Director of Government Affairs

Status

Full-Time Exempt

Reports To

President/CEO

Position Details

·        Full-time, salaried, exempt position

·        Reports to the President/CEO

·        Salary: $85,000

·        Benefits: Medical and dental insurance; 401(k) plan; paid holidays and PTO for vacation and sick

leave; disability and life insurance

The Director of Government Affairs leads the association’s legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of mission-focused aging services providers across Kansas. The Director monitors and analyzes public policy developments, develops advocacy strategies and policy positions, builds relationships with policymakers and state agency leaders, and helps members understand and respond to legislative and regulatory changes affecting their organizations. This position reports to the President/CEO and works closely with LeadingAge Kansas staff, members, contract lobbyists, state agencies, elected officials, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy

·        Lead advocacy efforts at the state level and support engagement on relevant federal issues

·        Monitor, analyze, and respond to legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments affecting aging services providers

·        Coordinate legislative strategy and activities with the association’s contract lobbying team

·        Develop policy positions, testimony, written comments, briefing materials, legislative updates, actions alerts, and other advocacy communications

·        Represent LeadingAge Kansas before legislative committees, state agencies, regulatory bodies, coalitions, taskforces, and stakeholder groups

·        Build and maintain effective relationships with legislators, agency officials, coalition partners, and other policymakers.

·        Work with KDADS, KDHE, and other state agencies on regulatory, reimbursement, compliance, and policy matters affecting members.

·        Research emerging policy and regulatory issues and evaluate their potential effect on aging services providers

·        Assist in developing the association’s annual public policy priorities and related advocacy strategies.

Member Engagement and Support

·        Serve as a primary legislative and regulatory resource for LeadingAge Kansas members.

·        Translate complex legislative and regulatory developments into practical, understandable information for members.

·        Provide regular updates through newsletters, webinars, meetings, presentations, and other member communications.

·        Coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts and help members effectively communicate with elected officials and policymakers.

·        Gather member input to inform policy positions and advocacy priorities.

·        Present at LeadingAge Kansas conferences, educational programs, regional meetings, and other events.

·        Support workforce-related legislation and public policy in coordination with staff responsible for workforce development and education.

Partnerships and Organizational Support

·        Collaborate with LeadingAge Kansas staff to align advocacy activities with the association’s strategic priorities, education, communications, membership services, and workforce initiatives.

·        Coordinate with LeadingAge National and other state associations on federal policy and shared advocacy priorities.

·        Develop and maintain productive relationships with partner associations, coalitions, and stakeholder organizations.

·        Provide policy and advocacy support to LeadingAge Kansas affiliates and related programs as needed.

·        Participate in staff planning and cross-functional organizational projects.

·        Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

·        Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, government, health care, communications, law, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

·        At least five years of relevant experience in government affairs, public policy, advocacy, legislative work, regulatory affairs, association management, or a related field.

·        Working knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes.

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·        Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking abilities.

·        Ability to interpret complex information and communicate it clearly to varied audiences.

·        Demonstrated ability to build productive professional relationships and work effectively with people holding different perspectives.

·        Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently with a high degree of accuracy.

·        Willingness to travel and work outside normal business hours when legislative or organizational activities require it.

·        Valid driver’s license.

Preferred

·        Experience working with the Kansas legislature, Kansas state agencies, health care policy, aging services, long term care or a membership association.

·        Existing relationships within Kansas government, healthcare, or public policy networks.

·        Advanced degree in law, public policy, healthcare administration, public administration, or a related field.

Physical Demands:

·        Lift and move items up to thirty (30) pounds

·        Sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time

·        Ability to work on the computer for hours at a time and concentrate on detailed information

·        Must be able to speak and listen effectively