Senior Vice President, Government Relations

WHO WE ARE

Fueled by passion and urgency, National Kidney Foundation is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in our work, we enhance lives through action, education, and accelerating change.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

NKF’s Mission is what we do, our Values are how we do it.

Accountability – Earn and Keep Trust
Collaboration – Work as a team
Communication – Empower with information
Community – Build stronger community
Compassion – Lead with care and respect
Impact – Focus on the mission

Your Voice Matters

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Senior Vice President, Government Relations, will lead and manage NKF’s advocacy programs across Congress, the administration, including agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) such as FDA, CMS, and NIH. This person will be responsible for the development and implementation of NKF’s policy agenda by directing NKF’s policies and objectives involving local, state, and federal government affairs.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Oversee all aspects of NKF’s advocacy program, including Congress, the Administration, regulatory agencies, state and local advocacy, and grass tops and grassroots programs.
• Oversee development and attainment of NKF’s annual and long-term government relations and policy goals and ensure that all parts of the organization are aligned toward achieving these goals.
• Ensure that NKF develops, nurtures, and sustains positive relationships with key elected officials, relevant government agencies such as CMS, NIH, and FDA, other kidney-related organizations, and other stakeholders that can influence NKF’s agenda.
• Engage and supervise all outside consultants retained by NKF to support its advocacy agenda.
• Oversee NKF’s involvement with stakeholder coalitions and build and manage coalitions as necessary to advance NKF’s policy agenda.
• Strengthen and oversee NKF’s grassroots and grass tops programs to ensure the kidney patient community’s voice is elevated and heard.
• Represent NKF before Congress, agencies, and other bodies as necessary and appropriate.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to increase visibility of NKF’s policy positions and advocacy activities with internal and external audiences.
• Identify and oversee creation of all advocacy materials, including fact sheets, leave behinds, testimony, and regulatory filings.
• Collaborate with other members of the Senior Leadership team to share NKF’s programs, research, and activities with policy makers to enhance their knowledge of NKF’s expertise and reach.
• Advocate for legislation that advances the interests of the NKF and its patients.
• Evaluate pending legislation and regulations that may impact the NKF.
• Develop and execute positions and strategies on legislative, policy, regulatory, and political issues.
• Respond to congressional inquiries/needs and create opportunities to improve congressional understanding of kidney disease.
• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive government relations and advocacy strategy.
• Manage NKF’s advocacy professional staff.
• Perform additional duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years as a government affair professional in Washington, DC.
• Experience working on health and/or disease research policy issues.
• Experience working with, or in, a patient advocacy organization.
• Strong research, writing, analytical and persuasive communication skills.
• Ability to represent NKF in public settings articulately and persuasively, including in one-on-one meetings with legislators and staff, testimony before congressional or regulatory bodies, and at conferences and other events where NKF’s voice is heard.
• Strong relationships with key legislators in Congress on both sides of the aisle.
• Strong relationships with key staff in federal agencies such as CMS, NIH, and FDA.
• Proven track record developing and implementing successful, cost-effective organizational governmental affairs strategies.
• Ability to work at a fast pace and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience building, leading, and mentoring a strong staff in a collegial, mutually supportive environment.
• Excellent political acumen.
• Public speaking experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT USED AND SPECIAL INFORMATION

Must have unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness and possess a high degree of tact, discretion, and professionalism. Verbal and written communication skills will be used daily. Maintains effectiveness under pressure. Uses a multiple line telephone, personal computer, fax machine, photocopier, and other standard office equipment. Flexible to work evenings and weekends.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

At the National Kidney Foundation diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity applies to both our workforce and the communities we serve as it relates to kidney health and kidney disease prevention. It is the policy of NKF to provide equality of employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, qualified handicap or disability, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender, political affiliation, or veteran status, or any other factor or reason prohibited by relevant local, state, and federal fair employment laws.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The National Kidney Foundation does not accept resumes from third-party recruitment/search firms. Please do not forward resumes to NKF employees, company locations, or email addresses. NKF is not responsible for any fees related to resumes not solicited by NKF Recruiting.

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