State Government Affairs Manager

You bring a strong interest in public policy and a results-driven mindset to your work, operating effectively at the intersection of strategy, collaboration, and advocacy. As the State Government Affairs Manager, you support and advance state-level orthopaedic advocacy efforts, partnering with physicians and policy leaders to shape legislative outcomes that matter. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to impact healthcare policy at a national level and contribute to the future of musculoskeletal care.

If this sounds like you, please read on!

In this highly visible role, you’ll support the development and execution of AAOS’s state advocacy programs by applying your policy expertise, coordinating across teams, and engaging key internal and external stakeholders. You’ll serve as a trusted liaison to state orthopaedic societies and advocacy coalitions, ensuring their efforts align with broader state and federal priorities.

You’ll work closely with the Senior Director to help shape and implement state legislative strategy, identifying and prioritizing key legislative and regulatory issues in collaboration with volunteer leaders and health policy staff, all in alignment with the AAOS Unified Advocacy Agenda and industry best practices.

• Serve as the primary liaison to state orthopaedic societies, providing guidance on policy issues and strengthening grassroots advocacy efforts.
• Partner with the federal advocacy team to support dual-track state and federal campaigns and develop compelling policy materials at both levels.
• Monitor, analyze, and translate legislative and regulatory developments into clear, timely advocacy resources for members.
• Provide staff support to the BOC Committee on State Legislative and Regulatory Issues, including administration of the State Orthopaedic Society Health Policy Action Fund.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with influential external partners, including the AMA and specialty societies, and support engagement with the AMA Scope of Practice Partnership.
• Represent AAOS at national forums and conferences such as NCSL and the AMA State Advocacy Conference, contributing to broader engagement with organizations like NCSL, NGA, and AAMSE.
• Contribute to marquee advocacy initiatives, including the National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference and Orthopaedic Advocacy Week, and help inform and engage members by preparing state legislative updates and developing content for AAOS publications, webpages, and advocacy tools, such as state action guides.

Travel:

• Up to 25 days per year

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree; minimum of 2 to 3 years of relevant experience in state and federal government and/or private sector advocacy, including negotiating legislative compromises.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills Strong analytical and organizational skills Excellent research skills
• Experience in developing and maintaining relationships with external organizations

Desired:

• Experience in health care policy analysis; developing and implementing legislative initiatives; interacting with lobbyists.
• Master’s degree in relevant field. 
• Association experience.

Salary Range: $83,000-$86,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

If you’re ready to blend policy expertise with relationship-building and high-impact advocacy, apply today, and please share the following:

• Clearly communicate why you are the ideal candidate for this role, providing specific examples and experiences as proof points.
• Resumes must be accompanied by a cover letter with salary expectations to be considered.

Please note: This hybrid position is based in Washington, DC and is open to applicants who are able to commute at least twice per week to this office. Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of work visas.

Salary : $83,000 - $86,000