Congressional Lobbyist (Hybrid Work Schedule)

Do you want to join a mission-driven organization that makes a difference in the U.S. healthcare landscape?

The Congressional Relations Lobbyist will educate members of Congress, their staffs and federal agency officials about ASTRO/radiation oncology issues; design ways to drive active participation by ASTRO members at the grassroots level in the legislative and regulatory processes; participate in the activities of ASTRO’s Political Action Committee (ASTRO PAC); support ASTRO member political and policy engagement; ensure compliance with federal lobbying requirements, and help achieve the federal policy goals and objectives of the Government Relations Department as defined by ASTRO’s Board of Directors, Government Relations Committee and Subcommittees, CEO, and Vice President of Advocacy.

NOTE: ASTRO offers a Hybrid Work environment. The position is based in Arlington, VA at ASTRO’s headquarters and eligible for immediate telework up to 3x/week.

Primary job responsibilities will include the following:

Lobby legislative and executive branch officials.

• Influence members of Congress, their staffs, key committee staff and federal agency officials to educate them about ASTRO and its legislative priorities
• Develop effective legislative briefing materials and letters.
• Attend and influence relevant hearings.
• Participate in coalition meetings.
• Provide analysis of legislative/regulatory proposals and their impact on radiation oncology
• Collaborate with ASTRO health policy department to advance ASTRO’s advocacy agenda.
• Work closely with ASTRO’s external lobbying consultants
• Partner with ASTRO’s strategic communications team to utilize media to influence policymakers

Grassroots Engagement

• Assist with the development and execution of annual Fly-In/Lobby Day for ASTRO members.
• Engage ASTRO members to build a culture of grassroots advocacy.
• Utilize ASTRO Action Alerts that notify members that their response is needed to a critical legislative/regulatory proposal.
• Work with ASTRO members to organize meetings with members of Congress in their state/district

ASTRO PAC

• Develop and execute ASTRO PAC strategic plan
• Grow ASTRO PAC fundraising through creative and persuasive fundraising.
• Disburse ASTRO PAC funds in a strategic manner, including hosting and attending fundraising events for members of Congress.
• Help oversee compliance reporting.

Member Support/Services

• Provide staff support for Government Relations Committee and Congressional Relations Subcommittee.
• Respond to member inquiries regarding legislative/regulatory proposals.
• Draft and produce written and oral content for ASTRO’s web site, Board of Directors meetings, ASTRO publications and additional news updates related to congressional relations activities.

Qualified candidates will have:

Education/Experience

• Four-year college degree in a related discipline
• Two or more years of experience in a related role working for a member of Congress, federal agency or professional/trade association.
• Recent experience participating in policy development and lobbying on various aspects of health care payment reform and value-based payment, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills to interact effectively with contacts inside and outside the association, particularly with policymakers and volunteer physicians. Listens effectively and clarifies as needed; able to present complex technical issues and strategic options; and is viewed as an expert resource.
• Knowledge of Legislative and Executive branch operations, activities and personnel.
• A proven ability to work independently (exhibiting leadership qualities) and to develop strong work internal relationships and collaborate in a team setting as well.
• Results oriented with the ability to work at a fast pace, determine priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Experience in healthcare policy or scientific/medical field.
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in processing and analyzing intricate regulatory guidelines, legislation and laws.
• Superior interpersonal skills that demonstrate understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, cooperation, concern, and politeness to others; ability to relate well to different people from varied backgrounds and different situations, e.g., internal staff, volunteers, physicians, and other external entities.
• Organization and planning with the ability to organize and/or schedule people or tasks; develop realistic action plans while being sensitive to time constraints and resource availability and meet critical deadlines.

Working Conditions

Open cubicle general office environment in Arlington, VA (Crystal City) with telecommuting opportunities. Minimum travel outside of DC area required approximately 5-10% of the time.

ASTRO offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package which includes:

• Flexible work arrangements including telework up to 3 days/week
• After 1 year of employment, you are eligible for one month of “work from anywhere” per year; after 10 years, you are eligible for fully paid 1 month sabbatical leave
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, majority company paid
• 401K with immediate company contribution
• 23 days of Paid Time Off annually
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Student loan repayment assistance + tuition reimbursement
• Employer paid short and long term disability insurance and more

Please see our website www.astro.org for more information about ASTRO.

To apply, submit cover letter, salary requirements and resume by clicking:

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=f5688abd-7893-4349-9948-f60b3bdf7a5d&ccId=1201151451_8078&type=MP&lang=en_US

ASTRO is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. ASTRO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. To learn more about ASTRO’s many DEI initiatives, visit: https://www.astro.org/About-ASTRO/diversity-and-inclusion.