Manager, Federal and State Grassroots and PAC

The Manager, Federal & State Grassroots and PAC works on behalf of more than 37,200 psychiatric physicians to develop and implement winning federal government relations strategies to promote the highest quality care for all persons with mental illness (including intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders) and their families.  

This includes managing and supporting advocacy by APA member physicians and assisting the Department of Government Relations (DGR) on multiple federally & state focused projects and tasks. In particular, the Manager of Federal & State Grassroots & PAC will (1) manage the APA Grassroots Network and significantly increase member physician participation in federal & state advocacy activities and (2) support the Managing Director of Government Relations/Director of APAPAC in growing APAPAC. The Manager of Federal & State Grassroots and PAC will also work closely with the Associate Director of Operations on the planning and implementation of various advocacy programs and meetings.

The Manager, Federal & State Grassroots and PAC will provide leadership to improve engagement, solve problems, develop products, represent the organization, and effectively further the priority goals of the APA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as primary Federal & State Grassroots Manager.
• Maintain and expand extensive grassroots database and Congressional Advocacy Network. Implement programs to encourage additional APA member physician participation in DGR’s grassroots programs. Consult and coordinate with the APA’s District Branch (DB) and State Association (SA) staff to ensure maximum participation. Coordinate with applicable APA departments and outside vendors to ensure that grassroots membership data remains accurate and updated.
• Maintain current roster of Congressional Advocacy Network and interface with APA member advocacy representatives across the country.
• Coordinate DGR’s mass advocacy communications and track physician responses on Action Alerts.
• Coordinate with the APA Membership Department’s Director of DB/SA Relations & Strategic Development to disseminate grassroots communications and ensure orderly information flow.
• Work with DGR lobbyists to develop layers of district and state federal engagement strategies that reflect specific advocacy priorities and key decision makers.
• Most importantly, build on the above responsibilities to facilitate and increase APA member physician involvement in grassroots and other advocacy activities, including building relationships with Members of Congress, their Capitol Hill and local staffs, and attending legislative meetings and forums.
• Serve as support staff for the Managing Director of Government Relations/Director of APAPAC with projects and tasks to grow APAPAC.
• Assist with administrative operations of the PAC, including processing contributions and disbursements.
• Assemble and organize event invitations and coordinate attendance with DGR’s federal lobbyists.
• Assist with electronic, mail, and telephone solicitation strategy and implementation.
• Assist with event planning and implementation for various PAC fundraising events at APA meetings.
• Serve as secondary staff contact for APAPAC Board of Directors, to include planning and staffing meetings and conference calls.
• Assist federal lobbying staff with lobbying activities, preparation, and research.
• Support the Director of Federal Relations with administrative lobbying activities, including bill research and tracking.
• Assist with outreach to congressional offices, including building constructive APA staff and member professional relationships with Members of Congress and their staff.
• Advocate on behalf of the APA in order to advance its legislative and regulatory goals in Congress and the Administration through attendance at events and meetings with congressional staff.
• Manage and support the planning and execution of Federal and State Advocacy Conferences and other programs and presentations focused on APA’s advocacy efforts. 
• Work with the DGR Federal Affairs staff, State Affairs staff, and the Associate Director of Operations to plan and implement Federal and State Advocacy Conferences.
• Assist Federal Affairs staff in planning and executing other advocacy-related programs and presentations, including Congressional briefings and APA staff or leadership advocacy and PAC presentations during APA and DBs/SA meetings.
• Assist with the planning and execution of the signature APAPAC annual events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum college graduate; relevant graduate degree in public policy or law preferred; 3-5 years related experience. Experience driving political campaigns highly desired.
• Excellent analytical ability, including demonstrated experience with legislative or regulatory issues or activities
• Political fundraising experience, whether with a federal PAC, fundraising firm, or Congressional campaign
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent communication abilities
• Ability to travel
• Ability to self-start and self-direct work a necessity
• Willingness to attend occasional evening and weekend meetings
• 
  

EOE, including disability/vets

All APA employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved or authorized by the World Health Organization or U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Proof of vaccination, or having an accommodation request approved by APA, will be required.