Manager, Federal Advocacy (Healthcare Policy)

## **Position Summary**

The Manager, Federal Advocacy serves as a key advocate for the American Occupational Therapy Association’s federal legislative and healthcare policy priorities before the U.S. Congress, coalition partners, and external stakeholders. This role leads and executes high‑impact federal advocacy strategies focused primarily on Medicare, healthcare policy, and congressional engagement while helping strengthen AOTA’s bipartisan relationships and political influence.

Operating with a high level of autonomy and judgment, the Manager is responsible for cultivating and managing relationships with Congressional offices, monitoring and influencing federal legislation, advancing AOTPAC engagement efforts, and representing AOTA in external advocacy and coalition settings. The role requires an experienced healthcare policy professional who can independently navigate complex political environments, influence stakeholders, and identify strategic advocacy opportunities aligned with AOTA’s mission and federal priorities. This position requires registration as a federal lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA).

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## **Position Specific Duties**

– **Monitor federal legislation** — Analyze and interpret federal legislative activity related to Medicare, healthcare policy, disability policy, mental health, and other federal priorities impacting occupational therapy.
– **Develop advocacy strategies** — Execute strategic advocacy and lobbying efforts to advance AOTA’s federal legislative priorities before Congress and relevant federal agencies.
– **Cultivate congressional relationships** — Independently build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, coalition partners, and key external stakeholders.
– **Represent AOTA externally** — Participate in Capitol Hill meetings, coalition activities, advocacy events, PAC functions, conferences, and other engagements.
– **Support bipartisan strategies** — Partner in developing and executing bipartisan advocacy strategies, including targeted relationship‑building across Democratic and Republican offices.
– **Support AOTPAC engagement** — Contribute to political relationship management and PAC‑related activities aligned with organizational advocacy priorities.
– **Draft legislative materials** — Prepare policy briefs, testimony, advocacy alerts, talking points, coalition communications, and member‑facing updates.
– **Identify emerging trends** — Assess legislative and political developments, evaluate organizational impact, and provide strategic recommendations.
– **Collaborate internally** — Work with State Affairs, Practice, Communications, and Membership teams to align federal advocacy with broader organizational priorities.
– **Support grassroots mobilization** — Assist with grassroots advocacy initiatives and member mobilization, including support for AOTA’s in‑person Hill Day.
– **Serve as strategic partner** — Contribute to advocacy planning, stakeholder engagement strategies, and long‑term federal policy positioning.
– **Attend key events** — Participate in INSPIRE, specialty conferences, Capitol Hill meetings, coalition events, and other advocacy‑related activities.
– **Other duties** as assigned.

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## **Education, Experience & Skills**

– Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, healthcare policy, communications, journalism, or a related field preferred.
– Minimum 3+ years of experience on Capitol Hill and/or in federal advocacy, government relations, Congressional affairs, or related public policy work required.
– Demonstrated experience engaging with Congressional offices, policymakers, coalition partners, and external stakeholders.
– Knowledge of Medicare policy or federal healthcare legislation strongly preferred.
– Knowledge of Congressional legislative processes required.
– Experience supporting PAC‑related activities and managing political relationships preferred.
– Proven ability to operate independently with strong judgment, political acumen, and executive presence.
– Strong bipartisan relationship‑building skills and ability to navigate politically diverse environments.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting advocacy materials and policy communications.
– Demonstrated strategic thinking, critical analysis, and problem‑solving abilities.
– Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
– Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and build strong partnerships.
– Experience with advocacy engagement platforms, constituent communication tools, PAC engagement activities, or legislative tracking systems preferred.

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## **Work Environment (Hybrid)**

This position is based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and operates primarily remotely, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements through AOTA’s Bethesda headquarters and Washington, D.C. workspace access.

Regular in‑person attendance is expected for Capitol Hill meetings, PAC‑related activities, coalition meetings, conferences, advocacy events, and other external engagements.

Travel and attendance at AOTA events, including INSPIRE and specialty conferences, is required throughout the year.

Metro benefits and access to AOTA office space are provided.

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## **How to Apply**

Please apply directly at:
[https://recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=7168699]

Or email your resume to: **[email protected]**