Director, Federal Government Relations - Higher Education

About the position The Office of Advocacy and Government Relations (AGR) contributes to ADEA being recognized by policymakers in the federal, state, and local governments as the sole organization representing dental education. The AGR team monitors legislative and regulatory activity which may impact dental education, higher education policy, and dental and craniofacial research at the state and federal levels including Congress, the White House, federal agencies, associations representing organized dentistry, other health professions, and organizations representing policy makers at the state level. The Director of Federal Government Relations is the leader within the Advocacy and Government Relations team who is responsible for representing ADEA’s dental education advocacy agenda to all Federal audiences. Additionally, he/she works collaboratively with members of the AGR team in meeting the team’s other advocacy goals in a dynamic environment. The incumbent will be responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with Members of Congress, their staff, the staff of key Committees of both the House and Senate, as well as key senior staff of Executive Branch agencies to further the goals of the AGR team and ADEA. Through presentations and communications to both internal and external audiences, the Director serves as the voice of dental education to Federal government entities. The Director is also responsible for assisting in keeping ADEA membership abreast of federal legislative and regulatory activities on the priorities approved by the ADEA Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

• Track federal legislation, rules and regulations that affect dental education and dental and craniofacial research.
• Monitor and advocate on topics related to higher education legislation, rules and regulations affecting dental education and dental craniofacial research as necessary.
• Assist in advocating for funding for programs of interest affecting dental education.
• Develop, implement and direct communication strategies for federal grassroot advocacy information in written and oral form for ADEA members.
• Develop and produce communication vehicles to inform members of federal issues affecting dental education through contributions to member newsletters including the ADEA Advocate, the ADEA Bulletin of Dental Education, ADEA Action Alerts, and special reports.
• Participate in quarterly AGR virtual communication with members to provide information to members regarding legislative issues, proposed or final rules and regulations, and federal judicial proceedings that affect the oral health community.
• Develop and implement strategies to mobilize ADEA members for advocacy; utilize social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and database for action alerts.
• Work in conjunction with the ADEA web team and AGR staff to ensure the timeliness of content at the ADEA Advocacy Website.
• Assist in the formulation and execution of Capitol Hill Day and other advocacy workshops at ADEA’s office, Annual Session, or dental schools across the country.
• Respond to ADEA members’ inquires.
• Work collaboratively with the rest of the AGR team in carrying out the team’s agenda.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of six years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in Congress or federal agency, particularly with higher education regulations or legislation, is required.
• A mastery of the legislative and / or regulatory education processes.
• Self-motivated individual who is confident, detail-oriented, has excellent organizational skills, and outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to use professional discretion with sensitive, timely, and confidential policy or political information.
• Must be able to successfully work under pressure and manage time effectively.
• Expert research, writing, analytical and persuasive communication skills.
• Experience and ease with presenting before large audiences.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and the ability to work at a fast pace effectively in a cross-functional environment.
• Ability to travel to member meetings to support ADEA events as needed, including some weekends.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment; current expectation is on-site Monday–Thursday at ADEA’s Washington, DC office, with remote work on Fridays.

Nice-to-haves

• A law degree is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• health insurance
• vision insurance
• dental insurance
• life insurance
• wellness benefits
• a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution

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