June 12, 2025

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is seeking a full-time Associate Program Manager, Health Policy and External Relations.

The Associate Program Manager brings process discipline and project management to Health Policy and External Relations Programs. Reporting to the Senior Vice President (SVP) for Policy and External Affairs, this position serves a key role in coordinating departmental functions and helping the department meet its strategic goals. The Associate Program manager works across the department to collect and organize data, track progress toward program goals, coordinate activities with volunteers, and provide administrative support to staff. This position collaborates with staff across the organization to ensure adherence to policies and procedures, coordination of shared activities, and support for internal and external meetings. This position provides essential administrative support and serves as the primary point of contact for the Health Policy and Strategy Committee.

The Department of Health Policy and External Relations leads the development and implementation of the ABMS advocacy strategy, establishes relationships with external partners to align policy and advocacy priorities, and leads engagement on federal and state legislation, regulation and health policy. Department staff are responsible for working with Member Boards and key stakeholders to develop targeted advocacy materials to promote the value of ABMS certification, maintain high standards in specialty medicine, and protect patient safety. Staff work with Member Board Executives, organizational partners and volunteers to engage with health system leaders, professional societies, legislators, state medical boards, and patient advocates to achieve advocacy objectives and further the mission of the ABMS.

Established in 1933, ABMS is responsible for the creation of standards overseeing physician certification in the United States. Dedicated to improving the quality of care to the patients, families and communities they serve, the 24 ABMS Member Boards develop educational and professional standards and programs of assessment to certify physicians and medical specialists. More than 997,000 physicians and medical specialists are certified by one or more of the ABMS Member Boards in one or more of 38 specialties and 89 subspecialties. For more information about ABMS, visit abms.org.

Position Responsibilities

1.     Program resource management and research support

a.     Resource management

Create and maintain contact information and external distribution channels, including Associate Members, grassroots volunteers, legislative committees, etc., 

b.     Workflow management

Develop project plans, assign tasks, and track progress. Track and report on department Key Performance Indicators. 

c.     Federal and state advocacy operations

Use legislative tracking software to track progress of bills and rules being monitored, public comment and testimony filed. hearing notices and other key information to assure timely team response to priority legislative issues.  

Work with staff to assist in the development of communications, comment, and testimony for grassroots volunteers and elected officials.  

Conduct legislative and policy research and help write and prepare regular reports for ABMS leadership and other stakeholders.

d.   Inter-departmental coordination

Coordinate team collaboration with other ABMS programs as needed. Contribute to the development of cultural initiatives. Participate in ABMS project/team meetings and staff training. 

2.     Program coordination, meeting management, and external affairs

a.     Program coordination

Manage departmental calendars project schedules, and deliverables.  

Compose and edit correspondence and presentation material.  

Ensure staff are fully prepared for internal and external meetings.  

Manage communication with members of all committees, ad hoc work groups, and task forces.  Process meeting invoices and contracts. 

Serve the needs of internal and external constituents.

b.     Meeting management:

Coordinate department meetings, calls, and webinars, including, but not limited to, scheduling, creation and distribution of agendas and materials, management of logistics; assist in preparation minutes and meeting summaries; and assure appropriate follow-up of actionable items. 

Provide administrative and meeting support to other departments as needed upon request.

c.     Develop correspondence and presentation materials 

Research, prepare, and distribute communications; triage external speaker requests; work with internal departments on presentations and development of ABMS advocacy communications collateral.  

Ensure that external communications adhere to ABMS standards.

d.     Budget Tracking

Track and report on department spending each month and assist in the development of annual budgets based on previous year spending and resources required to achieve annual goals. 

Track and report on spending and project deliverables by contractors.

e.     Coordinate internal communications

Facilitate communication of department activities to key individuals across other ABMS departments to ensure coordination of activities and timely response to inquiries.

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to anticipate needs and initiate action to assure timely follow-up.
• Flexibility and ability to manage change.
• Ability to learn new applications and technology quickly and effectively.
• Ability to prioritize workload, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to conduct research on federal and state health policy issues, inclusive of supporting qualitative research efforts.
• Analysis, problem solving, and organizational discipline is a necessity.
• Polished communication skills: ability to prepare clear, concise letters, minutes, memoranda, research reports, and other documentation; edit reports, resolutions, and external communications; communicate effectively with internal and external constituents.
• Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented professional with ability to work independently as a self-starter and collaboratively as a team member while committed to customer service, quality, and excellence.
• Ability to work with distributed teams/virtual environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of integrity and sensitivity to confidentiality.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years research and administrative program support experience preferred
• Excellent skills in Microsoft 365 Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and Adobe Professional required
• Knowledge of state legislation, regulations, and operations preferred
• Knowledge of medical organizations and physician regulation preferred
• Experience in the non-profit/association sector is preferred

Education

Bachelor’s Degree required.

Salary, Work Hours, and Benefits

ABMS is offering a starting salary between $61,000 and $69,000 per year based on relevant experience. ABMS offers a comprehensive benefit package including three Blue Cross Blue Shield medical plan options; Flexible Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts; Heath Savings Accounts; dental and vision plans; a retirement plan with a three percent “safe harbor” employer contribution; a discretionary annual bonus; and generous paid vacation and leave programs.

 Hours: 37.5 hours per week, M- F, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Travel: Limited travel attending off-site meetings (less than 10% travel) and occasional weekend or after-hours work may be required

Closing Date: Resume review and interviews will continue until the position is filled.

How to Apply

Send your cover letter and resume to Daniel Hoppe, Director, Human Resources.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be added at any time with or without notice.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

About American Board of Medical Specialties

Established in 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is responsible for the creation of standards overseeing physician certification in the United States. Dedicated to improving the quality of care to the patients, families, and communities they serve, the 24 ABMS Member Boards develop educational and professional standards and programs of assessment to certify physicians and medical specialists. More than 985,000 physicians and medical specialists are certified by one or more of the ABMS Member Boards in one or more of 40 specialties and 89 subspecialties. For more information about ABMS, visit abms.org.

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