Senior Director of Government Relations

Our Company:

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) improves global health by advancing research, patient care, and public health in pulmonary disease, critical illness, and sleep disorders. Founded in 1905 to combat TB (Tuberculosis), the ATS has grown to tackle asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), lung cancer, sepsis, acute respiratory distress, and sleep apnea, among other diseases.

The Position:

The Senior Director of Government Relations is responsible for developing and executing ATS advocacy strategy for assigned issue areas. Reports to the Chief of Advocacy & Government Relations.

Position Responsibilities:

• Under the general supervision of the Chief should develop and implement an advocacy strategy to support issues as assigned ATS positions.
• Serve as lobbyist to Congress and Federal agencies to represent ATS positions.
• Provide ATS with an active Federal presence through direct lobbying, attending Congressional hearings, press events and participating in coalition activities.
• Establish/maintain ongoing contacts with federal agencies and congressional staff and committees on assigned issues and priorities.
• Annually, plan and execute 4 virtual ATS Hill Day events.
• Annually, plan and execute at least one Congressional Briefing.
• Establish/maintain ongoing dialogue with other national organizations, including other medical professional societies, voluntary health associations and environmental health organizations, on assigned issues.
• Identify ATS Chapters and members with congressional members on key House and Senate Committees and assist state government relations staff in developing effective network activities.
• Prepare written material on ATS issues and activities, including congressional testimony, briefing materials, ATS News, ATS Washington Letter, ATS Advocate, and Action Alerts for ATS members and congressional staff.
• Coordinate the advocacy activities of the Division on assigned issues and assist the overall government relations activity of ATS.
• Coordinate activity of assigned policy committees as needed.

Position Qualifications:

• B.S. or B.A. degree in public health, health policy, health administration, biological sciences or related area
• Minimum of five years congressional experience as an aide or legislative representative in a voluntary health organization or professional society.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills required.
• Word processing experience and data-based management skills required.

Reasons to consider us:

• Hybrid work environment (two remote days each week)
• Generous paid holidays & paid time off
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 403b with partial company match
• Commuter benefits

Physical requirements:

• Please note that this is a hybrid position that will require you to come into our New York Office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week.
• Some travel may be required, such as to our annual International Conference and Grover Conference.
• You may experience prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing.
• You may experience repeated typing motions involving your wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• You may need to lift or carry up to 15 pounds of work equipment.

Pay Range: We are pleased to offer a range of $120,000 - $145,000 for this position.

ATS is an equal employment opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all individuals. ATS will not discriminate against any applicant for employment, employee, or intern on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. ATS also prohibits harassment of applicants for employment, employees or interns based on any of these protected categories. It is ATS’ policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

ATS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, ATS offers reasonable accommodation in the hiring and employment process for individuals with disabilities. Accordingly, if you require a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in the application or hiring process you may request a reasonable accommodation at any time.