American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
Washington, DC
Position: Policy and Advocacy Specialist
Introduction:
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) was founded in 1898 to lend support and assistance to the nation’s osteopathic medical schools, and to serve as a unifying voice for osteopathic medical education. Having grown from a handful of college administrators a century ago, the organization today represents the administration, faculty and students of all of theosteopathic medical collegesin the United States. The association, guided by its Board of Deans and various other member councils and committees, is actively involved in all areas of osteopathic medical education.
National-Level Services Provided by AACOM:
A Unified Voice. Serves as the unifying voice for the nation’s colleges of osteopathic medicine, representing their collective interests through proactive advocacy at the federal government level and collaboration with other allied organizations.
Innovation and Collaboration. Works with its member colleges to foster collaboration and innovation among its member colleges in numerous areas including administration, education, research and service.
Centralized Services. Provides centralized services including data collection and analysis and operation of the online application service for students applying to osteopathic medical schools.
Enhanced Awareness. Develops national initiatives to promote and raise awareness of osteopathic medical education and osteopathic medicine.
Reports to:
Government Relations Manager
SUMMARY AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Reporting to AACOM’s Government Relations Manager, the Policy and Advocacy Specialist supports the department staff who serve as liaisons between the association, the federal government, advocacy groups, and AACOM membership. The Policy and Advocacy Specialist is responsible for attending congressional hearings and briefings and other relevant coalition and association meetings, conducting legislative and regulatory research, drafting advocacy materials to include legislative issue briefs and other relevant materials, compiling and presenting background information and assisting with the creation and maintenance of constituent group lists for grassroots advocacy and legislative and regulatory information dissemination. This position applies sound judgement to recognize important and relevant matters that impact the mission and objectives of AACOM, ensuring process and communication of such matters are treated appropriately.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Monitor the Federal Register and other relevant policy publications daily for proposed federal regulations, nomination opportunities, and other public comment opportunities of interest to osteopathic medical education. Pro-actively manage a record-keeping system which includes organizing and maintaining legislative and regulatory deadlines, federal funding opportunities, ongoing association projects, and maintaining electronic documentation for the government relations department.
Attend and report on frequent congressional hearings and federal agency and coalition meetings relevant to AACOM’s member institutions and initiatives. Responsible for direct contact with federal agency officials, congressional offices, and membership as appropriate, and for the management of registration for fly-in, lobby days, and other advocacy events.
Responsible for the accurate content and preparation of all briefing materials required for various meetings with staff and external parties,to include but not limited to, agendas, meeting minutes and action items, speakers, attendee rosters, and the development of post-meeting evaluations.
Develop an overall understanding of AACOM’s mission, vision and values, as well as an overall understanding of AACOM’s operations, both internally and externally. Become knowledgeable about osteopathic medical education and government relations content, topics, and issues. Work in collaboration with other staff to fulfill AACOM’s mission and to increase the visibility of key government relations programs and priorities.
Work collaboratively with Government Relations staff to ensure execution of departmental assignments and projects in accordance with operating policies, procedures, and timelines, implementing process improvements where needed. Coordinate workflow to support programs and strategies, including working with other departments to leverage resources. Ensure consistent communication with stakeholders on status of assignments and projects.
Draft correspondence, gather research for use in legislative briefing materials and reports, and provide additional reference materials as needed.Copy-edit and proofread materials, including legislative, regulatory, and other communications to constituent groups and external bodies. Track and report on funding opportunities and other developments relevant to AACOM and member institutions.
Coordinate with the AACOM IT Department to manage the administration and maintenance of contacts from constituent and external groups (online communities, distribution lists, and others as needed). Responsible for managing the SharePoint record system for ongoing government relations projects and deadlines. Update all materials as needed, to include fact sheets, reports, legislative issue briefs, etc.
Manage and administer the Osteopathic Health Policy Internship (OHPI) Program to include the coordination of up to three interns annually. Coordinate and provide support for the annual Health Policy Fellowship Seminar.
Assist other Government Relations staff with annual association lobby day and Health Policy Fellowship Seminar.
Act as a lead or mentor to administrative staff by providing advice, sharing knowledge, and answering complex questions.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Office environment and daily computer and telephone use. Some lifting of up to 20 pounds may occasionally be required. Extended work hours required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in health policy, political science, communications, or related field.
A minimum of four to six years of professional experience required, including experience in an association setting with government relations/advocacy/lobbying function preferred.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Experience interacting with high-level professionals and federal officials, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Professional and flexible manner required; must be customer-service oriented and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills, attention to detail, and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality work while juggling multiple deadlines, and handling numerous tasks simultaneously.
Exceptional fluency with technology, especially in regard to its interface with administration, organization, and project management. Advanced experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe, and SharePoint, and ability and interest to learn new software programs and work with databases.
Familiarity with health or education policy, legislative, and regulatory political and grassroots advocacy preferred.
Ability to work independentlyand demonstrate excellent judgment to pro-actively plan, prioritize, and organize diversified workload as well as to demonstrate initiative in improving internal processes.
How to apply
Please send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:
EEO/ADA