The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) was founded in 1995 to provide structure and leadership to the emerging field of molecular diagnostics. AMP's 2,800+ members include individuals from academic and community medical centers, government, and industry; including pathologist and doctoral scientist laboratory directors; basic and translational scientists; technologists; and trainees.

AMP is seeking an Associate Director, Public Policy and Advocacy to lead the organization’s advocacy efforts and direct resources to develop and implement strategies to effect appropriate regulatory requirements, positive reimbursement policies, and influence other public policy issues of concern to AMP and the field of molecular pathology. Reports to the Executive Director.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implements the Advocacy area of the AMP Strategic Plan
• Leads the development and implementation of all public policy and advocacy activities
• Leads and collaborates with contracted government relations consultants to identify, track, and assess issues with implications for molecular pathology and to develop AMP advocacy materials and tools such as position statements, comment letters, testimony, slide presentations and handouts in consultation with committee members and, as appropriate, with policy staff in other organizations
• Advocates for AMP’s positions with Agency staff, other organizations, and congressional staff and elected officials on Capitol Hill
• Negotiates directly with Agency staff, other organizations, and congressional staff and elected officials on Capitol Hill to achieve best outcomes for AMP’s positions
• Develops and oversees relationships and coalitions to ensure that they are effective and achieving identified purpose
• In parallel with AMP leadership, serves as AMP’s spokesperson and representative on public policy and advocacy issues
• Provides expertise and content development to AMP’s Corporate Partners Program and Corporate Advisory Council
• Directs and provides strategic support for the Professional Relations and Economic Affairs Committees, their subcommittees and working groups. Performs administrative tasks where necessary, to include scheduling meetings and conference calls, preparing agendas and minutes, managing and distributing documents, maintaining relevant files, facilitating committee communications, obtaining leadership approvals for and submitting letters to policymakers and comments in response to public dockets.
• Oversees and coaches Professional Relations and Economic Affairs Committee staff liaisons to ensure professional growth and high-level performance
• Develops and manages an annual budget to appropriately resource AMP Advocacy
• Develops grant proposals to expand core or fund special initiatives
• Manages and writes content and other materials for dissemination via the AMP member listserv, the AMP Newsletter, AMP policy newsletter, website, media inquiries, social media and other online tools
• Provides AMP communications staff with content and relevant background in order to appropriately publicize advocacy issues and projects
• Along with government relations and media consultants, trains/prepares and leverages AMP leadership and spokespersons to advocate effectively for AMP positions
• Summarizes, explains impact or potential impact of, and recommends effective strategies for various policy issues for the AMP Board, membership, staff, and consultants. When requested, assists members with advocacy preparation for AMP policy positions
• Attends, participates, and documents the proceedings of selected local meetings
• Manages the content of the public policy and advocacy section(s) of the AMP websites
• Selects and manages systems that support department initiatives, e.g., virtual hill day and grassroots systems

SKILLS REQUIRED (in addition to those needed to accomplish Responsibilities):

• Excellent leadership qualities to direct resources, staff, and consultants
• Ability to successfully train, motivate, and develop direct reports
• Ability to prioritize and direct multiple simple to complex projects (both small and large scale) independently while meeting deadlines
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, including excellent time management and decision-making ability; able to appropriately prioritize projects and tasks
• Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills
• Excellent strategic and analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills: demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships both internally and externally; and maintain a professional demeanor when under pressure
• Ability to analyze federal notices and policy documents and ascertain relevance to the organization’s interests
• Ability to identify impacts and implications of policy issues and announcements and recommend solutions including type and level of engagement
• Ability to quickly change priorities and adapt to rapid change in the environment internal and external to AMP
• Ability to effectively identify, negotiate with, and manage outside collaborations, vendors, contractors, and consultants.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal, in-person and virtual
• Excellent MS Office skills (Windows platform)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate degree in Life Sciences, Business, Policy, Law, or Management required; extensive experience relevant to the position may substitute for the formal education requirement
• 4+ years in public policy, including interacting with offices of the Executive and/or Legislative branches
• 6+ years coordinating and implementing multiple projects simultaneously, preferably in medical / scientific associations, government, policy, or advocacy organizations

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Extensive use of a computer
• Routinely lift objects less than 10 lbs.; occasionally lift objects up to 25 lbs.
• Work is primarily performed in the AMP office and meeting venues in the metro-Washington, DC area Telecommuting up to three days a week may be granted after a planned transition period but is not guaranteed
• Overnight travel to the annual meeting (up to 7 consecutive days) required; possible overnight travel to 1-2 other meetings (up to 3 consecutive days); inclusion of weekends may be involved

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

BENEFITS

This is an exempt position. AMP offers competitive salary and excellent benefits, including 403(b) retirement with employer contributions, paid holidays, annual and sick leave, insurance (medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability), free parking, and professional development opportunities.

LOCATION

The AMP office is conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland and is walking distance to Metro and major bus/shuttle lines to and from the North Bethesda metro station.

TO APPLY

For more information and to apply, visit http://www.faseb.org/employment. Send resume, cover letter and salary requirements.

Please note: “AMP requires all employees to receive the most recent vaccination against COVID-19 unless a valid exemption is executed.”

If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact FASEB/AMP’s Human Resources Department at resumes@faseb.org

For information on the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), please visit: https://www.amp.org/

AMP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.