Conditions

General office in Arlington, VA.   Minimum travel outside of DC area required, approximately 5-10% of the time.

ASTRO offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package which includes:

  • Flexible work arrangements including telework up to 2 days/week
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance, majority company paid
  • 401K with immediate company contribution
  • 23 days of Paid Time Off annually
  • 13 Paid Holidays
  • Student loan repayment assistance + tuition reimbursement
  • Employer paid short and long term disability insurance and more

Please see our website www.astro.org for more information about ASTRO.

To apply, submit cover letter, salary requirements and resume by clicking:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=f5688abd-7893-4349-9948-f60b3bdf7a5d&ccId=1201151451_8078&type=MP&lang=en_US

We are an equal/affirmative action employer.

Organization

American Society for Radiation Oncology