JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF’s goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, policy influence and a working plan to bring life-changing therapies from the lab to the community. As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, JDRF has invested nearly $2B in research over the past 45 years and is sponsoring scientific research in 17 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.jdrf.org.

As a JDRF team member, you can look forward to interesting and challenging work, building strong relationships with fellow staff and our network of volunteers, and having a meaningful impact on the lives of everyone affected by this devastating disease.

BROAD FUNCTION AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:

Represent the Foundation’s interests before federal government officials and staff. Participate in the development and implementation of the organization’s federal legislative strategies and programs. Assist the Director and Vice President of Government Relations & Advocacy, and other Advocacy staff, as necessary, in managing the legislative agenda. Handle and master a defined set of federal public policy and funding issues as they relate to health care and research for type 1 diabetes and its complications. Understand the Foundation, department activities, operations, policies, and procedures to perform all duties.  

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, maintain, and utilize relationships with congressional staff, federal agency staff, and other patient and health advocacy groups to advance legislative goals. 
• Evaluate and track relevant federal public policy and funding issues.  
• Play an integral role in the development and implementation of legislative strategies. Develop timelines for long-term initiatives, and ensure that tasks are completed well and on time.
• Participate in and/or lead meetings. Develop and deliver presentations. Draft legislative materials for events, meetings, action alerts and mailings. Manage components of legislative portion of advocacy events.
• Provide guidance, as needed and collaborate closely with other Advocacy staff and volunteers on our advocacy initiatives, events, projects, tasks and daily operations.    
• Operate with great latitude for independent judgment and initiative.  
• Ensure that the confidentiality and security of all information under his/her supervision is maintained.
• Understand and support the vision, mission, and priorities of JDRF. 
• Perform all other responsibilities and projects as assigned by his/her immediate supervisor and senior management. Consult with senior management as needed.

• 8+ years of relevant experience required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient in legislative and federal budget process. Knowledge of diabetes is a plus.
• Supervisory and working with mid to high-level management experience.  
• Substantive experience working with Members of Congress and congressional staff.  
• Understanding of various computer systems and databases. Proficient in Microsoft Office.  
• Proficient in developing and delivering presentations, reports, and business correspondence.
• Ability to handle complicated policy issues and represent the best interests of JDRF.
• Exceptional management, leadership, and team-building skills. Team player that has the ability to interface with all levels of staff and volunteers. Must develop, maintain, and utilize relationships.
• Effectively and quickly multi-task, establish priorities, and work in a fast paced environment.
• Highly efficient in time management and can meet deadlines with quality results under pressure.
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills. Capable of handling diversified assignments.
• Excellent written, oral, and communication skills. Aptitude for presentation delivery, conveying ideas, and instructing effectively.  
• Superior active listening, observation, analytical, and problem recognition and solving skills.
• Ability to work and make judgments independently and take initiative. Self-starter that requires little supervision.
• High capacity to assess the value, importance, and/or quality of activities and people.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree required.  Further education preferred.

JDRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.