National Director of Government Relations
Posted date [Jun-17-2009]

Position Description:The National Director of Government Relations provides leadership in developing and implementing the PKD Foundation’s public policy agenda and strategy, with responsibilities for the overall direction of all lobbying and public policy activities of the organization at (primarily) the federal level.

The National Director of Government Relations serves as the organization’s chief lobbyist developing legislative strategies, initiatives and overseeing the implementation of grass roots advocacy programs.
The Director monitors legislation and regulations relating to issues affecting PKD families in specific, and kidney diseases, in general and recommends strategies designed to advocate on behalf of PKD patients/families and to advance the PKD Foundation’s mission.
This individual will play a critical role in working to achieve the PKD Foundation’s legislative priorities by focusing on interactions with Congress, Federal agencies, coalitions, and other advocacy organizations, establishing new contacts and strengthening current relationships on Capitol Hill and with Executive Branch agencies.
The PKD Foundation works regularly with the House and Senate Appropriations – and other Committees; federal agencies like the NIH, CDC, Department of Defense, VA, CMS, FDA and others.
Additionally, this individual will provide the legislative priorities for the PKD Foundation’s grassroots advocacy efforts – participating in the education and training for the 55 volunteer chapters nationwide; building up the “PKD Champions” advocacy leadership program; and managing the organization’s annual “Day on the Hill” event each March.

(Within a year, the PKD Foundation intends to hire an Advocacy Manager, based in Kansas City, with hands-on responsibilities for this initiative).

Essential Functions:
In consultation with the President/CEO, develops the PKD Foundation’s public policy agenda and strategy, communicating and implementing government relations policy and recommending annual policy agenda
Plans, directs and assesses all aspects of the Foundation’s government relations operations providing catalytic leadership for impactful growth
Attends and reports on relevant legislative meetings, Congressional hearings, briefings, policy forums etc., regarding issues and opportunities pertinent to the PKD Foundation and its constituents
Works primarily with the President/CEO and Sr. Staff in order to understand specific needs that could be met through increased visibility among policymakers and the cultivation of public support
Keeps abreast of current law and research in order to develop specific legislative strategies and agendas
Works with other groups with mutual interests in order to develop collaborative strategies
Monitors and acts to influence relevant public policy by participating in and articulating the Foundation’s positions on Capitol Hill, at meetings, conferences and task forces
Raises awareness of PKD Foundation among public officials through the development and maintenance of relationships with staff of targeted US Senators and Representatives
Prepares and disseminates reports, position papers, testimony, and briefings, as appropriate and provides articles for newsletters, PKD Foundation publications, etc.
Provides content support on legislative and regulatory issues to the CEO, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and other PKD Foundation Departments
Patient Advocacy Efforts – Consults with and makes recommendations to facilitate inclusion of a patient focus in all PKD Foundation activities and works closely with the Director of Chapter Programs to train staff and volunteers on lobbying initiatives

Additional Responsibilities:
Fulfills additional related duties, as assigned
Local and limited out of town travel required
Creates, monitors, and maintains Government Relations and Advocacy budget

Education and Experience:
College bachelor’s degree and five to seven years of previous Capitol Hill or related experience working on with the legislative process on constituent, health related issues.
Demonstrated experience in successfully navigating the Appropriations process in Congress is required.
Knowledge of the NIH, Defense Department and Veterans Administration medical research programs is highly desirable.
The ideal candidate must be an energetic team player with the ability to work independently, having well-developed written and oral communications skills – strong public speaking skills. Must show demonstrated ability to be a proactive self starter who can shape and guide development of PKD Foundation’s government relations policy, and who will aggressively advocate for its adoption and implementation.
Must also be highly motivated and creative, with a solid work ethic, sound judgment and ability to handle pressure with excellent organizational, analytic and resource management skills as well as having the ability to work across departments and programs.
Experience with PC Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint are required.

Location:
This position would begin as a work-at-home opportunity based in Washington, D.C. Periodic travel to the PKD Foundation’s headquarters in Kansas City will be necessary, as well as travel to Board of Trustees meetings (three times, annually) and the National Convention each summer.

Reporting Relationships:
This position reports to the Vice President/Chief Operating Officer for program implementation and all other matters, and works with the President/CEO, retained counsel, and key Government Relations volunteers for legislative strategy and priority development.

Salary & Benefits:
Salary is commensurate with experience. Employer pays 100 percent of employee health insurance and 66 percent of family health insurance premiums, 80 percent of dental insurance premiums, and 100 percent life and disability insurance. Employee receives 18 days Paid Time Off plus 9 Holidays (PTO days increase with work tenure) and a generous 7.5 percent retirement contribution.

Instructions to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume and references via mail to Mark Stone Vice-President/Chief Operating OfficerPKD Foundation9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 400Kansas City, MO 94114
Or electronically to marks@pkdcure.org

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