Director of Advocacy & Health Affairs

### Full Job Description

#### Primary Purpose of Position

This position is primarily responsible for leading the efforts of the NJDA in the development and identification of policy that promotes the dental profession and improves oral and systemic health for all New Jerseyans. The Director works closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, acting as the liaison with New Jersey governmental entities, emerging issues, and trends that have an impact on the NJDA and dental profession, and manages the NJDA’s governmental and health affairs efforts by supervising the Government and Health Affairs Coordinator. Additionally, this position serves as a resource that supports members related to dental benefits matters.

#### Primary Responsibilities

**Advocacy**

– Maintain and develop relationships between NJDA and New Jersey executive and legislative branches of government, as well as county and local government and related agencies.
– Register and function as a lobbyist on behalf of NJDA.
– Track and analyze pertinent legislation to determine impact on NJDA, its members, and oral health.
– Draft legislation and regulations and provide public comment when necessary to advocate association policy.
– Communicate policy positions of NJDA to key policymakers and regulatory agencies.
– Collaborate with other NJDA departments to direct public affairs policies and objectives, and keep membership informed of advocacy activities, developments, and achievements.
– Serve as a spokesperson on government and regulatory matters with the membership, media, government agencies, and other organizations.
– Develop and utilize communication tools for “call to action” alerts to membership and develop talking points and position papers on association policy decisions.
– Ensure compliance with NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) requirements and timely complete and submit reports for NJDA and NJ Dental Political Action Committee (NJDPAC).
– Manage the NJDPAC under the direction of the NJDPAC Chair and Executive Committee.
– Develop strategies and tactics to identify, cultivate, engage, and solicit contributors to the NJDPAC.
– Collaborate with various leadership groups including, but not exclusive to, Board of Trustees, Council on Governmental & Public Affairs, NJDPAC, American Dental Association’s Department of State Governmental Affairs, and American Dental Association Political Action Committee (ADPAC).
– Manage outside consultants retained to advance the advocacy and political interests of NJDA.

**Health Affairs**

– Understand health insurance and dental benefits in New Jersey and its impact on members, dental practices, and the public; working with the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, and other state and federal agencies keeping NJDA leadership current and aware of potential concerns.
– Respond to member inquiries regarding insurance and dental practice management issues.
– Serve as the lead staff to the NJ State Board of Dentistry and attend its monthly meetings.
– Collaborate with the Council on Dental Benefits to design and update policies and practices that affect members.

**Public Affairs**

– Develop and implement strategies to enhance the public perception of dentists as compassionate, caring professionals who prioritize patient well-being.
– Collaborate with marketing and communication teams to create and disseminate educational materials, campaigns, and programs that highlight the empathetic and humanitarian aspects of dental care.
– Engage with community organizations, patient advocacy groups, and media outlets to promote positive narratives about the dental profession.
– Monitor public opinion and media coverage related to dental care and dentists, addressing any misconceptions or negative stereotypes.
– Organize and participate in public events, forums, and outreach activities to build trust and rapport with the community, emphasizing the role of dentists as integral members of the healthcare system dedicated to improving overall health.
– Advocate for policies and initiatives that support the portrayal of dentists as essential, compassionate healthcare providers in public and professional forums.

**General**

– Function as the lead support staff to the Council on Governmental & Public Affairs, Council on Dental Benefits, the Workforce Taskforce, NJDPAC, and other ad hoc committees as may be assigned.
– Coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders and funders to advocate for the association’s goals.
– Work as a member of the NJDA team to ensure the association’s goals are achieved.
– Manage the Government & Health Affairs Coordinator, providing strategic policy, legislative direction, and dental benefits and advocacy support.
– Attend meetings of the American Dental Association and other organizations as assigned.
– Ability to work a flexible schedule.
– Perform additional duties as assigned by the CEO.

#### Qualifications

The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required or preferred. This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

**Knowledge and Skills**

– Minimum bachelor’s degree required, preferably in public affairs, public policy, political science, or related field.
– Post-graduate degree a plus, but not required.
– Minimum of five years’ experience in legislative affairs, including legislative tracking, bill drafting, and understanding of New Jersey’s regulatory structure.
– Understanding of or experience with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission.
– Demonstrable experience in fundraising and development.
– Familiarity with healthcare law and licensed professions is preferred, but not mandatory.
– Experience overseeing and coordinating governmental and political events.
– Exceptional written and oral communication skills with an empathetic leadership style.
– Understanding of the healthcare/dental profession is highly valued, but not mandatory.
– Knowledge of health insurance or dental benefits is highly valued, but not mandatory.
– Experience with media relations is valued, but not mandatory.
– Must exhibit success in collaborating with, mediating, and convening diverse people with divergent goals and cultivating relationships with other organizations to achieve the association’s advocacy objectives.
– Experience with preparing legislative summaries, regulatory drafts, talking points, and position papers.
– Ability to work successfully both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
– Manages own duties and responsibilities on a fixed schedule without the need for direction or assistance in prioritization.
– Demonstrated experience in association, non-profit, or business environment, preferably collaborating with volunteers.
– Travel required, mostly in New Jersey.
– Requires experience with Microsoft Office Suite and legislative tracking systems.
– Experience with database, event, and project management software is a plus.

**Job Type:** Full-time

**Pay:** $120,000.00 – $130,000.00 per year

Call 732-821-9400 for more information on how to apply.