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Government Affairs Associate

Government Affairs Associate
Organization: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Date Posted: 05/19/2026

## Salary Range
$70,000.00 to $75,000.00 Annually

Do you enjoy analyzing policy, tracking legislative and regulatory developments, and helping shape advocacy strategies that make a real impact? Are you someone who combines critical thinking with strong organizational skills and thrives in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is seeking a Government Affairs Associate to support and advance its federal and state advocacy efforts. In this role, you’ll monitor and analyze policy proposals, engage in key decision‑making forums such as the American Medical Association’s House of Delegates (HoD), and help influence policy development across governmental and payer environments.

Working closely with internal teams, physician leaders, and external partners, you’ll contribute to shaping ASPS’s positions on critical issues, manage the Plastic Surgery Caucus within the AMA HoD, and support major initiatives such as the Advocacy Summit and state‑level advocacy programs. You’ll play an important role in strengthening ASPS’s voice through policy engagement, communications, and strategic outreach.

## ABOUT US

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Founded in 1931, the Society represents 92 percent of all board‑certified plastic surgeons in the United States, and more than 11,000 plastic surgeons worldwide – making ASPS a global institution and leading authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

For more information about ASPS visit us at: [https://www.plasticsurgery.org/]

## OVERVIEW

**Government Affairs Associate (Reimbursement Focused)**
**Reports to:** Director of Government Relations, Political Affairs, and Health & Payment Policy
**Supervises:** None
**Location:** Hybrid or Remote
**Travel:** 5–6/year

## WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Government Affairs Associate supports ASPS advocacy efforts by tracking, analyzing, and influencing policy across federal, state, and payer environments. This role engages in key forums such as the American Medical Association’s House of Delegates (HoD), helps shape organizational responses to priority issues, and manages the Plastic Surgery Caucus. The Associate also contributes to state advocacy initiatives, the Advocacy Summit, and advocacy‑related communications and publications.

## ISSUE TRACKING, ANALYSIS AND ENGAGEMENT

– **Monitor policy developments** — Monitor and report on policy and regulatory developments impacting plastic surgery across federal, AMA HoD, and payer environments.
– **Track key issues** — Track issues, conduct policy research and analysis, and brief internal teams.
– **Manage HoD activities** — Oversee ASPS HoD policy activities, tracking systems, delegation support, and coordination.
– **Analyze laws and regulations** — Analyze laws, regulations, and payer policies to inform advocacy strategy.
– **Develop advocacy materials** — Create comment letters, policy positions, and analysis tools.
– **Lead advocacy efforts** — Lead advocacy within the HoD and with private payers, including stakeholder engagement and grassroots initiatives.

## AMA HOUSE OF DELEGATES

– **Serve as lead staff** for the ASPS delegation to the AMA HoD.
– **Coordinate Caucus logistics** — Manage event logistics, communications, and materials for the Plastic Surgery Caucus.
– **Manage meeting preparation** — Oversee preparation, on‑site execution, and candidate engagement.
– **Support Caucus leadership** in advocacy and candidate support efforts.

## ADVOCACY PROGRAM SUPPORT

– **Support Advocacy Summit** — Assist with planning and execution of the ASPS Advocacy Summit and regional fly‑ins.
– **Develop marketing content** — Create briefing materials and provide on‑site program support.

## PLASTYPAC

– **Prepare candidate materials** for Board of Governors meetings.
– **Support fundraising** through development of solicitation materials.

## CONTRIBUTE TO ASPS COMMUNICATIONS

– **Develop content** for publications, newsletters, social media, and the ASPS website.
– **Support advocacy communications** promoting initiatives and organizational priorities.

## WHAT YOU WILL NEED

**Education:**
Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, health administration, or a related field required; advanced degree or communications training with policy experience preferred.

**Experience:**
2–3 years in policy or communications roles, including work with elected officials or trade associations, lobbying at the state or federal level, or tracking and responding to legislative/regulatory issues.

**Skills:**
Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes (including physician reimbursement), excellent research and communication abilities, and solid organizational, interpersonal, and political skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools (e.g., Asana) required; experience with advocacy or PAC software preferred.

**Additional:**
Experience in health or medical association management is a plus. No certifications required.

## SALARY & BENEFITS

**Employment Type:** Full Time – Exempt
**Annual Salary:** $70,000–$75,000
**Eligible for Overtime:** No
**Hours per Week:** 37.5

**Benefits include:**
– **Insurance** — Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, AD&D, Critical Illness, Pet
– **Pre‑Tax Accounts** — HSA, FSA, Dependent Care
– **Paid Time Off** — Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick Days, Parental Leave
– **Retirement Plan** — 401k
– **Financial Wellness**
– **Identity Theft Protection**
– **529 Plan**
– **Remote & Commuter Benefits**
– **Tuition Reimbursement**
– **Employee Assistance Program**
– **Employee Discounts**

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## EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

*The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is an equal opportunity employer.*

Your application will be evaluated fairly and without discrimination. Employment decisions at ASPS are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued and respected. Our commitment to equal employment opportunities extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and compensation.

If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform us and we will make every effort to provide necessary assistance.

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