ACI Alliance Executive Director

Position Overview

American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACI Alliance) seeks a skilled healthcare advocate with deep knowledge of governmental affairs to serve as its next Executive Director (E.D.). In partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads ACI Alliance’s efforts to fulfill its mission “to advance access to the gift of hearing provided by cochlear implantation through research, advocacy and awareness.”

ACI Alliance is a membership association of nearly 3,000 cochlear implant (CI) clinicians, educators, scientists, speech language pathologists, advocates, parents and consumers. The Alliance’s robust advocacy program with over 200 State Champions carries out initiatives at the state and national levels. Its annual Conference on Cochlear Implants convenes more than 1,000 attendees to share and learn. The ACI Alliance stimulates and supports research in the field, and its website serves as the leading non-commercial source of information on cochlear implants.

The Executive Director serves as chief executive under the direction of the Board of Directors and oversees all aspects of ACI Alliance strategy and operations. The E.D. is responsible for management and support of staff, volunteers, and contractors; participation in collaborations and partnerships; membership engagement and expansion; advocacy and awareness-building; conference and event planning; financial management and fundraising; and legal compliance.

Ideal candidates will bring a background in healthcare-related governmental affairs/advocacy, experience in association or nonprofit management, stellar communications skills, and a propensity for collaborating with individuals and organizations in mission-driven initiatives.

• In collaboration with the Advocacy Director and contracted lobbyist, devise and lead ACI Alliance’s advocacy efforts with deep engagement of members and allies in priority policies, regulations and issues.
• Support 200+ State Champions and work to expand the program.
• Collaborate with allied organizations to advance advocacy priorities.
• Organize in-person and virtual meetings between advocates and elected or appointed officials.
• Earn credibility and ensure regular communication with elected and appointed officials to advance strategic priorities.
• Facilitate the creation of issue papers, infographics and other position-informing resources.

• Serve as the public face of the organization, representing ACI Alliance at events and speaking engagements, to media outlets, and with decision-makers.
• Ensure ACI Alliance serves as the premier source of research-based information to support increased access to cochlear implantation and that publicly available resources (Wikipedia, others) contain accurate and up-to-date content.
• Monitor emerging topics that impact CI access and awareness, and make position statements as appropriate.
• With support of a meeting planning firm, coordinate with ACI Alliance Conference Committee to oversee the design and management of conferences and events.
• Seek out opportunities for State Champions and allies to speak at state and national meetings and conferences.
• Oversee ACI Alliance digital and print communications, including media relations, website curation, social media, publications, email newsletters, podcasts, and other tactics.

• Coordinate ACI Alliance’s input, guidance and support of clinical research studies pertinent to cochlear implantation, as determined.
• Support the presentation, publication and dissemination of research findings and recommendations important to the field.
• As necessary and appropriate, encourage and support information collection and reporting from CI clinicians and other professionals to track outcomes, barriers and other data that is critical to research in the field.

• Provide leadership in developing and implementing Board-adopted strategic plans.
• Execute comprehensive annual work plans towards strategic goal achievement.
• Grow Alliance membership and engage constituencies in the organization’s work.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with sponsors, donors, allied…