Director, Federal Government Relations - Higher Education

The American Dental Education (ADEA) is looking to add a talented Director of Federal Government Relations – Higher Education to its team.

Overview

The Office of Advocacy and Government Relations (AGR) contributes to ADEA being recognized by policymakers in the federal, state, and local governments as the sole organization representing dental education. The AGR team monitors legislative and regulatory activity which may impact dental education, higher education policy, and dental and craniofacial research at the state and federal levels including Congress, the White House, federal agencies, associations representing organized dentistry, other health professions, and organizations representing policy makers at the state level.

Summary of Position

The Director of Federal Government Relations is the leader within the Advocacy and Government Relations team who is responsible for representing ADEA’s dental education advocacy agenda to all Federal audiences.  Additionally, he/she works collaboratively with members of the AGR team in meeting the team’s other advocacy goals in a dynamic environment. The incumbent will be responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with Members of Congress, their staff, the staff of key Committees of both the House and Senate, as well as key senior staff of Executive Branch agencies to further the goals of the AGR team and ADEA. Through presentations and communications to both internal and external audiences, the Director serves as the voice of dental education to Federal government entities. The Director is also responsible for assisting in keeping ADEA membership abreast of federal legislative and regulatory activities on the priorities approved by the ADEA Board of Directors.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities of Position

• Track federal legislation, rules and regulations that affect dental education and dental and craniofacial research.
• Monitor and advocate on topics related to higher education legislation, rules and regulations affecting dental education and dental craniofacial research as necessary.
• Assist in advocating for funding for programs of interest affecting dental education.
• Develop, implement and direct communication strategies for federal grassroot advocacy information in written and oral form for ADEA members.
• Develop and produce communication vehicles to inform members of federal issues affecting dental education through contributions to member newsletters including the ADEA Advocate, the ADEA Bulletin of Dental Education, ADEA Action Alerts, and special reports.
• Participate in  quarterly AGR virtual communication with members to provide information to members regarding legislative issues, proposed or final rules and regulations, and federal judicial proceedings that affect the oral health community.
• Develop and implement strategies to mobilize ADEA members for advocacy; utilize social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and database for action alerts.  
• Work in conjunction with the ADEA web team and AGR staff to ensure the timeliness of content at the ADEA Advocacy Website.
• Assist in the formulation and execution of Capitol Hill Day and other advocacy workshops at ADEA’s office, Annual Session, or dental schools across the country. 
• Respond to ADEA members’ inquires.
• Work collaboratively with the rest of the AGR team in carrying out the team’s agenda. 
• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of six years of relevant experience, with a minimum of a master’s degree, is required.
• A law degree is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in Congress or federal agency, particularly with higher education regulations or legislation, is required.
• A mastery of the legislative and / or regulatory education processes.
• Self-motivated individual who is confident, detail-oriented, has excellent organizational skills, and outstanding oral and written communication skills. Must be able to use professional discretion with sensitive, timely, and confidential policy or political information.  
• Must be able to successfully work under pressure and manage time effectively.
• Expert research, writing, analytical and persuasive communication skills. 
• Experience and ease with presenting before large audiences.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and the ability to work at a fast pace effectively in a cross-functional environment.  
• Ability to travel to member meetings to support ADEA events as needed, including some weekends. 
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment; current expectation is on-site Monday–Thursday at ADEA’s Washington, DC office, with remote work on Fridays. 

This position's salary range is $130,000 to $143,000. In addition to a rewarding and purposeful mission, ADEA offers you a collaborative team environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits, including health, vision, dental and life insurance, wellness benefits, a 35-hour work week, generous paid leave and a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution. Our office is strategically located in in the heart of DC's Downtown East End neighborhood, known for its trendy shopping, gourmet dining, and a dynamic entertainment experience and conveniently located across from the Metro Center station.

For more information and to apply online, visit www.adea.org.

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is The Voice of Dental Education. Its members include all 78 U.S. and Canadian dental schools, over 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, 66 corporations and more than 20,000 individuals.

The mission of ADEA is to develop an inclusive, future-ready oral health workforce prepared to improve the health of all people and communities through leadership, education , and collaboration. 

ADEA's activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings and communications, including the esteemed Journal of Dental Education, as well as the dental school admissions services ADEA AADSAS, ADEA PASS, ADEA DHCAS and ADEA CAAPID.

ADEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Associations EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, child birth or related medical conditions, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, matriculation, veteran status, union affiliation, disability, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, or any other legally- protected characteristic in accordance with federal or local law (the Protected Categories). EEO applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, termination, compensation, and benefits.

Salary : $130,000 - $143,000