Client:

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is a national not-for-profit association established in 1863 representing 108,000+ veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services. AVMA’s mission is to lead the profession by advocating for its members and advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal & human health. This member-driven organization has a number of core competencies including serving the needs of member veterinarians; serving as the voice and advocate for the veterinary profession and the welfare of animals; serving as a science-based information resource for the veterinary profession and the public; setting and preserving professional standards; and maintaining the highest standards in association management. For more information, please view www.avma.org.

Overview:

Reporting to the Chief Advocacy Officer, this position is responsible for providing vision, leadership, strategic planning, development, implementation, and ongoing project management for activities and programs in furtherance of AVMA’s objectives for state-level advocacy. Serving as the AVMA’s primary staff liaison to veterinary medical associations located in US states and territories, the Director oversees programs and provides recommendations to the Chief Advocacy Officer and assigned governance entities on policies and courses of action that will support a robust and effective state-level advocacy agenda that prioritizes collaborative efforts with state veterinary medical associations and achieves the AVMA’s advocacy goals. The Director will lead a team that assists the AVMA and state veterinary medical associations in educating state legislators, regulators, and their staff about the impacts of proposals being considered on veterinarians, their patients, and their clients.

Responsibilities:

  • Participates in the development and execution of the Association’s policies, objectives, and programs as they relate to the Association’s strategic and operating plans, with particular emphasis on state advocacy. Provides strategic vision and thought leadership for AVMA’s state advocacy efforts.
  • Networks, builds relationships, and works collaboratively with state veterinary medical associations to support their advocacy efforts, consistent with AVMA strategic objectives and program goals.
  • Works collaboratively with volunteer and staff leadership to develop a state-level advocacy agenda and creates (with input from appropriate Division and subject matter expert staff) a work plan to support its implementation.
  • Works collaboratively with the Chief Advocacy Officer and the Director of the AVMA Federal Government Relations Division to ensure alignment of state and federal legislative priorities and strategy.
  • Monitors legislation and proposed regulations at the state level with special attention to supporting the efforts of individual state veterinary medical associations and the AVMA’s overall state advocacy agenda.
  • Works collaboratively with state veterinary medical association staff and volunteers to identify key allies or strategic partners and build relationships in furtherance of public policy goals.
  • Facilitates effective implementation of state advocacy plans and coordination of activities through skilled project management and clear communications.
  • Oversees symposia and workshops (in-person and online) designed to support state veterinary medical associations in their advocacy efforts and achieve AVMA’s state-level public policy objectives.
  • Works collaboratively with other divisions within AVMA to oversee and support activities impacting state advocacy and policy.
  • Provides staff support to assigned governance entities and regularly updates the Chief Advocacy Officer on their agendas, discussions, recommendations, and activities.
  • Oversees and works with Division staff and subject matter experts (volunteers and staff) to draft policy briefs, white papers, legislative analyses and summaries, letters, talking points, and other materials needed to support state advocacy efforts.
  • Regularly reports on state advocacy efforts to internal and external audiences.
  • Represents AVMA interests at approved conferences, meetings, and coalitions.
  • Regularly updates the Chief Advocacy Officer on activities of the Division and state veterinary medical associations.
  • Accountable for outcomes in AVMA’s operating plan related to state advocacy; periodically evaluates program effectiveness and proposes revisions aimed at continual improvement.
  • Manages and mentors divisional staff to integrate their efforts related to state advocacy with the AVMA’s advocacy agendas (state and, as applicable, national) and the association’s operating plan.
  • Responsible for the performance management of all direct reports as well as the entire Division of State Advocacy, including the establishment of ongoing goals and priorities; providing ongoing performance feedback; conducting annual performance appraisals; hiring; and applying appropriate disciplinary actions consistent with the policy and procedures of the Association.

Requirements:

  • 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in governmental affairs (state-level experience preferred); experience in non-profit sector a plus.
  • 3+ years management experience.
  • Background/experience in law or public policy required; health policy background preferred.
  • Must be energetic, innovative, professional, and results-oriented with excellent presentation skills and the ability to connect with a variety of audiences.
  • Able to articulate a vision and translate into practical actions.
  • Working knowledge of state-level legislative and regulatory processes.
  • Track record of success in dealing with internal and external stakeholders, including experience in developing coalitions and issues management.
  • Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal & written) and be able to interact and effectively communicate with members of the scientific and non-scientific communities.
  • Comfortable speaking to small or large groups, creating and delivering presentations, workshops, and participating on panels.
  • Able to multitask on various issues and projects while also effectively leading and working with a cross-functional team.
  • Able to organize, plan and manage group meetings.
  • Skilled in timely packaging of current/emerging issues.
  • Demonstrated success within a membership or constituency environment.
  • Skilled in diplomatic facilitation of consensus among multiple perspectives.
  • Strong supervisory and project management skills.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree a plus.

Location:
While AVMA headquarters are located just outside of Chicago, in Schaumburg, IL, AVMA requires candidates to be based in the Washington, DC region and be in the DC office at least 3 days per week.

Travel:
Approximately 15% to HQ, conferences, and events.

Compensation:
Base salary with outstanding benefits package commensurate with experience. If interested, please inquire about the salary range and benefits package to get more information.