The Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service (COA) is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit membership organization that exists to protect and enhance the public health and safety of the United States by supporting and advancing the interests of the Commissioned Corps and its officers. COA is the only organization working exclusively on behalf of U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers.
The Director of Government Relations serves under the supervision of the Executive Director to support initiatives for both COA and the PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation (COF) for the Advancement of Public Health. The Director works with the Legislative Affairs Committee, legislative consultants, and the Executive Director to develop and execute strategies and policies related to the Association’s mission to influence federal and state legislative and executive branch initiatives. The Director oversees the content and production of the member newsletter Frontline and assists with aspects of the annual USPHS Scientific & Training Symposium. Travel to meetings in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and to on-site conferences and meetings is required. This is a remote position but residing in the D.C. metropolitan area (DMV) is required. There is an option to use a physical workspace in Hyattsville, Maryland.
Specific duties for COA
Works closely with the Executive Director (ED) to:
Government Relations and Advocacy:
- Manage the Association’s public policy efforts, including monitoring relevant issues, conducting research on targeted issues, and writing official documents and other communications. Monitor, research, analyze, and disseminate relevant information on legislation and regulations affecting the Commissioned Corps through the Frontline newsletter, website updates, and social media.
- Develop and execute the Association’s annual federal legislative and policy agenda, in coordination with the Legislative Affairs Committee, Board of Directors, and consultants; develop and implement strategies to achieve this agenda.
- Influence legislative and administrative actions favorable to the USPHS Commissioned Corps. Develop and maintain relationships with key congressional staffers, committees, agencies of the federal government and other groups involved in matters concerning legislation, personnel regulations, etc., related to the Commissioned Corps.
- Represent the Association in person, virtually, and in writing to federal government officials, federal agencies, regulatory bodies, corporate/industry public partners, and allied organizations to advance Association’s legislative and policy agenda.
- Oversee the preparation of federal legislative fact sheets, issue briefs, testimony, proposals, letters, and memos.
- Work with staff and the Communications/Public Relations Committee in preparing social media updates (posts) concerning legislative and public policy matters.
- Serve as the staff liaison to the Legislative Affairs Committee. Assist as needed with the coordination of meetings, documentation, and action items.
- Coordinate legislative initiatives with Congress and the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) and the Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH).
- Track bills and legislative proposals which are or may be of significance to the Association and USPHS Commissioned Corps officers; report developments to the Legislative Affairs Committee and membership as appropriate.
- Educate Congress about the role and impact of the Commissioned Corps and the importance of public health.
- Draft, edit and disseminate reports, position papers, testimony, and other materials addressing key public policy issues. Prepare letters and statements of the position of the Association regarding proposed legislation, regulations, personnel policies, etc., consistent with the policies established by the Board.
- Monitor and track the policy and legislative initiatives of similar non-profit organizations through participation in various coalitions such as the Military Coalition (TMC), the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC), and others. Attend meetings and planning sessions for other organizations to include TMC, NCC, Veterans Day National Committee (VDNC), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Communicators.
Membership and Communications
- Write and edit news releases and articles for publication. Develop and maintain relations with members of the media and other associations.
- Gather, compile and oversee content and layout and editing of the monthly newsletter Frontline.
- Facilitate communication and networking among COA members.
- Perform casework for issues on behalf of COA members and provide follow-up.
- Assist ED and Membership Coordinator in identifying/defining and marketing new member services. This includes research of services as well as developing marketing plan for services.
- Assist with membership recruitment and retention programs, to achieve membership goals.
- Attend Officer Basic Course (OBC), USPHS’ Officer Candidate School equivalent, monthly to recruit new officers to become COA members.
- Assist in performing website updates as needed.
Board of Directors
- Attend all meetings of the Board of Directors unless otherwise directed by the ED. Prepare read-ahead materials needed to support government relations, advocacy, and membership. Review and edit meeting minutes.
- Work with Committee Chairs as needed in the execution of their responsibilities.
- Participate in the strategic planning activities of the Association.
Specific duties for COF
Works closely with the Executive Director (ED) to:
Development
- Assist the Development Coordinator and Chief Financial Officer to develop and execute the annual COF solicitation campaign if needed.
- Assist with creation of the annual report.
Annual Symposium
- Assist with planning, development, and revenue generation for the annual meeting in coordination with conference planners and committee members.
- Provide on-site support as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
· Minimum of bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years’ experience in public policy or legislative affairs. Master’s degree a plus.
· Demonstrated skill working with legislators and/or Capitol Hill.
· Experience working with veterans, the Armed Forces, or military/veteran focused Veteran Service Organizations or Military Service Organizations.
· Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and through public speaking.
· Demonstrated computer skills required using Microsoft Office 365 applications.
· Ability to attend and schedule meetings virtually using videoconferencing technology such as Zoom, WebEx, GoToMeeting, and Microsoft Teams.
· Working knowledge of common social media networking sites (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.).
· Working knowledge or ability to learn basic web development and editing skills using WordPress, iMIS, etc.
· Ability to facilitate relationships and work successfully with other organizational units to achieve organizational objectives.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and stay highly organized; influence others; work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
· Demonstrated skill working with members through committee work.
· Demonstrated ability and versatility to work both independently as well as with a team environment; be a self-directed problem solver.
· Demonstrated strategic thinking ability.
· The ability to work in a teleworking environment using videoconferencing, email, chat, and the telephone to interact with staff members, Association members, and coalition partners.
LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS
Serves as a knowledgeable resource for new and current staff. Promotes a positive work environment for all staff and effectively collaborates with staff and members of the Association.
COA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to age, disability, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
