Director of Policy & Government Relations

Position Title: Director of Policy & Government Relations

Reporting Relationship: Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer
Status: Exempt
Location: Denver/Hybrid

Salary + Benefits: $75,000 – $90,000 annually; 100% employer-paid health, dental, & vision insurance; 401K with 3% employer contribution; monthly phone/internet stipend; hybrid with 1 day in-office; flexible work schedule; generous vacation, sick/personal leave, 12 paid holidays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year’s.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
Hire Date: Early to mid-November 2025

To Apply

Email a resume and cover letter with “Director of Policy & Government Relations” in the subject line to: [email protected]
ATTN: Emily Bishop, Executive Vice President & CEO

Summary

The Director of Policy & Government Relations is responsible for directing the CAFP’s Government Relations activities. This dynamic role works on behalf of family physicians to enhance their ability to serve patients and to improve Coloradans’ access to equitable and affordable health care. The Director will collaborate with the CAFP contract lobbyist to carry out CAFP’s advocacy agenda. This position represents CAFP in federal and state legislative issues and undertakes multiple advocacy efforts including coalition-building, arranging testimony at the state Capitol, coordinating the Doctors of the Day program, regulatory advocacy, health policy research, policy development, CAFP Political Committee and Small Donor Committee fund development and event planning, member outreach, action alerts, report writing, and assisting in media/communications activities.

Responsibilities

Legislative Advocacy and Policy Development

• Staffs the CAFP Legislative Committee and works with CAFP lobbyists to monitor and analyze Colorado state legislation, budgets, regulations, policies, and issues that affect family physicians and their patients’ health.
• Helps identify and develop legislation and policy priorities that reflect CAFP’s agenda and devise actions and strategies for these priorities.
• Informs internal departments and CAFP leadership of legislative changes and activities.

Advocacy

• Collaborates with partner organizations on legislative strategy to pass and/or defeat bills.
• Promotes CAFP policy in local, state, and federal government.
• Elevates health equity in CAFP advocacy objectives and activities.
• Advocates alongside and on behalf of patients.
• Promotes a public health agenda for the overall health of Coloradans.
• Develops an annual legislative agenda.

Member Advocacy/Assistance

• Recruits and develops CAFP Family Physician leaders by training them on government/public policy structures and opportunities.
• Assists with individual member needs related to advocacy.

Research

• Researches quantitative and qualitative data and background materials to support policy positions.
• Drafts and revises recommendations, position papers, articles, and updates.

Coalition Building

• Establishes and develops relationships with key elected and appointed officials, community, employer, and physician-based organizations.
• Maintains a network with other health-related organizations with similar interests and goals.

Meetings and Conferences

• Attends meetings with external and internal partners in coordination with the EVP & CEO.
• Organizes representatives and attends the American Academy of Family Physicians Family Medicine Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.
• Manages the CAFP Legislative Committee.

Doctor of the Day

• Oversees recruitment, scheduling, and coordination for the Doctor of the Day program at the Capitol.
• Maintains Doctor of the Day office, equipment, and supplies.

Member Communications

• In coordination with communications staff, writes communications to CAFP members on timely legislative issues, including Doctor of the Day updates and legislative alerts.

Political Committee & Small Donor Committee Development

• Coordinates PC/SDC activities in partnership with the CAFP lobbyist.
• Develops and implements a fund development plan including identifying and securing new contributors.

Specific Duties

• Direct, develop, and coordinate strategy and tactical plans, policies, and activities.
• Monitor, review, and summarize legislation important to CAFP programs.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with key personnel in the legislature, executive branch, regulatory agencies, and representatives of other health organizations.
• Research and write reports, blogs, articles, and other legislative communications.
• Provide staff leadership and support to the Legislative and Political Committees.
• Oversee planning and execution of member education related to legislative affairs and advocacy topics.
• Write articles for CAFP publications, including Colorado Family Physician magazine and the weekly e-newsletter.
• Assist CAFP’s public relations team with communication strategies to ensure a consistent public image and message.
• Communicate committee activities effectively to the EVP & CEO and other staff.
• Work interdepartmentally to fulfill strategic plan objectives.
• Participate in strategic planning and budget development for assigned areas.
• Budget and monitor expenses and income for assigned projects and programs.
• Provide staff support during CAFP educational conferences and other scheduled meetings as assigned.
• Perform miscellaneous duties and assist other staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience and understanding of health care policy, social determinants of health, and barriers to health equity.
• Working knowledge of healthcare system and insurance reform developments, Medicaid, and patient advocacy concerns preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, health policy, public health, or related field.
• Four years of relevant experience in government/legislative affairs and/or policy preferred; Master’s degree a plus.
• Passion for improving the lives of family physicians and their patients through a more affordable, equitable, and accessible healthcare system.
• Strong planning, project, and time management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Highly collaborative, skilled in relationship-building, and experienced working in teams.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong leadership skills; self-directed, motivated, and able to multitask.
• Ability to organize multiple projects and complete them effectively and on time.
• Ability to evaluate situations, identify options and resources, and recommend creative solutions.
• Flexibility to work occasional weekends and evenings as needed.

CAFP Workplace

Travel of up to 15 days per year can be anticipated.

The CAFP represents 2,500 family physicians, residents, and medical students. Our mission is to serve as the bold champion for Colorado’s Family Physicians, patients, and communities through education and advocacy. To learn more about the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians, please visit www.coloradoafp.org.

CAFP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports diversity and inclusion, and we strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.