TITLE:                                  Director, Political Affairs

DEPARTMENT:                  Government Affairs & Public Policy

SUPERVISOR:                     Vice President, Federal Government Affairs

POSITION SUMMARY:     Directs all aspects of political affairs. Manages the operations of NACDS' political fundraising and political action committee activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Set strategy and vision for political affairs and PAC to align with NACDS strategic plan. Develop a clear and compelling political strategy on key initiatives and priorities. Create a growing fundraising capability. Works with Vice President, Federal Government Affairs and Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Public Policy.

• ManageNACDS-PAC,including annual budget, compliance and reporting obligations, solicitation campaigns, solicitation materials, PAC bank accounts/investments, and coordinating fundraising and PAC events. Establishes annual PAC fundraising and events schedule. Process all incoming receipts and outgoing disbursements, updates and maintains all data accordingly in the PAC database, and files required reports to the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

• Develops and maintains effective fundraising campaigns for NACDS-PAC, including creation of effective themes, successful events and recognition and awards programs.

• Attends weekly Federal Government Affairs staffing meetings to report on status of PAC giving, receipts and fundraising. Works with Vice President, Federal Government Affairs to determine PAC support for candidate campaign events and planning of NACDS-hosted fundraising events for candidates.

• Serve as staff advisor for NACDS-PAC, communicates with NACDS-PAC Chairman. Prepares necessary meeting materials

• Work with Vice President, Federal Government Affairs to ensure PAC is successfully integrated with grassroots activities, federal and state issues to maximize impact on the Association's advocacy goals.

• In conjunction with Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Public Policy and Vice President, Federal Government Affairs, develop political strategic plans and cultivate political intelligence by analyzing federal legislative races, interview candidates for office and make candidate fundraising recommendations. Attends fundraising events for candidates.

• Responsible for ensuring all NACDS activities are in compliance with all FEC regulations and applicable laws. File all appropriate FEC and IRS forms on behalf of NACDS-PAC. Stay current on guidelines and laws. Maintain all NACDS-PAC documents and records. Works with accounting (audit) and legal counsel to ensure that all records are accurate and compliant. Liaison with PAC software vendor to ensure the program provides proper functionality and service.

• Oversee and develop all PAC communications - writing and design of direct mail pieces, brochures/newsletters, solicitation/communication materials and any promotional materials distributed by NACDS-PAC.

• Serve as primary point of contact for NACDS-PAC activities with national party committee leadership, candidates for federal office, campaign officials and other members of the political/PAC community. Build and maintain relationships with the campaign arms of Congress and national political parties.

• Seek to build coalitions with health care, business and political groups to advance the goals of the Association.

• Attend and report on congressional hearings, briefings, coalition lobby meetings, and other events as requested.

• Contributor to weekly communications vehicles.

INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS: 

Works closely with other GAPP offices and legal department as it pertains to PAC activities.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS: 

Congressional Members and Staff, national and congressional party committees, NACDS Government Affairs Committee, and NACDS chain and associate members

BACKGROUND:

• Education: College Degree, political science or government degree preferred.

• Experience: Political and fundraising experience required, preferably with national trade association, Member of Congress or corporate development. Knowledge of Federal Election Laws required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/KEY ATTRIBUTES:

Ability to use the Association's computer programs including but not limited to database, spreadsheet and word processing programs, calendar and e-mail programs and timekeeping systems

Ability to use fax, copier, phone, printer and other similar office equipment

Ability to handle stress

Ability to communicate effectively with others, including strong writing ability

Ability to multi-task and set priorities

Ability to manage and meet strict deadlines

Ability to handle confidential information

Ability to work as a productive member of a team

Ability to get along with others with co-workers and other professional contacts

Ability to travel and work flexible/changing schedule (may require working nights and/or weekends when Congress is in session and at other times)

Ability to speak in front of groups of people and make public presentations/appearances

Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively

Ability to take initiative and be creative (solve problems)

Ability to change directions easily and be flexible with work assignments and deadlines

Ability to organize self, tasks and work files

Ability to pay attention to detail

Position requires an outgoing, energetic, enthusiastic and positive attitude

Position requires honesty and trustworthiness

Must possess an excellent work ethic and ability to set and maintain high professional standards

Submit resume and cover letter with salary requirement to NACDS at getajob@nacds.org.