Specialist, Political & External Affairs
- Salary
- $60.6K–$73.6KUSD per year
- Hiring from
- United States
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Posted
- Oct 3, 2026
Salary Range: $60,589.00 To $73,573.00 Annually The American Academy of Dermatology is seeking a Specialist, Political & External Affairs located in our Washington, DC. office responsible for providing project coordination for the Advocacy and Policy department political and external affairs; provide public policy engagement, research, and analytic support. Support day-to-day operations of AADA’s political action committee (SkinPAC). Assists with grassroots advocacy programs. Collects, compiles, assembles and distributes materials for committee meetings. Works closely with our sister societies, state societies and various patient and disease coalitions. About Us: The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 21,000 members worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. To learn more about the Academy please visit our website at www.aad.org , or follow us on these social media outlets: Facebook ( www.facebook.com/aadskin ) TikTok ( www.tiktok.com/@AADskin ) Pinterest ( www.pinterest.com/AADskin ) Instagram ( www.instagram.com/aadskin1 ) Responsibilities: Coordinate projects including maintaining member databases and spreadsheets, identifying and planning critical tasks, preparing project timelines, and monitoring progress of projects. Work with staff to coordinate council, committee and staff meeting logistics and agenda materials for Councils, Committees, and Task Forces as needed. Coordinate all projects related to our coalition partners. Including coordinating meetings and conference calls, drafting correspondence, preparing agendas and summation reports, and other duties as needed. Maintain SkinPAC database, website and fundraising tools. Manage disbursement requests and coordinate participation in political events. Work with Advocacy & Policy staff to keep grassroots database current and disseminate advocacy alerts. Monitor, track, research and analyze information on patient and member coalition relevant to dermatology. Coordinate and compile background research, data collection, and analysis on health care policy issues as needed. Assist with report writing as needed. Composes and prepares draft correspondence, reports and presentation materials for committee meetings. Research & respond to inquiries and requests from Academy members and the general public via email and phone. Use judgment to determine those that require priority attention. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Experience working with database management software. Minimum two years’ experience, working or interning on Capitol Hill, on a campaign, for a law firm or in an association, providing project coordination, member management, and/or event planning. Association experience preferred. A strong desire to learn on the job about direct advocacy and practical politics. Interest in the healthcare field and medical advocacy. Collaboration – Establishes and maintains effective work relationships, works cooperatively in group situations. Offers assistance and support to coworkers. Communication – Apply effective verbal, nonverbal, and written communication methods to achieve desired results. Respond intelligently to standard business correspondence. Demonstrate sufficient business vocabulary to communicate effectively. Decision Making – Able to exercise discretion and independent judgment to understand issues, identify problems and opportunities to determine the appropriate course of action. Demonstrate sound decision-making skills with an increasing number of alternatives to be reviewed by management. Dependability – Able to follow through on assignments and instructions in a reliable, trustworthy and timely manner. Responds productively to requests for service and assistance. Goal Implementation – Ensure goals are converted into actions; obtain results despite conflicting priorities, lack of resources, or ambiguity. Integrity – Demonstrate personal integrity in all interactions. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Organization – Able to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks and timelines. Monitor the progress of tasks and projects. We offer a competitive compensation plan and benefits package including medical/dental/vision/life insurance as well as a matching retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, bonus program, pension plan, paid vacation/medical/personal days, work-life balance, recognition program and casual work environment. More information about our compensation and benefits can be reviewed on the detailed job ad on our website. The Academy offers a hybrid work environment; providing time in the office for in-person collaboration and the opportunity to work remotely for focus time. We are building a workplace where our employees are excited to come to work every day because of the culture that we are creating together — one of respect, transparency, and collaboration. A workplace in which we demonstrate care and commitment, celebration, community, and focused learning that contributes to the mission of advancing excellence in dermatologic care. For immediate consideration please apply online at www.aad.org , scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the Employment link. EOE M/F/D/V