State Government Affairs Director

Washington, DC or Rosemont, IL

You are motivated by the goal of shaping healthcare policy and making a significant impact in the orthopaedic community. As a dynamic and strategic leader, you are enthusiastic about developing and leading a state legislative and regulatory affairs program. You anticipate working closely with state orthopaedic societies, specialty societies, and other key stakeholders to drive meaningful change. In this prominent role, you will collaborate with team members to create and implement dual-track campaigns on critical policy issues. You enjoy preparing and distributing state legislative updates, engaging in direct lobbying, and developing policy materials that make a difference at both the state and federal levels.

If this sounds like you, please read on!

The State Government Affairs Director develops and leads a strategic and coordinated state legislative and regulatory affairs program. Serves as principal advocacy liaison to state orthopaedic societies, assigned orthopaedic specialty societies, and other stakeholder groups. Works with AAOS federal legislative team to develop and implement dual track campaigns on various policy issues. Staffs the BOC Committee on State Legislative and Regulatory Issues which is responsible for administering the State Orthopaedic Society Health Policy Action Fund. Contributes to conceptualization, development, and execution of high-profile events. Develops relationships and coalitions with outside organizations including the AMA and other national medical specialty societies. Prepares and distributes state legislative updates to appropriate orthopaedic audiences.  

• Develops and leads a strategic and coordinated state legislative and regulatory affairs program. Serves as principal advocacy liaison to state orthopaedic societies, assigned orthopaedic specialty societies, and other stakeholders. Engages in direct lobbying as appropriate and develops policy materials at the state and federal level. 

• Assists state orthopaedic societies in addressing issues of interest to the orthopaedic community. Counsels executive leadership on opportunities and threats associated with state legislative and regulatory issues. Assesses state legislative and regulatory activity through the lens of the AAOS Unified Advocacy Agenda, as well as industry best practices. 

• Works with AAOS federal advocacy team to develop and implement dual track campaigns on various policy issues. Provides strategic counsel, policy and advocacy communications support to federal legislative team as needed. 

• Staffs the BOC Committee on State Legislative and Regulatory Issues which is responsible for administering the State Orthopaedic Society Health Policy Action Fund. Identifies and prioritizes state legislative and regulatory issues impacting orthopaedic surgeons and their patients in conjunction with volunteer committees and appropriate health policy staff. Monitors, analyzes and prepares timely and concise advocacy resources on health policy issues.  

• Represents the Academy at various political, legislative, and health care policy conferences. Leads strategic engagement efforts with national state-oriented organizations such as the DGA, RGA, DAGA and RAGA. Explores opportunities for engagement with organizations like NCSL, NGA, AAMSE and other groups to advance policy objectives.

• Contributes to conceptualization, development, and execution high-profile events, including, but not limited to, the National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference and Orthopaedic Advocacy Week.  

• Develops relationships and coalitions with outside organizations including the AMA and other national medical specialty societies.

• Prepares and distributes state legislative updates to appropriate orthopaedic audiences. Develops state legislative articles for AAOS publications. Provides legislative and regulatory information for the AAOS OGR webpage. 

Exemplifies the following essential values of the Academy: 

  • Teamwork: Effective collaboration and team-focus to solve complex problems and drive innovation. 
  • Empowerment: The authority, information, and skills to make decisions and drive results. 
  • Accountability: Ownership of process and results that drive decisions and ensure implementation. 
  • Mindset of Growth/Continuous Learning: Focused on and invested in self and staff development to become more adaptable, making the Academy more agile, innovative, and sustainable. 

Travel:

  • Up to 45 days per year 

Qualifications:

Required: 

  • Bachelor's degree; minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in state and federal government and/or private sector advocacy, including negotiating legislative compromises. 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills Strong analytical and organizational skills Excellent research skills 
  • Experience in developing and maintaining relationships with external organizations  

Desired:  

  • Experience in health care policy analysis; developing and implementing legislative initiatives; interacting with lobbyists. 
  • J.D preferred or master’s degree in relevant field. 
  • Association experience. 

Salary Range: $116,000-130,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Lead the charge in shaping the future of orthopaedic care—apply now to become our State Government Affairs Director! If this opportunity excites you, please apply by submitting the following:

-Clearly communicate why you are the ideal candidate for this role, providing specific examples and experiences as proof points.

-Resumes must be accompanied by a cover letter with salary expectations to be considered. 

Please note: 

• This hybrid position is based in either Washington, DC or Rosemont, Illinois, and is open to applicants who are able to commute bi-weekly to one of these offices.

• Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of work visas.

JOB CODE: 1000123