DESCRIPTION

The American Diabetes Association has an outstanding opportunity for a dynamic, high energy, creative and seasoned professional to direct our GovernmentAffairs and Advocacy Division. The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching more than 800 communities.

The Government Affairs and Advocacy activities at the American Diabetes Association work to improve access to quality care, eliminate discrimination against people because of their diabetes, and make sure the federal government adequately funds diabetes research and programs

The Executive Vice President develops strategic plans regarding all programs, budgets, and initiatives to achieve Government Affairs and Advocacy goals. These goals are aligned with the ADA's strategic plan to further the mission of the ADA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Leads the creation and implementation of strategic governmental advocacy programs including, federal and state legislative advocacy, legal advocacy, health insurance advocacy, and grass roots advocacy.
* Establishes goals and implements plans to achieve objectives for Government Affairs and Advocacy Division with a primary focus on improving insurance coverage and health care for people with diabetes, ending discrimination against people with diabetes, and increasing federal funding for diabetes research and prevention.
* Monitors the political environment and adjusts plans as necessary.
* Oversees the development of advocacy related educational/informative materials, letters, memos, papers, and testimony by staff and consultants.
* Meets, consults with and persuades top-level policy makers to support the Associations advocacy objectives.
* Manages and counsels GovernmentAffairs & Advocacy staff around the country. Works closely and collaboratively with senior volunteers; staffs standing Advocacy Committee.
* Devises ways to improve constituent knowledge of the importance and power of advocacy and encourage increased activity.
* Develops and manages Division's operating budget.
* Directs the staff of the Division, including structuring the team and designing positions for maximum productivity, approves new hires, transfers, and terminations, coordinates and/or conducts performance appraisals, and makes compensation recommendations.
* Serves as part of the Senior Leadership Group and committees as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

* Minimum of 15 years of progressive directly related experience in GovernmentAffairs and/or Advocacy; with a minimum of five years senior-level responsibility and four years of staff management experience.
* Bachelor's degree.
* Knowledge of regulatory requirements regarding lobbying, fundraising and political contributions.
* Extensive knowledge of political processes at the national, state and local levels.
* Extensive knowledge of legislative and litigation procedures and the ability to track issues through legislative, judicial, and executive branches.
* Well-developed skills in the areas of negotiation, leadership, collaboration, strategic planning, and problem solving.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to influence others, create harmonious productive working relationships and successfully persuade others.
* Superior writing and public speaking skills.
* Considerable demonstrated ability to accomplish fiscal goals/objectives.
* Ability to coordinate diverse resources in an individual membership environment, analyze issues and concepts to correctly state a problem and develop recommended solutions.
* Ability to link business objectives with communications strategies and manage complex, multi-faceted initiatives.
* Prior national voluntary health organization and/or non-profit experience preferred. Understanding of process for obtaining federal grants useful.
* Ability and experience for interacting with elected and appointed officials at the highest levels.
* Commitment to volunteer activism as an essential element for carrying out advocacy goals.
* Commitment to improving the lives of people with diabetes.