Director of Policy

Director of Policy Description

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing. AACN works to establish quality standards for nursing education, assist schools in implementing those standards, influence the nursing profession to improve health care, and promote public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice.

Responsible for supporting and further developing AACN's policy presence by developing and maximizing policy resources, responding to federal agency proposed rules, federal register notices, and nomination opportunities, and building relationships with federal agencies and non-government organizations.

• Conduct analysis on critical issues relevant to academic nursing, prepare and implement mechanisms to share analysis (e.g., dashboards, fact sheets, policy briefs, tool kits) in accessible formats to AACN membership, academic practice partners, congressional and administrative offices, federal agencies, and any other community partners.
• Monitor the Federal Register, provide regulatory analysis for the association, and prepare comments to federal register notices and other proposed policy and/or regulatory initiatives. Respond to requests from federal agencies and provide support in curating information. Additionally, review government agency information for updates of interest to the department's federal policy agenda, nomination opportunities, and other policy efforts that align with new and ongoing AACN initiatives.
• Prepare strategic communications and messaging to amplify AACN's voice for key health and higher education policy discussions at the federal level.
• Promote the influence, visibility, and impact of academic nursing to key partners within the federal government, serve as a liaison with the administration and facilitate the participation of academic nursing leaders in the federal government.
• Serve as staff liaison to AACN policy committee, including providing strategic, operational, and administrative support.
• Work closely with Chief Government Affairs and Policy Officer to coordinate legislative and regulatory priorities, issue areas to monitor, and share relevant information to ensure department efficiency and agility.
• Identify grant funding opportunities, write proposals for funding in response to various grant opportunities, and serve as the principal investigator on funded grants.
• Translate academic research into policy briefs that inform federal policymakers as well as health care and academic leaders.
• Analyze and utilize existing data sources to recommend changes in federal policy, comments, or current laws that would be effective in addressing issues in academic nursing.

Prepare position papers on key policy issues and develop policy recommendations.

• Conduct policy scans that analyze/synthesize information for consumption by the broader nursing, higher education, research, and healthcare communities.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of conferences, policy speakers, summits, and other stakeholder events and prepare any relevant materials for these events.
• Prepare and present to various audiences on AACN's policy portfolio.

• Masters degree or higher preferred; additional professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• At least 10 years of policy analysis, research, and evaluation experience, preferably in an association or policy-related environment.
• Strong, proactive project management skills with experience managing and coordinating research projects, policy analysis, and federal comments.
• Exceptional written and editorial skills, including the ability to synthesize and translate complex policy priorities into clear and concise communications.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, flexible and collaborative, with good interpersonal and communication skills, and able to work in a collaborative team-based environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage and complete multiple priorities, while providing clear and effective communication with the team.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders and strong analytical and research skills.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, data analytic software, Outlook, and specialized software programs as necessary.
• Moderate travel may be required for this position.

$130,000 - $160,000