Director of Federal Healthcare Policy and Advocacy

Position Summary

Stony Brook Medicine seeks a Director of Federal Healthcare Policy and Advocacy to lead health policy analysis and advocacy strategies in support of federal policies impacting Stony Brook Medicine, with a specific focus on public hospital issues and medical research.

As a registered federal lobbyist for Stony Brook Medicine, the Director advocates for federal legislative and regulatory action to advance Stony Brook Medicine’s mission of teaching, research, and patient care. The Director conducts and initiates policy and political analysis of key issues, prepares issue briefs, and conveys institutional positions and activities to internal constituencies, Congress, the executive branch, and federal agencies. The Director will be based in Washington, D.C., with travel to Stony Brook University campus in New York as needed.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Federal Relations and Head of DC Office, the Director will develop and advance strategies to influence health-related public policies at the federal level and work to secure federal funding for Stony Brook Medicine medical research.

The Director must be proactive in informing offices in Congress, the Executive Branch, and federal agencies about Stony Brook Medicine’s policies and initiatives and the contributions of Stony Brook Medicine to New York and the nation. Excellent organizational and communication skills, including both traditional and social media, are essential for this role. The incumbent should be energetic and work collaboratively with colleagues within Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine, other universities and hospitals, and healthcare associations, in addition to possessing the ability to work independently.

Duties of a Director of Federal Healthcare Policy and Advocacy

The Director collaborates with senior leadership to design and implement effective strategies that support Stony Brook Medicine’s federal advocacy goals.

• Coordinates and leads strategic engagement with New York congressional delegation offices, federal agency staff, the Executive Branch, and DC-based alumni to strengthen relationships, advocate for Stony Brook Medicine priorities, address critical issues, and elevate the profile and professional representation of Stony Brook Medicine at the federal level.
• Oversees the analysis and monitoring of current and emerging issues within identified health-related portfolios, providing strategic insights and guidance to inform institutional priorities and decision-making.
• Directs policy analysis and develops strategic recommendations to shape Stony Brook Medicine’s positions on policy proposals, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and advocating effectively for its interests.
• Collaborates with colleagues in peer institutions, hospitals, and healthcare associations to exchange insights, build consensus on shared positions, and spearhead coordinated advocacy strategies that advance collective goals within the healthcare sector.
• Drives collaboration with the AVP for Federal Relations and Stony Brook Medicine leadership to lead the development and execution of comprehensive strategies for securing appropriations funding, aligning efforts with institutional priorities and research initiatives.
• Oversees all logistics for visits by elected officials, members of the Executive Branch, agency leadership, and staff, ensuring seamless execution of meetings, tours, and events that strategically advance Stony Brook Medicine’s objectives and strengthen relationships with key policymakers. This includes overseeing events and advocacy visits for Stony Brook Medicine leadership, faculty, and students in Washington, D.C.
• Oversees the preparation and strategic development of reports, memos, and presentations on a variety of critical issues, including updates on key topics, briefing documents for elected officials, and talking points for senior leadership. Ensures these materials effectively support decision-making and advance Stony Brook Medicine’s objectives.
• Establishes and maintains good working relationships across the University and Hospital.
• Leads efforts to guide Stony Brook Medicine stakeholders in interpreting and applying new policies and regulations, providing strategic direction and ensuring compliance while addressing institutional needs and objectives.
• Oversees the development and execution of high-impact advocacy strategies that drive the advancement of Stony Brook Medicine’s core missions of teaching, research, and patient care, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and fostering meaningful external partnerships.
• Collaborates with the AVP for Federal Relations to inform offices in Congress and the Executive Branch about Stony Brook Medicine policies and initiatives and the contributions of Stony Brook Medicine to New York State and the nation.
• Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (foreign equivalent or higher).
• At least seven (7) years of full-time demonstrated experience in federal relations or working for a federal elected official.
• Experience working with public hospitals and academic medical centers.
• Experience with federal legislative and regulatory procedures.
• Health policy analysis experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (foreign equivalent or higher).
• Additional years (5+) of full-time experience in federal relations or working for a federal elected official.
• Experience working with national healthcare associations and hospital leadership.
• Experience with the federal appropriations process, securing federal funding for medical research, and coordinated congressional Hill visits for organizational leadership.

Special Notes

This is a Management Confidential position. This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

Evening and weekend work will be required at times.

The primary work location for this position is in Washington, D.C.

This position may be eligible for alternative workplace arrangements/telework (remote or virtual).

Resume/CV should be included with the online application.

Posting Overview

This position will remain posted until filled or for a maximum of 90 days. An initial review of all applicants will occur two weeks from the posting date. Candidates are advised on the application that for full consideration, applications must be received before the initial review date (which is within two weeks of the posting date).

If within the initial review no candidate was selected to fill the position posted, additional applications will be considered for the posted position; however, the posting will close once a finalist is identified, and at minimum, two weeks after the initial posting date. Please note that if no candidate is identified and hired within 90 days from the initial posting, the posting will close for review and may be reposted at a later date.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the University Office of Equity and Access at (631) 632-6280.

Learn more here