Director, Advocacy & Government Affairs

D.C., Director, Advocacy and Government Affairs (Health Policy, Practice, Quality and Research) Location: Washington, DC (Remote within the Washington, DC metropolitan area, with occasional travel to the Academy's national office in Rosemont, IL.) We are seeking a strategic and relationship-driven leader who is passionate about advancing healthcare policy and advocating for meaningful change. As Director, Advocacy and Government Affairs , you will serve as a trusted expert on legislative and regulatory issues affecting the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), translating complex policy into thoughtful strategy and action. This is an opportunity to influence the future of the specialty by partnering with physician leaders, volunteers, policymakers, and national healthcare organizations to advance the Academy's advocacy priorities and strengthen its voice on Capitol Hill and beyond. Position Summary: The Director, Advocacy and Government Affairs position will serve as the Academy’s knowledge leader in health care advocacy who understands the implications for physiatric practice and develops an appropriate agenda and activities for the organization. The individual also plays an integrated role in the Academy by collaborating with physician volunteers and staff and participating in strategic planning activities within the Health Policy, Practice, Quality and Research Team and the overall organization to help position the PM&R specialty and the Academy. In this role, the Director will lead and coordinate a broad range of issues across our health policy and advocacy, legislative, and regulatory agenda with external entities while based in Washington, D.C. Knowledge of government affairs, including current and proposed health care legislation and regulations, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. Key Responsibilities:

Lead the Academy's federal advocacy strategy by monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, analyzing their impact on PM&R, and developing policy positions that advance the specialty and support Academy members. Represent the Academy before Congress, federal agencies, physician organizations, coalitions, and other key stakeholders, serving as the Academy's primary government affairs representative in Washington, D.C. Build and maintain strategic relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, consultants, and the Academy's lobbying firm to advance advocacy priorities and organizational objectives. Partner with Academy leadership and committees to develop and execute legislative and regulatory strategies that support the organization's mission and strategic goals. Serve as staff liaison to the Health Policy and Legislation Committee, providing strategic guidance, managing committee operations, and supporting related committees and task forces. Contribute as a member of the Academy's Leadership Team, participating in organizational planning, cross-functional initiatives, and management of advocacy-related budgets and resources. Develop high-quality policy and advocacy communications, including testimony, regulatory comments, position statements, legislative briefs, reports, educational materials, and member resources. Partner with the Marketing and Communications Team to deliver timely legislative and regulatory updates through Academy publications, digital communications, webinars, social media, and member education. Collaborate with internal departments and state advocacy partners to align federal and state advocacy initiatives and support grassroots engagement efforts. Travel to the Academy's national office in Rosemont, Illinois, for leadership meetings and key organizational events, while upholding the Academy's values through professionalism, integrity, and ethical leadership.

If you are a collaborative leader who thrives at the intersection of healthcare policy, advocacy, and strategic relationship-building, we'd love to hear from you. Join a mission-driven organization where your expertise will help shape legislation, influence national conversations, and advance the future of PM&R while making a lasting impact on the physicians and patients the Academy serves. AAPM&R offers the following benefits :

18 days Paid Time Off Tuition Reimbursement 10 paid holidays Choice between three different medical plans Employer-funded HRA to offset out of pocket medical costs Dental insurance Vision insurance Employer-paid group life insurance (2x salary) Employer-paid disability insurance (short AND long-term) Flexible Spending Account 403b retirement plan

AAPM&R is an equal opportunity employer Required Experience and Skills:

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Healthcare Administration, Law, Economics, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in government affairs, public policy, advocacy, or legislative affairs within a healthcare-related organization, including substantive federal legislative and regulatory advocacy experience. Demonstrated knowledge of federal healthcare policy, legislative and regulatory processes, and their impact on healthcare providers and patients. Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex legislative and regulatory issues and translate them into strategic recommendations. Experience preparing policy analyses, testimony, regulatory comments, position statements, and member communications. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with physicians, volunteers, policymakers, government agencies, and other internal and external stakeholders. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. While the position will be performed remotely from the Washington, DC area, candidates must be able to travel regularly to the Rosemont, IL office for committee meetings, staff meetings, and other in-person events as needed.