The American Heart Association (AHA) has an excellent opportunity for a Government Relations Manager in our National Center office located in Washington DC.
This Government Relations Manager represents the American Heart Association before Congress and the Executive Branch agencies on legislative and regulatory issues related to biomedical research heart disease and stroke prevention programs. Responsibilities include: developing and executing appropriations requests before the House and Senate Labor Health and Human Serivces, Education and Related Agencies Appropriation Subcommittees for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and for heart disease and stroke prevention programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This position is also responsible for developing knowledge and expertise (and when applicable, advocacy positions) related to all issues relevant to the research environment. The Government Relations Manager will devise strategies and tactics to achieve specific policy objectives in collaboration with AHA media, grassroots and policy staff; serve on coalitions and other external working groups or organizations focused on research and prevention issues; build relationships and maintain communications with Members of Congress, Executive agency officials, and their staff. This position will also manage two external coaltiions focused on reesarch and prevention funding for heart disease and stroke.
- Identify, develop and recommend a portfolio of approriations requests related to federal funding for research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and heart disease and stroke prevention programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the jurisdication of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittees of the House and Senate.
- Develop strategies and tactics to achieve policy objectives, working in collaboration with AHA policy, grassroots and media advocacy departments. Manage at least one proactive legislative or regulatory issue for the Association.
- Work collaboratively with coatitions and other external working groups and organizations on appropritions issues related to research and prevention.
- Manage two internal colatiions focused on federal research funding for heart diseae and stroke.
- Develop expertise on all issues related to the research environment.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships and channels of communication with Members of Congress, Executive Branch officials and their respective staff.
- Work closely with AHA policy and other departments to develop testimony, report language, appropriations requests, fact sheets, briefing memos, talking points, and other materials relevant to assigned issue areas.
- Provide relevant verbal and written updates and briefings to AHA leadership and volunteers.
- Develop strong relationships with AHA staff in other departments and monitor and report on issues relevant to their work.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in Government Affairs.
- Knowledge of and experience working on federal appropriations requests
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
- Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and as a team or coalition leader.
- Ability to work effectively with the Association staff and volunteer leadership.
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
- Must be able to travel locally approx. 35% of the time.
Here are some of the preferred skills we are looking for:
- Master's degree in government, political science or related field.
- Experience working with or for the Congress.