Director, Regulatory Affairs & Payer Policy

Note: APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one-hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.

The Health Policy and Healthcare Financing Department is responsible for leading clinical and operational advancements of the profession to increase viability and impact of psychology practice now and in the future.  Activities include leading APA’s work within the AMA’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) and RVS Update Committee (RUC) process, leading strategy and advocacy regarding financing of psychology practice in the U.S., and working within policy and advocacy arenas to increase the influence, visibility, and value of psychology within the health care system.

Serves as a subject matter expert on federal and state agency regulations, with particular emphasis on policies issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Provides expert interpretation of regulatory requirements affecting psychological practice, reimbursement, and access to care across Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, the Indian Health Service, and commercial insurance programs. Works collaboratively across the Association to support the development and implementation of health care policy strategies and to strengthen the visibility, influence, and participation of psychologists within federal, state, and commercial payer systems.

Education and Experience Required

• Education = J.D. or Master's Degree in a health-related field (MPH, MPA, etc.). (Master’s Degree required; JD desirable)


• Experience = 8 years’ experience in federal regulatory analysis, health insurance adjudication, and health policy. Strong advocacy skills and prior federal or state lobbying experience desired.


• Strong communication skills and ability to develop relationships with key partners across industry. including A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy; well-developed interpersonal skills; a collaborative working style; and excellent judgment.


• Demonstrable expertise in understanding federal and state health care systems, health policy, and health care regulations. Understanding in psychological practice a plus.


• A problem-solving and growth-oriented mindset; the ability to prioritize and reprioritize work.


• Ability to solve complex problems.

Computer Skills Required

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email programs, virtual meetings, and federal and state agency technology interface.

 Responsibilities

• Demonstrates advanced ability to work both independently and collaboratively with regulators, policymakers, consultants, payers, and other high‑level professionals. Serves as a trusted expert representing the Association’s interests in the development, interpretation, and implementation of federal, state, and commercial health care regulations affecting psychological practice.


• Effectively communicates and engages with APA members, governance groups, boards and committees, external stakeholders (including regulators and consultants from diverse disciplines), and APA staff across units and levels. Translates complex regulatory and policy issues into clear, actionable guidance that supports informed decision‑making across the Association.


• Conducts comprehensive analysis of federal, state, and commercial insurance regulations related to psychology and broader health care policy. Leads the development of coordinated, multi‑pronged strategies to respond to proposed and final agency rules, ensuring APA’s positions are evidence‑based, persuasive, and aligned with organizational priorities.


• Prepares formal comment letters and regulatory submissions on behalf of the Association to advance psychologists’ visibility, roles, and reimbursement within federal and state programs.


• Collaborates with internal partners to create member education resources, training materials, and communication tools that help psychologists navigate evolving policies and regulatory requirements.


• Responds to inquiries from members, divisions, and State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Associations (SPTAs) concerning federal, state, and commercial insurance programs and health policy issues. Provides timely, expert guidance that supports advocacy, compliance, and practice needs across the field.


• Advises and consults with APA staff on regulatory and health policy matters to strengthen the role of psychologists and psychological science across federal, state, and commercial payer systems. Proactively identifies opportunities to influence program design, reimbursement structures, and regulatory frameworks to expand psychologists’ participation in health care systems.


• Responds to requests for federal and state regulatory analyses; assists, advises, and educates SPTAs, APA members, divisions, and governance on key policy developments, trends, and strategic implications.


• Supports broader Association initiatives and emerging priorities, contributing expertise to cross‑functional projects, strategic planning efforts, and member‑facing programs as assigned.


• Other duties as assigned.

About APA:

The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 146,000 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.

APA offers a generous employee benefits program, including Remote Work/Flexible Scheduling; a 401(k) option with employer match of up to 4%; medical, dental, and vision insurance options and an outpatient mental health benefit; paid personal/vacation time plus 12 paid holidays; Family/Medical Leave; tuition assistance; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); short- and long-term disability insurance; and more. 

Job Location: Remote: APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA’s Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law. #LIRemote