The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) is seeking a skilled and passionate senior leader to build,
grow, and lead government relations and advocacy efforts nationally and on the ground in Washington, D.C. This critical new position will play a pivotal role in building coalitions and advancing public policies that support the nearly 7 million Americans living with alopecia areata, a common autoimmune disease that causes the uncontrollable loss of hair. The ideal candidate is a proven relationship builder and will have direct experience and demonstrated success in creating evidence-based policy and legislative solutions to drive impactful legislative, regulatory, and advocacy strategies for a disease-focused health advocacy organization.
Candidates with expertise in other public policy areas will be considered.
Principal Duties And Responsibilities
- Build a community of high-level federal decision makers, legislators, grasstops, and influencers who are connected to alopecia areata to help increase visibility and advocate for key issues related to alopecia areata.
- Strategically build federal champions with Members of Congress, legislative staff, federal agencies, the executive branch, and key decision-makers to ensure NAAF’s voice is heard in relevant policy discussions.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive legislative strategy to advance NAAF’s policy goals at the federal level; determine and support strategic needs in state policy engagement activities.
- Prepare and present policy briefs, position papers, and testimony to educate lawmakers on alopecia areata and related issues.
- Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments and provide oral and/or written testimony related to healthcare, disability rights, and funding for research that impacts the alopecia areata community.
- Represent NAAF in meetings, hearings, briefings, roundtables, and coalitions, advocating for increased awareness, funding, and support for alopecia areata.
- Ensure NAAF’s compliance with all lobbying disclosure and reporting requirements both federally and in states where NAAF chooses to engage in policy.
- In partnership with the Chief Growth Officer, monitor, advise, coach, and collaborate with staff managing NAAF’s grassroots advocacy program to ensure its continued growth and effectiveness.
- Collaborate with NAAF’s President & CEO, Chief Growth Officer, Chief Mission Officer, and key knowledge and opinion leaders to identify and implement NAAF’s future strategy for annual Capitol Hill days and visits to local district offices.
- With CEO and CGO, engage and steward NAAF’s advocacy funding partners and influential donors.
- Work closely with NAAF’s executive team and Board of Directors to align advocacy efforts with the organization’s broader mission and strategic goals and develop a growth plan for government affairs activities.
- Collaborate with internal departments to provide legislative updates and support grassroots advocacy efforts.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in coalition building, lobbying, legislative affairs, government relations, and policy advocacy. Preference given to those with direct experience in healthcare or disease-specific advocacy, specifically with a national voluntary health agency.
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field.
- Proven ability to build relationships and influence policymakers, funders, and volunteers with a track record of successful outcomes from issue campaigns.
- Demonstrated understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory processes, with experience working directly with Congress, the executive branch, and federal agencies.
- Passion for NAAF’s mission and a commitment to improving the lives of those affected by alopecia areata.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable proposals and messaging.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills, with experience managing projects and teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with health policy, disability rights, or medical research advocacy is a plus.
- Ability to travel (up to 35%) in support of NAAF’s programs and priority activities.
