This position listing has now closed. Thank you for your interest and to all who applied.

Deputy Director of Policy and AdvocacyACU Logo

LOCATION Washington, D.C.
TRAVEL: Moderate

The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) is adding a new Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy to our team! ACU is a fast-growing organization filled with mission-driven people committed to improving the health of America’s underserved populations and supporting the clinicians serving these populations. We’re looking for someone equally committed to that cause who can help support policy and advocacy initiatives to expand ACU’s strategic visibility and inclusive community of organizations, clinicians, students, and advocates. The Deputy Director will be expected to have experience on Capitol Hill and have the skills and relationships to be a key leader of the government affairs and advocacy function of the organization.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proficient in time management, and possesses excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. This role requires experience with government and regulatory agencies, political affairs, public policy, grassroots advocacy, management, and industry affairs. This position will report to ACU’s Executive Director. ACU’s offices are located in Washington, D.C. – candidates must be located in the DC Metro area.

Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy Duties and Responsibilities

  • Participate in defining the strategic direction of the organization’s policy and advocacy objectives and the investments necessary to achieve those objectives.
  • Assist in leading advocacy initiatives to achieve high impact Organization-approved goals.
  • Carry out tasks to develop, grow and maintain an influential position for the organization impacting federal public policy initiatives.
  • Assist in the development strategic direction and execution of tactics to advance ACU priorities and federal policy agenda.
  • Assist in consensus-building and coalition development among external Allies both .
  • Work collectively and on an individual basis to develop strategies and related workplans to achieve ACU’s policy and advocacy goals and priorities.
  • Assist with the creation/implementation of an influential stakeholder and grassroots outreach program to support organization advocacy initiatives.
  • Draft and disseminate policy positions, talking points, factsheets and supporting collateral needed to execute ACUs policy and advocacy agenda.
  • Represent ACU on key coalitions poised to impact and drive the organization’s policy objectives.
  • Develop working relationship with key leaders and policy makers, including but not limited to elected and appointed legislative and congressional staff; administrative and regulatory officials and staff, and other leaders in the federal executive and legislative branches, with a key focus on those with jurisdictional influence over health care funding, coverage, access and workforce.
  • Track, analyze and regularly report on relevant federal legislation to organization leadership.
  • Draft and disseminate regular policy/advocacy communications for organization newsletters, blog and social media.
  • Engage, manage and activate grassroots advocate network to support and advance ACU policy priorities.
  • Proactively seek opportunities to provide membership value.
  • Assist Executive Director with preparation of presentations to the Board, Allies and other relevant stakeholders to build consensus.

Qualifications for the Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy

  • 5 to 7 years of successful leadership experience leading and managing advocacy and public policy teams in a corporate, association, and/or Capitol Hill/Administration setting.
  • Leadership experience, the ability to motivate others to advance goals, and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects or roles in a rapidly evolving environment.
  • Exposure to a political strategist, working closely with executive and legislative bodies, agencies, and departments at the state and federal level.
  • Ability to work with members in the development of policy positions with the goal of producing aligned agendas that further ACU’s priorities; demonstrated skills in leading consensus-building processes.
  • The ability to balance multiple, sometimes conflicting priorities to achieve a positive outcome.
  • Understanding of legislative processes and regulatory programs that impact ACU and its Ally organizations.
  • Ability to navigate high-impact and complex situations.
  • An eagerness to execute a hands-on approach to build credibility, relationships, and knowledge.
  • Outstanding personal communicator with the stature and presence to represent the organization at industry forums and events, legislative arenas with stakeholders, partners, and other trade associations.
  • The ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts and programs into concise and credible messages at the highest levels of government and business.
  • Professional presence and strong verbal, written and public speaking and presentation skills, for both internal and external audiences.
  • A collaborative style, interactive with the courage and conviction to challenge and defend ideas and strategies; ability to offer creative pathways or alternative solutions both internally and externally.
  • Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
  • Connection to and experience working with or for underserved populations.
  • Experience working with HRSA, BPHC, BHW and the Health Center Program strongly preferred.

ACU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability in its programs or activities. As an Employer of National Service, ACU recognizes the unique skills of national service alumni. Accordingly, AmeriCorps alumni, returned Peace Corps volunteers and other national service participants are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

  • This position listing has now closed. Please contact Abby Miller Starling, Director of Finance & Human Relations, with any questions regarding this position.

Benefits:

  • Three weeks of vacation leave each year (accrued by pay period)
  • Two weeks of medical leave each year (accrued by pay period) plus 4 mental health days
  • Health, dental and vision insurance coverage (80% individual & 50% family paid by ACU)
  • Long‐Term Disability Insurance
  • Short Term Disability Insurance
  • Company-sponsored life insurance plan
  • Access to ACU’s 403(b) retirement plan
  • Laptop computer
  • Cell phone