State Policy Specialist

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a leading healthcare nonprofit organization like no other. For decades, we have been taking major steps and pioneering new ways to advance the mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.

We are the global leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis, and nearly every CF drug and therapy available today was made possible because of CF Foundation support. We did this not only for the close to 40,000 people living in the U.S. with CF – and the estimated 105,000 people worldwide – but for the people with CF and families who have worked tirelessly to support the mission.

These achievements have required dedication and unwavering commitment from a talented team of CF Foundation employees. We promote an environment that attracts—and retains—a diverse group of talented people who are passionate about eradicating this disease. Join us, and you will join an amazing team devoted to our community and our mission.

Position Description

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CF Foundation) and its employees embrace their commitment to core values. These core values are the pillars on which the CF Foundation stands and will continue to sustain us as we move forward.

• Keep sight of what really matters: Our decisions are based on what is best for people with cystic fibrosis and their families.
• Aspire for excellence in all we do: We take pride in our work and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.
• Stronger together: We collaborate and work together so that we can learn more and achieve more.
• Innovate with courage: We embrace challenges and reach beyond boundaries in pursuit of our vision.
• Care about our people: We deeply care about each other and all who support our shared mission. We listen with respect and support one another.

We are a nonprofit, donor-supported organization that has raised and invested billions of dollars to help develop cystic fibrosis therapies that have changed the lives of people with this disease. Nearly every CF medicine available today was made possible because of Foundation support.

Position Summary

The State Policy Specialist will support the Foundation’s efforts to ensure all people living with CF have access to the health care and coverage they need to stay healthy. Specifically, the Specialist will help develop and execute the CF Foundation’s public policy strategy in states, which requires analyzing legislation and regulations, developing the Foundation’s policy positions, and engaging with state decision-makers and stakeholders to advance the Foundation’s agenda. The Specialist will also partner with clinicians and CF Foundation case managers to help address access issues and clinically inappropriate coverage criteria in Medicaid and other publicly funded programs. This is a hybrid role based in Bethesda, MD, and requires 2 days per week in the Bethesda office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze the coverage and access landscape, including but not limited to state legislative and regulatory activity, and develop recommendations as necessary.
• Identify opportunities for and execute engagement with state legislators, agency officials, and CF experts.
• Prepare position papers and correspondence to internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze and resolve access issues and/or inappropriate coverage policies, including reviewing and interpreting drug formularies, health insurance plan documents, and Medicaid and state regulations. Coordinate work across teams and develop evidence-based responses, including letters, meetings, and talking points.
• Manage relationships, including with CF providers and coalition partners. Liaise with external consultants/lobbyists in assigned priority states.
• Assist in grassroots advocacy events, including but not limited to State Advocacy Days. This includes developing a policy agenda, coordinating with local consultants, and providing event support as needed.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on a variety of coverage and access topics.
• Attend legislative hearings, briefings, and meetings of coalitions as needed.
• Manage and execute special projects.
• Other duties as they apply.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• BA in a relevant field.
• Minimum of four years’ experience working in health care policy.
• Previous experience in monitoring and analyzing public policy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative, political, and regulatory processes and the health coverage landscape.
• Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to explain complex policy topics for non-experts.
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate and strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented.
• Some travel may be required.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Senior Manager, State Policy. No direct reports.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, and temperature. No heavy lifting required. Some travel may be required.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

Application Information

This position will be posted for a minimum of 5 days or until filled. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply promptly if interested.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $67,500.00 to $84,400.00, varying based on geographic location and commensurate with experience.

Total Rewards: The CF Foundation is committed to offering competitive compensation (base pay and incentive), benefits, and professional development opportunities that maximize our ability to recruit, retain, reward, and motivate a highly qualified and diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a holistic well-being program; health savings and flexible spending accounts; employer-provided life and disability insurance; retirement savings benefits; and a variety of work-life benefits to support employees and their family members. Full-time employees receive 20 days of vacation, 10 sick days per year (prorated based on hire date), 14 paid holidays, 2 personal days, and a variety of generous leave benefits.

Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodations

The CF Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer committed to being a great and inclusive place to work. We strive to recruit and maintain a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, physical or mental disability, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or testing, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable Accommodations: The CF Foundation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or would like to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected].

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