Government Relations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Government Relations Specialist assists the Department of Government Relations and Practice with activities related to the Society’s government affairs, congressional relations, and advocacy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with planning and implementation of Committee on Government Affairs meetings, the ASH Advocacy Leadership Institute, the Grassroots Network Lunch, and other department programs as needed, including overseeing logistics, securing speakers, and assisting with the preparation of meeting materials (such as meeting notebooks and presentations).
• Oversees all components / aspects of the ASH Grassroots Network, including maintaining and updating membership lists, securing and managing the contract with the digital advocacy platform vendor, ensuring information and materials in the online ASH Advocacy Center (including materials in the online advocacy toolkit) are kept up to date, drafting and sending all legislative alerts, and coordinating ASH grassroots member involvement in the Society’s advocacy efforts.
• Schedules conference calls and meetings for Committee on Government Affairs.
• Assists with the coordination of the ASH / AAAS Congressional Fellowship Program, including outreach and logistics related to the ASH nomination process, coordinating check in meetings with the congressional fellow, assisting with salary invoices, and representing ASH at AAAS fellowship informational meetings.
• Assists with scheduling and attends relevant meetings and events on Capitol Hill for ASH members and staff, including identifying ASH members in states / districts of key congressional members, and assists with the preparation of fact sheets and talking points for these meetings.
• Assists with the development, production, and distribution of electronic newsletters (including the monthly Advocacy Update and the quarterly ALI Alumni Connection newsletter), advocacy alerts, website updates, the online advocacy center, social media posts, and other department materials.
• Prepares general correspondence and provides information and assistance to relevant committee and Society members concerning conferences, meetings, and current issues.
• Assists with evaluation and analysis of departmental activities and programs.
• Serves as general resource to assist Government Relations and Practice staff with programs and projects including researching and monitoring policy issues of importance to hematology.
• Serves as backup for processing reimbursement and check request forms.
• Works with department vendors relevant to the work of the Government Relations and Practice department.
• Maintains lobbying log database and works with staff to prepare necessary documentation for the organization’s annual audit and to comply with federal reporting requirements.
• Serves as backup, as needed, for administrative responsibilities with other Society assistants / coordinators / associates.
• Attends and / or supports occasional ASH-sponsored meetings and events outside of normal working hours (evenings and / or weekends).

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE SKILL REQUIRED

• Proficiency with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Internet skills required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills required.
• College degree and three years related experience, with a scientific or health policy background preferred.
• Advocacy association, Capitol Hill, or Federal Agency experience strongly desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires an ability to speak audibly and listen actively.

Requires an ability to use computers, telephones and other office equipment.

Requires periodic local travel and may require periodic out-of-town travel.

ASH has a hybrid work environment, with core in-office days for all ASH staff on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and telework on Mondays and Fridays for eligible positions.

The Society’s headquarters is in Washington, DC, and is within walking distance of several Metro stations on the Blue / Orange / Silver and Red lines.

The American Society for Hematology (ASH) is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by applicable federal, state, or local laws.