Associate Director of Government Relations (Western Region)

Associate Director of Government Relations

West Region Territory – Must be located in Mountain or Pacific time zones.

About the American Kidney Fund:

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is the nation’s leading nonprofit working on behalf of the 37 million Americans with kidney disease. Our mission is to help people fight kidney disease and live healthier lives, and we fulfill that mission by providing a complete spectrum of programs and services. We are proud to be recognized as one of the top 50 nonprofit employers in the United States by The Nonprofit Times. AKF invests 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar).

About the position:

Reporting to the Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy, this newly created hands-on role will assist in developing and implementing state-level public policy efforts across the Western region in conjunction with AKF’s Government Affairs Department. This encompasses the initiation of state legislation and regulations to support and improve policies for kidney disease patients and organ donors and assist in efforts to combat bills that threaten to erode the care and access to care for kidney disease patients.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor legislation and regulation in kidney disease and related health care space across the Western region
• Develop bi-partisan relationships with state lawmakers, state agencies, stakeholders, and advocates to advance AKF’s state policy agenda, collaborating with key healthcare policymakers, patient advocacy organizations, state insurance commissioners, and relevant state agencies
• Understand health policy and adeptly convey AKF's positions on key issues, including charitable premium assistance, transplant and living kidney donors Medigap coverage, and other relevant concerns for AKF and individuals with kidney disease
• Collaborate across departments to develop strategic grassroots plans engaging AKF patient-advocates in achieving state policy goals
• Monitor state legislatures and agencies in the region regarding issues affective those with chronic kidney disease
• Represent AKF at Western state conferences including NAIC, NCOIL, and NCSL
• Write and send comment letters on behalf of AKF, fostering effective communication with colleagues in the Office of Government Affairs

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public health or related field
• 4+ years’ work experience in legislative affairs, health policy, healthcare, health advocacy or similar role (State legislature and not-for-profit experience are both a plus)
• Mission driven with strong communication skills are critical in order to translate complex health policy issues for various stakeholders, including lawmakers, regulators, AKF ambassadors, advocates, patients, and internal teams.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented strategic thinker with excellent proofreading, problem-solving, online research, project management and PC skills including MS Office proficiency
• Ability to effectively manage deadlines, track and coordinate multiple projects, and work independently within a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Availability to travel (up to 40%) as well as quarterly trips to the AKF home office in Rockville, MD, and flexibility for weekend or evening work as needed
• Prior lobbying experience and health experience are preferred

Benefits:

We provide a competitive salary of $85,000-$90,000 annually, paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal days; health, dental and vision coverage; life insurance and disability coverages; and a generous matching 403(b) retirement plan. In addition, we offer an ideal work/life balance including remote work capability and reduced Friday hours, opportunities for annual raises and bonuses based on performance, significant growth opportunity and a friendly, collaborative, supportive and diverse culture where our team knows how much they are valued.

This position requires travel to the Maryland office at least one day per quarter.

AKF is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a workplace that honors diversity, equity and inclusivity.