Step into a pivotal role where your expertise will shape national health policy and elevate the voice of orthopaedic care. You are ready to lead strategic advocacy efforts, engage directly with federal lawmakers, and build powerful coalitions to advance the Academy’s legislative priorities. This is a high-impact opportunity to influence meaningful change and represent one of the most respected authorities in musculoskeletal health.

If this sounds like you, please read on!

Supports the design and execution of a comprehensive federal policy program in coordination with the Business Lead. Engages in direct lobbying and develops policy materials on priority federal issues. Helps the Legislative Team liaise with key AAOS Board of Specialties in concert with other team members. Synthesizes policy needs with input from key stakeholders and communicates and executes that strategy. Monitors, analyzes, and prepares timely and concise advocacy resources on health policy issues. Prepares and distributes federal legislative updates to appropriate orthopaedic audiences. Develops and maintains relationships and coalitions with outside organizations. Develops federal legislative articles for AAOS publications. Attends Political Action Committee functions for the AAOS. Provides input on policy priorities, lobbying strategy, and PAC activities.

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH LOBBYIST:

Leads strategic planning and direction for all legislative issues. Synthesizes policy needs based on input from key stakeholders. Designs a full strategic plan and facilitates communication and execution of that strategy. Plans and schedules meetings with key OGR teams, AAOS departments, and external stakeholders. Tracks progress on legislative activities and coordinates with others engaging on the issue. Demonstrates an ability to shift direction and adapt when situations change, continuing progress towards strategic legislative issue goals. Serves as a subject matter expert on all legislative issues. Appropriately communicates issue progress, action items, and results with key stakeholders, both internally and externally.

Manages other federal lobbyist(s) on the federal affairs team through day-to-day quality control of materials, communications with internal and external partners, and alignment on all advocacy issues. Provides leadership with both internal and external partners.

Engages in direct lobbying at the federal level by educating elected and appointed officials about key AAOS priorities. Actively and regularly participates in fundraising and coalition building activities as an AAOS representative. Seeks out and develops relationships for further opportunities for AAOS coalition involvement.

Participates in meeting management, including securing Congressional meetings and speakers, sending out speaker invitations, scheduling appointments, and coordinating the production of all background and handout materials for these meetings.

Researches, writes, and edits advocacy letters, articles for publication, presentation materials, and other documents regarding legislation and legislative initiatives. Makes recommendations to the Marketing and Communications team regarding relevant items to elevate to full membership and external stakeholders.

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE:

Represents AAOS at fundraisers on behalf of the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (PAC). Works with other lobbyists and PAC Senior Director to research and develop strategy regarding PAC-specific advocacy campaigns. Serves as co-lead for all Advisor’s Circle Members which includes conference calls, travel, and legislative and political strategy development.

Partners with the Senior Director to strategically develop targets for OrthoPAC giving to current Members of Congress and any potential candidates.

COALITION AND COMMITTEE:

Represents AAOS with key healthcare coalitions, advocating for specialty interests on all relevant policies.

issues. Collaborates with partners to advance priorities, analyze proposed legislation, and recommend AAOS positions on coalition initiatives to drive policy outcomes aligned with organizational goals.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT:

Delivers exceptional member support by providing timely, accurate policy expertise and updates to AAOS members as needed. Responds promptly to inquiries, offers tailored guidance on complex policy issues, and proactively communicates relevant developments to enhance member engagement and satisfaction. Consistently demonstrate attentiveness to member needs, fostering strong relationships and promoting organizational value.

Exemplifies the following essential values of the Academy:

• Teamwork: Effective collaboration and team-focus to solve complex problems and drive innovation.
• Empowerment: The authority, information, and skills to make decisions and drive results.
• Accountability: Ownership of process and results that drive decisions and ensure implementation.
• Mindset of Growth/Continuous Learning: Focused on and invested in self and staff development to become more adaptable, making the Academy more agile, innovative, and sustainable.

Travel:

• Up to 30 days per year

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree – preferably in political science, public policy, or health-related fields.
• 4 – 6 years related experience – Congressional staff, regulatory agency, or trade association
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong organizational and human relations skills
• Strong computer skills including use of design software.
• Exercise considerable independence and judgment in handling responsibilities.

Desired:

• Hill experience or experience in reporting to a senior association executive or other senior staff.

Salary Range: $125,000-$135,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

If you're a strategic leader with a strong grasp of public policy and a talent for building influence, now is your time to drive real change. Help shape the future of orthopaedic advocacy, as a voice for orthopaedics on Capitol Hill. If this resonates with you, apply today by sharing the following:

-Clearly communicate why you are the ideal candidate for this role, providing specific examples and experiences as proof points

-Resumes must be accompanied by a cover letter with salary expectations to be considered. 

Please note: 

This hybrid position is based in Washington, DC and is open to applicants who are able to commute bi-weekly to this office.

Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of work visas.

JOB CODE: 1000140