SENIOR MANAGER, POLITICAL AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY
WASHINGTON, DC – HYBRID

Join Our Team:

Founded in 1964, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 7,500 surgeons, researchers, and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lungs, and esophagus. Our mission is to advance delivery of the highest quality patient care through collaboration, education, research, and advocacy. Our vision is to improve the lives of patients with cardiothoracic diseases.

Headquartered in Chicago, IL, our dedicated team of 80+ employees strive for excellence while upholding our Core Values of: Leadership; Quality; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Professionalism; Innovation; and Collaboration. To learn more about STS, go to: www.sts.org.

Employee Benefits and Total Rewards:

In addition to a competitive salary, STS offers a generous total rewards package including, but not limited to the following: health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with a match up to 6%, eligibility to participate in the company incentive program, and professional development opportunities.

STS also promotes work-life balance by providing a 37.5-hour work week along with paid time off including: 14 days of paid vacation, 8 paid sick days, and several paid holidays. We offer a casual dress code, and a hybrid work environment which allows for remote up to 3 days per week and requires employees to be in office a minimum of 2 days per week.

Position Overview:

The Senior Manager, Political Affairs and Advocacy will serve as a representative of the Society on Capitol Hill and at political events. Develop relationships with members of Congress and their staff that advance the STS legislative agenda. Define the strategic direction and facilitate growth in STS-PAC. Manage and oversee STS-PAC including budgeting, fundraising, accounting, and compliance with Federal Elections Commission requirements. Develop advocacy strategy and oversee grassroots initiatives.

Position Responsibilities:

Political Action Committee (STS-PAC) / Fundraising:

• Serve as the principal staff liaison to the STS-PAC Board of Advisors
• Develop and execute annual STS-PAC fundraising plan.
• Develop and manage the STS-PAC budget.
• Monitor schedules of political events and advise on STS participation in events that are aligned with the Society’s legislative and political objectives.
• Facilitate STS member participation in local political events.
• Compile and submit monthly Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports.
• Oversee STS-PAC contributions and disbursements and coordinate with STS Finance department.
• Ensure compliance with regulations regarding political action committees.

Advocacy/Lobbying:

• Represent STS at political events, Hill meetings, briefings, hearings, and coalition meetings.
• Advise the Vice President of Government Relations and STS leaders on all legislative matters of interest.
• Assist in the development of policy positions and legislative initiatives. Draft letters of endorsement, policy papers, and advocacy materials.
• Work with Government Relations staff to leverage grassroots advocates and the STS Key Contact Program.

Other:

• Engage STS surgeon leadership through direct interaction with the Council on Health Policy and Relationships Operating Board, Workforce on Health Policy, Reform, and Advocacy, and related task forces, as assigned.
• Collaborate with other departments in the STS headquarters office.
• Attend coalition activities, policy briefings, and other relevant meetings.
• Develop content for STS Advocacy Monthly and other STS publications, as required.
• Attend STS Annual Meeting and other meetings and events as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy or related field is required. Post-graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years related work experience in government relations and/or political affairs. Experience working in health policy preferred. PAC management and fundraising experience, including experience with PAC management and grassroots software systems, required.
• Thorough knowledge of the legislative process.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and follow-through capabilities; attention to detail is essential.
• Ability to multi-task and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, volunteer leaders, other organizations, and industry contacts; tact, diplomacy, and good judgment are essential.
• Positive attitude in the workplace.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing daily activities and schedules.
• Ability to travel, as necessary.

Candidates will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for medical or religious exemptions to this requirement.

About Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a rapidly growing not-for-profit organization representing more than 7,500 surgeons, researchers, and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible heart, lung, esophageal, and other surgical procedures for the chest. Founded in 1964, the mission of STS is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy. With a staff of 75+ dedicated employees, STS is headquartered in Chicago’s Streeterville area with another office in downtown Washington, DC. The STS staff strives for excellence while upholding the core values of Leadership, Quality, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Professionalism, Innovation, and Collaboration. Through the STS National Database, the Society has demonstrated its leadership in collecting and analyzing surgical outcomes data in order to improve patient treatments, quality of life, and long-term health.

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