Assistant Director, Congressional Relations

Do you want to join a mission-driven organization that makes a difference in the U.S. healthcare landscape? Are you looking to take the next step and advance your career in the legislative affairs world?

ASTRO is the premier radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 10,000 members who are physicians, nurses, biologists, physicists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists and other health care professionals who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. These medical professionals make up the radiation therapy treatment teams that are critical in the fight against cancer. Together, these teams treat more than one million cancer patients each year.

Reporting directly to the VP, Advocacy, the Assistant Director of Congressional Relations leads ASTRO’s efforts to educate members of Congress, their staffs and federal agency officials about ASTRO/radiation oncology issues; designs ways to drive active participation by ASTRO members at the grassroots level in the legislative and regulatory processes; directs the activities of ASTRO’s Political Action Committee (ASTRO PAC); participates in ASTRO member education and support activities;

oversees compliance with federal lobbying requirements, and leads efforts to 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 telework up to 3x/week after an initial training period.

Lobby legislative and executive branch officials.

• Educate and influence members of Congress, their staffs, key committee staff and federal agency officials to advance ASTRO and its legislative priorities, including reimbursement, coverage and research issues.
• Develop and maintain Congressional champions.
• Produce effective legislative briefing materials, letters and presentations.
• Attend and influence relevant hearings and markups.
• Participate and lead coalition meetings representing a spectrum of interests: patient groups, scientific researchers, physicians, medical specialty associations, manufacturers, providers, insurers, and external stakeholders representing ASTRO members and the radiation oncology specialty.
• Provide analysis of legislative/regulatory proposals and their impact on radiation oncology.
• Collaborate with ASTRO advocacy staff and subject matter experts on issues that support successful radiation oncology practices.

• Lead the development and execution of annual Fly-In/Lobby Day for ASTRO members.
• Create and disseminate grassroots alerts on critical legislative/regulatory proposals; develop strategies for increased member engagement
• Work with ASTRO members to organize meetings with members of Congress in their state/district

• Lead the development and execution of ASTRO PAC strategic plan, including fundraising and distribution approaches; develop strategies to grow ASTRO PAC.
• Work with Communications department to create and maintain marketing materials.
• Host and attend fundraising events for members of Congress.

• Provide staff support for Government Relations Committee and Congressional Relations Subcommittee, which makes recommendations on ASTRO-supported legislation.
• Respond to member inquiries regarding legislative/regulatory proposals, questions around volunteer activities, and action around advocacy engagement.
• Maintain and provide written and oral content for ASTRO’s website, internal communications, Board of Directors meetings, ASTRO publications and additional updates related to government relations activities.