Director, Federal Government Affairs

The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA), located in Washington, D.C., is the national organization helping members navigate regulations and innovations to ensure efficient and reliable delivery of medicines and healthcare products.  They are seeking a Director of Federal Government Affairs to join their team.  HDA offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, generous 401(k) matching, and flexible hours.  This position is hybrid, requiring three days (Tuesday-Thursday) in the office each week.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Federal Government Affairs and Alliance Development, the Director of Federal Government Affairs develops strategy and positions on federal legislative issues and conducts direct lobbying.  The Director coordinates with industry coalitions on legislative activities that relate to HDA interests, as well as keeps members informed of current or prospective developments in a timely manner.  Success in this role relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain relationships with key legislators and their staff/committee staff, particularly in the relevant committees, and conduct direct lobbying in support of association positions and policies.


• Research and analyze priority federal legislation; provide regular updates and analyses of priority bills.


• Attend/watch committee hearings, markups, and industry meetings, and provide summaries highlighting the relevance for HDA members.


• Represent HDA by attending HDA PAC events with members of Congress.


• Collaborate with the federal government affairs team on priority issue development, engagement, and advocacy efforts.


• Research and write issue briefs, testimony, letters, memos, as well as summaries for the HDA Weekly Digest.  


• Participate in industry coalition efforts related to relevant policy priorities.


• Prepare timely responses to member requests for federal legislative information and disseminate appropriate material as directed.


• Assist the Senior Vice President in compiling information for task force, board meetings, annual meetings, and various other conferences.   


• Participate and coordinate the agenda for the bi-weekly HDA’s Federal Issues Task Force conference calls.


• Work closely with HDA’s federal consultants to gather information on congressional activity, as well as develop and ensure coverage for HDA priority issues.


• Build and maintain relationships with congressional staff and HDA’s federal consultants on relevant legislative and policy issues, and interact with Members of Congress at PAC fundraising events.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong individual initiative, communication, and political judgment skills


• Ability to conduct individual research and analyze complex issues


• Ability and willingness to register as a federal lobbyist and comply with all ethics and lobbying disclosure requirements


• Ability to be in the office and/or on the Hill a minimum of three days per week (and possibly more when Congress is in session)


• Ability to attend PAC events which include breakfasts, lunches, and dinners


• Proven ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines, juggle multiple issues, and excel in a fast-paced, team environment


• Ability to travel up to 10%, or 1-2 times per year for conferences

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred


• Minimum of seven years of legislative experience


• Extensive understanding of federal legislative processes and, preferably, healthcare issues


• Experience on Capitol Hill preferred, with a current network of contacts and relationships and the willingness and ability to establish new ones


• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and database software

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples highlighting legislative engagement to the submit button above.

Salary: $135,350 – $155,500

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at [email protected] or contact 202-232-1765.

ABOUT THE HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE (HDA)

The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) is the national organization representing primary pharmaceutical distributors — the vital link between the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and others nationwide.  HDA helps members navigate regulations and innovations to ensure efficient and reliable delivery of medicines and healthcare products.  HDA reviews key priority issues and advocates on behalf of its pharmaceutical distributor members in areas like standards, public policies, and business processes.

HDA believes that diversity of background and perspective are strengths, and seeks to continue to grow a diverse, highly committed, skilled, and collaborative staff.  HDA encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

HDA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

ABOUT CESSNA & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission-driven organizations.  Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.