Public Policy Manager

AiArthritis is Expanding! How Can YOU Be Part of It?



Job Title:  Public Policy Manager (Global Nonprofit)

Location: Washington Metro Region (DC, VA, and MD) - Local Candidates Only

Salary: $70,000 + based on experience

Company Overview:

We are leaders in advancing education, advocacy, and research for those impacted by autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis (AiArthritis) diseases through peer-led guidance, collaboration, and resources that are driven by patient-identified issues and patient-infused solutions. 

The work we do is vital to helping expedite detection and diagnosis, improving communication and disease management, increasing access to care, and championing research that tailors to the individualized needs of each person.

Examples of AiArthritis diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, crohn's disease, and all juvenile versions of arthritis.

Job Summary:

Our Public Policy Manager will build out and maintain our advocacy program, including federal efforts and a new grassroots program - developing volunteers to lead our program at the state level. This person will represent AiArthritis as a policy expert during meetings, events, and speaking opportunities. They will also maintain a leadership role in our new Coalition, which focuses on affordability reviews at the federal (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and state (Prescription Drug Affordability Board/PDAB) levels. While a significant majority of the advocacy work we do is US based, some participation in international policy activities will be required.

This person will report directly to the CEO, Tiffany Westrich-Robertson, and work with the AiArthritis coalition team and the volunteer department. 

Responsibilities:

This person will be the primary policy lead for the organization, including in person and online meetings, federal level coalition member attendance, and speaking as an expert on our policy priorities. They will be responsible for legislative tracking and reporting, signing on to and writing letters, emailing support and opposition messages, reporting updates to staff and volunteers, the AiArthritis-led coalitions, and other daily activities necessary to maintain our status as a leader in the advocacy space.

Daily/Weekly:

• Based on our advocacy priorities and updates shared largely by the policy-related coalitions we participate in, track and monitor regulatory activity and bills using Fast Democracy and Google Sheets.
• Sign on to letters and share posts on social media (predominantly Twitter/X).
• Attend public hearings and provide testimony when required (largely virtual).
• Collaborate with key stakeholders (i.e. legislative aides, FDA/EMA, CMS, etc)
• Attend conferences and webinars (virtual, some in person), disseminate lessons learned back to staff/volunteers.
• Develop organization position letters.
• Maintain a contact list of legislators and their staff and engage with them regularly.
• Conduct impact analysis, identify the following year's target states and priorities, focus on relationship development, and contribute to program strategy building.
• Identify focus areas for future advocacy efforts and engage with legislators during legislative breaks.
• Collaborate with major stakeholder groups and participate in educational panels and roundtables (public speaking).
• Co-lead AiArthritis led coalitions.
• Plan and participate in federal and state Hill Days (and fly-ins/future), arranging targeted meetings with local stakeholders.
• Engage volunteers/community members who want to be more involved in our policy efforts (through the Knowledge = Empowerment grassroots project). 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 3 years experience working in a patient organization/advocacy department.
• Experience in tracking legislation and participating in advocacy efforts.
• Strong understanding of federal and state legislative processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and their use in advocacy.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with excellent multitasking skills.
• Proficient in using software applications such as Fast Democracy, Salesforce, and Google Drive/Workforce. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in healthcare advocacy or related fields.
• Affected by AiArthritis diseases (diagnosed or connected closely to someone living with it)
• Previous experience collaborating with government agencies and insurance companies.
• Understanding of our core advocacy priorities

Benefits:

• Work from Home Stipend(s)
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Generous PTO
• 403 (b) 

Join Us in Changing Lives:

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic team that drives meaningful change in the lives of individuals affected by AiArthritis diseases, please submit your resume, compelling cover letter, and any other relevant materials HERE. In your cover letter, we invite you to highlight your advocacy experience and share what motivates you to make a lasting impact within our organization

AiArthritis is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.