Position Summary:

The International Hearing Society (IHS), a professional membership association based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, is seeking DC-based, full-time Director of Health Policy and Advocacy to lead this very important function of the organization. IHS represents hearing aid professionals, who are health care providers and many, small business owners.

If you are looking for a great team; to be part of a growing organization; love thinking big but can also be comfortable in the weeds of day to day program administration; align with the core values of service, learning, integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and engagement; and check the right boxes in terms of needed experience and skills, this may be the job for you!

The right candidate will have well-rounded experience touching all aspects of advocacy, including federal and state legislative and regulatory experience, policy formation and research, payment and compliance-related issues, grassroots, fundraising, and committee management. Experience with Canadian policy/advocacy is a plus as IHS also supports its Canadian chapters and members in the governmental arena.

The Director is a highly-visible representative of the organization and profession, and must be skilled in managing complex relationships, and representing IHS before federal policymakers and agencies, coalition and industry partners, volunteer leaders, chapter leaders, and current and prospective members. They must be nimble in responding to the needs and requests of the role, which can vary from high-level strategy development and lobbying, to getting into the weeds of administering fundraising campaigns and recognition, to reviewing bill language and drafting legislative testimony, to supporting our Managed Care and Compliance Committee projects and meetings, to updating the advocacy portion of the website, to traveling to chapter meetings to speak and exhibit.

The Director of Health Policy and Advocacy will operate remotely, be based in the Washington, DC area, and have his/her own home office, but also be willing/able to travel approximately 6-8 times per year to convention, chapter events, headquarters, and other meetings, as needed.

Position Responsibilities:

Provide leadership and management of IHS’ federal, state, and provincial advocacy efforts and campaigns in the legislative and regulatory arenas; develop and implement IHS’ public policy goals and strategy; and position IHS and our agenda strategically and powerfully in Washington, DC, with policymakers and influencers.
Develop and disseminate materials regarding legislative and regulatory developments to national partners, policy makers, and members - ensuring the involvement of the Executive Director and organizational leaders whenever necessary, with a focus on integrating data and research; and taking other steps necessary to develop and advance IHS’ advocacy priorities.
Lead the organization's managed care, payment, and compliance portfolio, working with member volunteers to develop new tools and guidance, liaise with payers, and support members with questions and needs related to billing and coding, managed care, compliance, and related issues.
Liaise with other hearing healthcare organizations, federal workgroups, research organizations; participate in collations and federal workgroups; and work with state/provincial chapters/members to achieve shared goals and ensure hearing aid professionals are well-represented in activities related to hearing healthcare services.
Be skilled at developing and executing strong advocacy strategies and campaigns
Supervise and support one government affairs team member.
Lead IHS’ advocacy fundraising efforts, including developing an annual fundraising plan, soliciting donations, cultivating high-value donors, overseeing the execution of the annual silent auction, and conducting donor appreciation activities, utilizing Government Affairs staff as appropriate/needed.
Support two committees, including working with chairs to conduct in-person and virtual meetings and help advance committee projects.
Oversee the development and dissemination of departmental e-newsletters, and contribute content for the quarterly magazine, IHS e-newsletter, and other member communications.
Develop and oversee alignment with departmental budget, and manage contracts and make recommendations for new/changes to software, systems, etc. that support the functioning of government affairs and advocacy work processes.
Serve as a member of IHS’ Department Lead team, collaborating with other staff leads to advance IHS goals and objectives and find synergies.
Manage contracts, lobbying compliance activities, and lobbyists.
Support Executive Director in functions related to the annual convention and governing board as directed.
Other functions/duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

A minimum of ten years of professional experience in a similar role in an association; and a minimum of three years of management-level experience.
Exceptional advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and leadership skills; demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with other staff and other organizations; demonstrated ability to work with groups and individuals across the political spectrum.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral; experience as a public spokesperson and advocate; ability to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences; a “quick study” on a dynamic array of issues.
Extensive knowledge of legislative and administrative processes; and experience analyzing and interpreting legislative and regulatory language.
A broad understanding of federal and state policies/issues that pertain to healthcare issues. Experience with veterans issues/VA and DOL a plus.
Experience working with CMS, payer advocacy, coding and billing, managed care and compliance.
Experienced at effectively supervising and developing staff.
Ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment is essential, to manage several projects simultaneously, and to adjust to frequently changing demands.
High energy, positive attitude, team oriented, and possess effective interpersonal skills and sound judgement. Must also be self-motivated with strong organizational, time-management, multi-tasking, planning and follow up skills; strong analytical and attention to detail skills; strong written and verbal communication skills; and write clearly and concisely using correct grammar and spelling.
Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, or related field required.
Experience with Fiscal Note, VoterVoice, iMIS, is a plus.
Ability to travel as needed.

International Hearing Society

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Director of Health Policy and Advocacy