Division Director, Federal Government Relations - AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the national not-for-profit association established in 1863 & representing over 108,000 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services, is seeking a DivisionDirector for our Federal Government Relations Division (GRD) located in Washington, D.C. The GRD advocates the Association’s policies & positions on federal legislative & regulatory issues that affect animal & human health & the veterinary profession. The mission of the Association is to lead the profession by advocating for our members & advancing the science & practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal & human health.

Reporting to the Associate EVP/Chief Advocacy Officer, the Director is responsible for leading AVMA’s federal legislative advocacy efforts based upon the Association’s policies & positions, ensuring the effective utilization & compliance of the AVMA Political Action Committee under the oversight of the AVMA PAC Board, & coordinating with other AVMA staff to address federal regulatory issues. They will manage a team of lobbyists & other professional staff to ensure the activities of the Division are in line with the objectives set by the CEO, Chief Advocacy Officer & the Board of Directors to maximize effectiveness for the association & its members. 

The Director leads staff to identify congressional/regulatory issues which may affect the veterinary profession & develop response strategies for such issues consistent with AVMA official policy & to develop & maintain relationships with Members of Congress & their staffs; Congressional Committee staff; appropriate federal regulators; appropriate state & allied veterinary associations; & producer, humane, & allied health organizations in order to advance the official policies of the AVMA & to establish & maintain the AVMA as a recognized primary resource for scientific information on animal & human health issues. They also lead the lobbying team & the development of strategy for achieving the AVMA’s goals, lobbying Congress directly & developing & joining appropriate coalitions as needed to support & advance the official policies & initiatives of the AVMA.

To be successful in this role you must be highly collaborative & passionate about AVMA’s mission. Additional qualifications include:

• BS/BA degree
• Minimum of ten years of related work experience

· Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the federal legislative/regulatory process

· Strong involvement with organized veterinary medicine highly desirable

· Must be a strong leader with excellent interpersonal & communication skills (written & verbal)

· Must be able to interact and effectively communicate both with members of the scientific & non-scientific community

· Able to organize, plan & manage group meetings

· Exhibit AVMA’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in execution of duties

· Approximately 20%+ travel

The AVMA offers a hybrid work environment, excellent employee benefits including generous health insurance, retirement plan, paid time-off (e.g., vacation, sick, paid parental leave) and a supportive work/life balance. Deadline for application is 12/18/24. Send resume with salary requirements to: apply@avma.org .

About the AVMA:

Headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, with an office in Washington, D.C., the AVMA is structured to work for its members, and acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession and provides a number of benefits to its members, including information resources, state and federal advocacy, opportunities to address issues and affect policy that govern the profession and practice of veterinary medicine, continuing education opportunities, quality publications, and discounts on personal and professional products, programs and services. The work of the AVMA is carried out by a dedicated staff of over 170. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors and has a $60M+ annual operating budget. 

Visit https://www.avma.org/AVMAcareers

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