Director of Government Relations

Background:

National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) unrelentingly invests in, mobilizes and unites our community to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments, and advocate for patients and their care partners. NBTS is a leading policy advocacy and research organization as well as a convener of brain tumor research leaders including industry, regulators, funders, clinician researchers and patient advocates. The organization also delivers timely information and support to patients and families. Through collaborative leadership with partners, our results include paradigm shifting research discoveries, increased federal funding for brain tumor research, innovative new clinical trials, opportunities for entrepreneurship and venture philanthropy to benefit brain tumor research, and empowering collaborative advocacy that results in reforms and advances to health care and the development of treatments.

While we have seen significant progress in terms of scientific understanding of brain tumor biology, we are unsatisfied with the status quo of today’s treatment options. NBTS is committed to investment in new ideas and research poised to incent the development and realization of treatments that dramatically increase survival and quality of life for patients.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all that may be found in positions of this class.

Lead development of annual public policy agenda:

Lead design and development of federal and state legislative campaigns to advance priority policy goals. Represent NBTS to Congress, state legislatures and executive branch agencies. Responsible for the implementation and growth of NBTS volunteer based grassroots advocacy program including signature advocacy events. Manage work with external government relations partner firms. Represent NBTS to coalitions and other external groups. Develop and implement a comprehensive government relations strategy with the CEO that aligns with the organization’s overarching goals and priorities.

Supervision Exercised:

• Associate Director, Government Relations & Public Policy
• Manager of Government Relations & Advocacy

Administrative:

• Collaborate internally on organization wide projects in matrixed work teams.
• Coordinate and facilitate work at the intersection of public policy and other areas of the organization.
• Ensure strong and consistent volunteer relations and stewardship.
• Lead departmental preparation for annual budget and conduct monthly budget oversight.
• Provide sound leadership and management for direct reports.
• Provide clear and consistent reporting to CEO.
• Maintain appropriate records within Salesforce and other NBTS tools.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• 10 years of progressive career growth in government relations; Capitol Hill experience a plus.
• Clear ability to understand, analyze and communicate about public policy proposals including legislation and regulation.
• Demonstrated management experience of people and consultants.
• Health care, life sciences, cancer related public policy subject matter expertise.
• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred.

Required Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities:

• Demonstrated comfort, skill and effectiveness as an advocate through verbal and written communications.
• Highly organized in terms of managing and implementing departmental and individual employee work.
• Leadership abilities both internally and externally facing.
• Ability to provide coaching to staff and volunteers in the craft of advocacy.
• Collaborative nature, ability and ease of working with others across the organization and with other organizations.
• Commitment to and passion for the NBTS mission and community.
• Exemplify NBTS organizational values and promote NBTS policies and procedures.

Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This is a full-time, exempt position.
• Location: remote (Washington, D.C. area).
• Travel may be required approximately 20% of the time.
• Work performed in an ADA compliant office environment.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel (drive and/or fly) to conferences, meetings, events, etc.
• Required to sit for long periods of time.
• Required to use a computer for long periods of time.
• Infrequent light physical effort required.

How to Apply:

To apply, email a cover letter and resume to: [email protected].

NBTS strives to ensure we have a workplace that embraces diverse viewpoints, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. NBTS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.