Associate Director - State Policy and Advocacy

The Associate Director of State Policy and Advocacy, supports the Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy and AKF’s Office of Government Affairs in the development and implementation of state-level public policy efforts across the United States. Reporting to the Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy, this role covers legislation and regulation in the kidney disease and related health care space across the United States.

The Associate Director of State Policy and Advocacy, advances state legislation and regulations to support and improve policies for kidney disease patients and organ donors, while working to combat legislation that threatens care and access for people with kidney disease. This position works closely with colleagues across the Office of Government Affairs and the AKF Advocacy Network to translate complex health policy issues into effective advocacy that advances AKF’s mission to fight kidney disease and help people live healthier lives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

State Government Advocacy – (50%)
This functional area encompasses direct engagement with state lawmakers, agencies, and stakeholders to promote AKF’s state public policy agenda and advance kidney disease policy priorities.

• Develop working bipartisan relationships with state lawmakers, state agencies, stakeholders, and advocates, including key healthcare policymakers, patient advocacy organizations, state insurance commissioners, and other state agencies overseeing health care programs.
• Communicate AKF positions strongly and effectively on issues such as charitable premium assistance, transplant and living kidney donors, Medigap, and other issues of importance to AKF and people with kidney disease.
• Monitor activity in state legislatures and state agencies in the region regarding issues affecting people with CKD and ESRD; assist the Senior Director in efforts to combat legislation that threatens care and access for kidney disease patients. Track ongoing and potential threats to our constituents utilizing state legislative tracking software and record all interactions with legislators and regulators.
• Collaborate independently with colleagues in the Office of Government Affairs and across the organization to develop grassroots action plans that strategically engage AKF patient-advocates to achieve desired state policy outcomes.

Organizational Support & External Representation (45%)
This functional area covers external representation at state policy conferences, production of advocacy materials, and cross-departmental collaboration to support AKF’s state advocacy efforts.

• Represent AKF at key state policy conferences, including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), the Council of State Governments (CSG), and the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL).
• Write and send comment letters on behalf of AKF related to state legislation and regulatory activity.
• Communicate effectively and work closely with colleagues in the AKF Office of Government Affairs, other AKF departments, and the AKF Advocacy Network.
• Support significant out-of-town travel as required (approximately 40% of position).

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Additional responsibilities as determined by the Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy or organizational leadership.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in Political Science or in a related field.
• 4–5 years of experience in a similar role with advocacy and state health policy development experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills; strong online research skills.
• Proficient project management skills; well-organized and detail-oriented with excellent proofreading skills; strategic thinker and proactive problem solver able to work independently and within a team framework.
• Ability to proactively track and coordinate multiple projects and complete work in a timely manner, and communicate across teams the work, its importance, and coordinate cross team collaboration as required.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with a high level of integrity and demonstrated flexibility.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to lift 20 lbs; ability to work weekends or evenings as required.

Preferred

• Specific knowledge of End-Stage Renal Disease, patient access and health insurance issues at the state level.
• Established relationships with state legislative or agency staff.
• Experience with Quorum or similar legislative tracking platforms.
• Demonstrated professional experience working in or supporting public policy, advocacy, government relations, or related initiatives.

COMPETENCIES

• State Legislative and Regulatory Knowledge
• Written and Verbal Communication
• Stakeholder and Relationship Engagement
• Grassroots Advocacy Coordination
• Independent Initiative and Self-Direction
• Project Management and Tracking
• Adaptability and Problem Solving
• Mission-Driven and Patient-Centered Focus

The salary range displayed is for a successful candidate hired in the DMV area. The salary range may be adjusted to reflect cost of living factors for candidates living outside of this location.

Employee benefits:

In addition to your competitive salary, paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal days; health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance and disability coverages; and a generous matching 403(b) retirement plan, we’ll shower you with perks, including:

• Culture: We ensure our team knows how much they are valued, as demonstrated by our Quality Work Environment (QWE) Task Force and employee-led recognition and social events throughout the year.
• Compressed work week: Start the weekend early with shorter workdays on Fridays—closing at 3 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day and 2 p.m. in the summer.
• Flexibility: Employees work from home most of the time with 1-4 days a month in the office.
• Clear expectations: You’ll know what you need to do to succeed; annual raises and bonuses for all employees are based on your performance.
• Location: Convenient location and a short walk to the popular Pike and Rose shopping center
• Parking: Arrive and leave work comfortably, thanks to an underground parking garage whose cost is paid for by AKF. Metro subsidies are provided for those who do not drive.
• Dress code: Business casual through the week and casual on Fridays.

AKF offers a hybrid work schedule with employees working in the office 1-4 days per month and telework the rest of the time. This position also requires approximately 40% travel.