What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director - State Policy and Advocacy position at AMERICAN KIDNEY FUND, INC?
The Associate Director of State Policy and Advocacy, supports the Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy and AKF’s Office of Government Affairs in the development and implementation of state-level public policy efforts across the United States. Reporting to the Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy, this role covers legislation and regulation in the kidney disease and related health care space across the United States.
The Associate Director of State Policy and Advocacy, advances state legislation and regulations to support and improve policies for kidney disease patients and organ donors, while working to combat legislation that threatens care and access for people with kidney disease. This position works closely with colleagues across the Office of Government Affairs and the AKF Advocacy Network to translate complex health policy issues into effective advocacy that advances AKF’s mission to fight kidney disease and help people live healthier lives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
State Government Advocacy – (50%)
This functional area encompasses direct engagement with state lawmakers, agencies, and stakeholders to promote AKF’s state public policy agenda and advance kidney disease policy priorities.
- Develop working bipartisan relationships with state lawmakers, state agencies, stakeholders, and advocates, including key healthcare policymakers, patient advocacy organizations, state insurance commissioners, and other state agencies overseeing health care programs.
- Communicate AKF positions strongly and effectively on issues such as charitable premium assistance, transplant and living kidney donors, Medigap, and other issues of importance to AKF and people with kidney disease.
- Monitor activity in state legislatures and state agencies in the region regarding issues affecting people with CKD and ESRD; assist the Senior Director in efforts to combat legislation that threatens care and access for kidney disease patients. Track ongoing and potential threats to our constituents utilizing state legislative tracking software and record all interactions with legislators and regulators.
- Collaborate independently with colleagues in the Office of Government Affairs and across the organization to develop grassroots action plans that strategically engage AKF patient-advocates to achieve desired state policy outcomes.
Organizational Support & External Representation (45%)
This functional area covers external representation at state policy conferences, production of advocacy materials, and cross-departmental collaboration to support AKF’s state advocacy efforts.
- Represent AKF at key state policy conferences, including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), the Council of State Governments (CSG), and the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL).
- Write and send comment letters on behalf of AKF related to state legislation and regulatory activity.
- Communicate effectively and work closely with colleagues in the AKF Office of Government Affairs, other AKF departments, and the AKF Advocacy Network.
- Support significant out-of-town travel as required (approximately 40% of position).
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
- Additional responsibilities as determined by the Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy or organizational leadership.