Assistant Director, Government Affairs

WHO WE ARE

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.

We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.

Job Summary

This role includes outreach and engagement with activists; federal and state advocacy efforts; and analyzing and responding to policy issues. This position is expected to develop foundational relationships and communicate with key stakeholders such activists, coalition partners and elected officials to support key initiatives and strategies to advance policy priorities for effective impact.

This role requires the ability to understand complex legislative issues, articulate positions, and develop and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, internally and externally. This includes relationships with legislative and regulatory officials throughout assigned states.

This position is responsible for overseeing the advocacy work in multiple states and providing support and guidance to advocacy peers. This position must register as a lobbyist in multiple states.

Location Requirements

This is a field-based role, requiring regular travel for events, training, regional meetings, and organizational gatherings. While the role offers flexibility in work location, to be considered a candidate must reside within the market the position supports (or have plans to relocate) to ensure strong local engagement and accessibility.

Candidates must be based and able to work within one of the following areas: Harrisburg, PA; Philadelphia, PA; or Annapolis, MD.

Compensation | Benefits

The estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $70,000 – $79,000. Final offers will be based on the candidate’s geographic location, consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors.

You will have the opportunity for a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package that the Society provides to employees. Your benefits include:

• Considerable Paid Time Off Plan
• Paid Holidays
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match
• Commuter Benefit Plan
• Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including: Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Spring Health Membership offering free therapy and professional coaching

Main Responsibilities

Advocacy & Policy Responsibilities

• Design legislative strategies for assigned states based on knowledge and monitoring of policy priorities.
• Create and execute on opportunities to advance policies that impact the lives of people living with MS; identify, share, and implement effective strategies.
• Responsible for monitoring and tracking policy interests across assigned states; elevate issues to priority status as deemed necessary.
• Identify, develop and maintain strong relationships with key decision makers that produce legislative champions on behalf of the Society.
• Communicate the Society’s priorities to all necessary audiences; offer recommendations and suggestions for messages to ensure that they are on-point and unified.
• Lead coalitions that support policy agenda; keep activists informed of all state and federal legislative priorities that affect the Society.

Activist Engagement Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and active participation in state coalitions to broaden support; identify, recruit and engage activists to promote priorities.
• Manage and report on a relationship portfolio of 60+ relationships that advise state advocacy strategy and influence policy makers.
• Understand and implement best practices for grassroots communication.
• Leverage Society communications, programs and events to promote advocacy engagement opportunities.
• Recruit MS Activists to increase the Society’s activism capacity, demographic diversity, and political relationships.
• Ensure MS Activists have opportunities to participate in National MS Society Public Policy Conference and State Action Days.
• Ensure that all activists receive regular communication about progress and impact of advocacy work at the state level.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong relationship building and communication skills with the ability to build trust and motivate others.
• Ability to think through problems, make inclusive decisions, and lead others through complex situations.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working with high level activist volunteers or in advocacy.
• Understanding of the legislative system and how to influence outcomes.
• Ability to interpret and effectively articulate policies to influence action.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience in government relations, public policy, and effective coalition leadership.

We’re committed to supporting the growth of every employee through a structured and transparent approach to career development. This position is classified as Professional – Knowledge Expert.

The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

We appreciate your consideration of our job opportunities. To apply, please use our online application tool. If you wish to include a cover letter, please attach it along with your resume to the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the “My Experience” page.

Important: You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it. The “My Experience” page is the only opportunity to add your cover letter and supporting document attachments.