Associate Director, Political & External Affairs

The American Academy of Dermatology is seeking an Associate Director, Political & External Affairs located in our Washington, D.C. office responsible for leading the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s political action, grassroots, and external affairs initiatives in support of AADA priority issues. Contribute to planning and implementing Academy strategic initiatives including working collaboratively across the organization to further the Academy’s mission by integrating political and grassroots activities with those of the Advocacy & Policy department and the Academy. Oversee and administer the operations of the AADA political action committee (SkinPAC) and grassroots program.

About Us:

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care.

With a membership of more than 20,800 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin.

To learn more about the Academy please visit our website at www.aad.org, or follow us on these social media outlets:

• Facebook (www.facebook.com/aadskin)
• TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@AADskin)
• Twitter (www.twitter.com/AADskin)
• Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/AADskin)
• Instagram (www.instagram.com/aadskin1)

Responsibilities:

Oversee operations of SkinPAC and generate strategies for fundraising, political giving, and disbursement priorities. Establish and maintain relationships with relevant political committee staff and professional campaign fundraisers. Oversee, manage, and coordinate AADA attendance at PAC fundraisers. Accountable for ensuring Academy compliance with all relevant legal requirements. Accountable for accurate and timely filing of required FEC and IRS reports. Work with other Academy staff, outside consultants, and vendors, as necessary, to implement strategies.

Educate Academy members and key staff regarding the organization, goals, and activities of the Academy’s political, grassroots, and external affairs programs. Provide content for relevant communications and publications as needed.

Manage the design, execution and oversight of grassroots development and outreach programs to leverage members and patient advocacy for the advancement of advocacy priorities. Responsible for the annual AADA Legislative Conference, lead the cross-organizational staff team in the execution of all aspects of the conference.

Responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key advocacy organizations, patient groups and industry stakeholders to promote AADA advocacy priorities. Collaborate with federal and state advocacy teams on legislative priorities in order to develop and execute third-party and grassroots strategy.

Provide staffing and liaison services to assigned council, committees, and task forces as needed and appropriate. This includes drafting meeting agendas, coordinating meetings and conference calls, drafting programs/strategies to be discussed on the agenda, drafting and distributing summation reports, tracking follow-ups, and ensuring annual reports are complete.

Collaborate with Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Policy in the assessment and development of strategic and financial goals that relate to Advocacy & Policy and the overall Academy mission.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or related experience required.
• Minimum 7-10 years relevant experience in government advocacy, fundraising, political action committee (PAC), grassroots, alliance development, or political campaign experience required.
• Knowledge of political campaign compliance required.
• Effective verbal and written interpersonal communication and analytical skills are essential.
• Ability to build credibility with multiple audiences including, but not limited to, AAD/A board members, AADA membership, and policymakers.
• Project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills required.
• Must be collaborative, self-directed, possess initiative, and able to multitask.
• Strong presentation and organizational skills are required.
• Team building skills and the ability to foster collaboration with others are critical.
• Ability to foster involvement and enthusiasm among members is important.
• Requires creativity, energy, and resourcefulness.
• Knowledge of federal legal requirements and understanding of the impact of federal legislative and regulatory processes are important.
• Some travel and work outside normal business hours required.

We offer a competitive compensation plan and benefits package including medical/dental/vision/life insurance as well as a matching retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, bonus program, pension plan, paid vacation/medical/personal days, work-life balance, recognition program, and casual work environment. More information about our compensation and benefits can be reviewed on the detailed job ad on our website.

The Academy offers a hybrid work environment; providing time in the office for in-person collaboration and the opportunity to work remotely for focus time. We are building a workplace where our employees are excited to come to work every day because of the culture that we are creating together — one of respect, transparency, and collaboration. A workplace in which we demonstrate care and commitment, celebration, community, and focused learning that contributes to the mission of advancing excellence in dermatologic care.

For immediate consideration please apply online at www.aad.org, scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the Employment link. EOE M/F/D/V