Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) is a prominent authority in the field of medical genetics and genomics and the only nationally recognized medical professional organization solely dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics. As the only medical specialty society in the US that represents the full spectrum of medical genetics disciplines in a single organization, the ACMG provides education, resources, and a voice for more than 2,500 clinical and laboratory geneticists, genetic counselors, and other healthcare professionals. ACMG’s mission is to improve health through the clinical and laboratory practice of medical genetics as well as through advocacy, education, and clinical research and to guide the safe and effective integration of genetics and genomics into all of medicine and healthcare, resulting in improved personal and public health. The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (ACMGF) supports ACMG’s mission through charitable gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals.

The Advocacy Manager will manage ACMG’s legislative advocacy portfolio which encompasses a broad range of issues that impact medical genetics professionals and the patients they serve, such as access to genetic services, supporting the medical genetics workforce, regulation of genetic testing, access to treatments for genetic diseases, and responsible uses of genetic information. The Advocacy Manager will play an integral role in developing and implementing strategies to achieve ACMG’s legislative goals, including managing communications with elected officials and their legislative staff, coordinating briefings and other outreach activities around Capitol Hill, and engaging ACMG membership through communication updates and grassroots advocacy. This position will focus primarily on federal legislative initiatives of the US Congress but may also include occasional activities related to state legislation.

The Advocacy Manager will work closely with the Director of Public Policy and communicate regularly regarding updates to the legislative advocacy portfolio and suggested actions, communications, grassroots efforts, and other strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Federal Legislation and Related Congressional Activities

• Identify and track federal legislation of interest to ACMG in coordination with the Director of Public Policy
• Lead outreach and communication with congressional members and their staff related to ACMG’s legislative advocacy portfolio
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve ACMG’s legislative goals
• Prepare drafts of letters and other correspondence to policymakers to support federal advocacy initiatives
• Assist with organizing educational briefings on Capitol Hill for topics relevant to the responsible application of genetics and genomics in healthcare

Membership Outreach and Engagement

• Develop and coordinate grassroots advocacy campaigns to engage ACMG membership
• Assist with development of membership engagement toolkits
• Keep membership apprised of legislative developments by contributing to ACMG’s monthly newsletters, advocacy alerts, and website content
• Attend ACMG’s annual meeting to assist with in-person membership outreach

Coalitions and Partner Organizations

• Build upon existing relationships with patient and provider coalitions and other organizations with shared interests in genetics and genomics in healthcare to amplify messaging
• Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate effective collaboration in in support of ACMG initiatives
• Work closely with coalition partners and provide thoughtful, informed suggestions regarding coalition strategies, including ways in which ACMG can contribute using available resources

State and Local Governments

• Assist with tracking state legislation that impacts or complements federal advocacy efforts
• Assist with developing communications with state and local governments, as needed
• Develop resources to help ACMG members engage with their state and local governments

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public health, social sciences, political science, or biological sciences; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in federal advocacy including significant engagement with congressional staff or working directly for a member of Congress (emphasis on health policy preferred)
• Experience developing and implementing successful strategies to influence legislation
• Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, and political processes
• Proven experience communicating effectively with elected officials and legislative staff
• Ability to collaborate efficiently with internal staff, coalition partners, and other external stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify and efficiently utilize available resources for maximum impact
• A strong desire to continually improve and undertake new challenges, with a commitment to excellence and attention to detail
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates interested in applying for this role should submit a copy of their resume and a letter of interest.

An advocacy writing sample (e.g., summary of legislation or call to action for grassroots audience) will be required during the hiring process.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

BENEFITS AND SALARY
The base salary for this exempt, full-time position will be commensurate with the candidate’s skill and experience.  ACMGF offers an excellent benefits package.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is a largely sedentary position that requires the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. The selected candidate must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations with the ability to observe details at a close range (within a few feet of the observer) and lift small objects up to 20 lbs. across the office for various needs.

The American College of Medical Genetics & Genomics is an Equal Opportunity Employer - females/minorities/protected Veterans/individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on categories protected by Federal law.

COVID19

ACMG requires that all employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless an accommodation has been approved. ACMG will comply with applicable federal and state laws, as well as EEOC Guidance and will consider any requests for accommodations for medical, religious, or as otherwise required by applicable law. Potential candidates for employment will be notified of the requirements of this policy prior to the start of employment during the recruitment process.