Responsible for lobbying activity; setting legislative agendas; holding staff accountable for performance metrics; leading the strategic plan in the area of legislative advocacy in collaboration with volunteer agencies and Association leadership and staff; managing the implementation of those strategies and the operations of the division and to serve as a member of the Senior Leadership team on decisions and complex problems, as well as creating, communicating and reinforcing organizational clarity and focus throughout the organization, determining organizational priorities and driving accountability for results. This position requires a keen understanding of how to build staff and volunteer teams and external coalitions to develop and support solutions to complex problems that serve both dentists and the American public. This position also must create a real, trusting partnership among and between staff, volunteers and dental societies, and provide leadership to define what constitutes successful advocacy and then help the Association achieve that success. The individual in this position must be able to juggle and balance the diverse interests at stake, lead knowledge-based discussions on key issues, inspire and calm constituencies, share ownership of jointly discovered solutions with volunteers and staff, and communicate effectively with all stakeholders throughout the dental profession. This is a high profile position representing the organization with government and key officials. This position also leads and manages a staff of approximately 30 professionals in two locations. This position is based in Washington D.C.

The ADA is an Affirmative Action employer and has minimum requirements for all of its positions. This position has the following minimum requirements: Advanced degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience, including management experience and experience in legislative or administrative branch of government, or similar work experience in the private sector OR a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 15 years of experience, including management experience and experience in legislative or administrative branch of government, or similar work experience in the private sector; outstanding written and oral communications and analytical skills; highly skilled strategist (e.g., experience developing or implementing strategic and/or advocacy plans and measurable outcomes for those plans; leadership roles in developing organizational structures that complement strategic/advocacy plans; facilitating complex decision making processes, etc.); demonstrated management expertise; proven leadership qualities; diplomacy; understanding of and demonstrated skills in leading teams and collaborative processes; understanding of and ability to lead knowledge-based decision making processes; experience in developing coalitions; knowledge of legislative and other processes of government, how associations work and how policy decisions are made in an organizational setting; an ability to set context and frame important issues; ability and willingness to share decision making with a group; ability to oversee product development/due diligence processes; ability to identify, analyze and synthesize data; extensive weekend meetings and other work related obligations; frequent travel to ADA headquarters in Chicago and regular travel elsewhere for meetings and presentations. Highly desirable skills include: DDS; knowledge of dental profession; association management experience; federal government (legislative or administration) experience; communications and/or public relations experience; advance degree in related field.

Please apply online via our website: www.ada.org/careers.aspx or direct correspondence to: American Dental Association, Attn: Human Resources PR#6248, 211 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.