Associate VP, Heart Rhythm Advocates

The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders.  Heart Rhythm Advocates (HRA) is a new organization established by HRS for the purpose of advocating for the care of patients with heart rhythm disorders and the healthcare professionals that serve them.  HRA is seeking an Associate Vice President of Advocacy.  HRS/HRA is headquartered in Washington, DC.  This position provides a work from home environment for local DC metro candidates.  HRS/HRA offers a comprehensive benefits package including a generous PTO policy.

Position Summary

Reporting to the HRS Chief Executive Officer, the Associate Vice President of Advocacy leads and oversees all aspects of HRA’s advocacy efforts, including developing strategic plans, managing campaigns, building relationships with policymakers, mobilizing grassroots support, and representing the organization's position on key issues to achieve policy change.  The Associate VP works closely with stakeholders and coalition partners to advance a specific cause or agenda.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Identify critical policy priorities aligned with the organization's mission.
• Develop comprehensive advocacy strategies and campaign plans to achieve policy goals. 
• Conduct thorough research on policy landscapes, identifying potential allies and adversaries.

Policy Advocacy

• Monitor legislative activity and track relevant bills at the local, state, and federal levels. 
• Draft policy proposals, testimony, and other advocacy materials.
• Engage with policymakers through lobbying, meetings, and presentations to advocate for desired policy changes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including coalition partners, national, regional, and global leaders, and grassroots organizations.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts with partner organizations to maximize impact.
• Mobilize grassroots supporters through outreach campaigns, rallies, and letter-writing initiatives.

Communication & Public Outreach

• Develop messaging and talking points to effectively communicate the organization's advocacy positions to the public and media. 
• Manage public relations activities, including press releases, media interviews, and social media engagement.

Team Leadership & Management

• Collaborate with organizers, fundraisers, communications specialists, and advocacy staff providing policy analysis. 
• Serve as staff liaison to HRA committees, councils, and working groups.
• Allocate resources and manage budgets for advocacy campaigns.

Budget Management, Fundraising, & Development

• Develop and manage the annual budget.
• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to secure financial support for advocacy initiatives.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and grant-making organizations. 
• Prepare proposals and presentations to communicate the value of advocacy efforts and solicit contributions.

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership, management, and interpersonal skills, particularly in creating positive, productive collaborations across the organization; ability to manage and motivate a team
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse group of individuals, including donors, volunteers, and staff, to effectively advocate for policy positions
• Active listening skills with the ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times 
• Reading comprehension and writing skills; ability to understand written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents and ability to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
• Professional speaking skills; ability to speak with others to convey information effectively 
• Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders and maintain them over time
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the organization to achieve goals
• Strong analytical and research skills to inform advocacy strategies
• Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills with the ability to develop specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work
• Ability to balance multiple assignments and follow standard procedures to accomplish assigned tasks
• Ability to manage projects from implementation to execution
• Ability to travel up to 10%

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public policy
• Minimum of five years of experience in a leadership role
• Previous healthcare experience
• Deep understanding of policymaking processes at various levels of government 
• Prior experience with 501(c)(6) organizations and political action committees
• Proven experience in building relationships with policymakers and stakeholders
• Knowledge of grassroots organizing techniques and community engagement
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising
• Experience writing compelling fundraising materials
• Experience conducting research, collecting and reviewing relevant data, analyzing reports, identifying trends, and reporting results
• Experience managing projects with a diverse group of individuals, ensuring successful and timely completion of tasks
• Experience using MS office, database systems, and sales management software (e.g., Salesforce and Classy)

How To Apply

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to the Apply button.
Salary range: $190,000 - $200,000

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at jobs@cessnasearch.com or contact 202-232-1765.

About Heart Rhythm Advocates (HRA)

Heart Rhythm Advocates (HRA) is a new organization established by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) for the purpose of advocating for the care of patients with heart rhythm disorders and the healthcare professionals that serve them.  HRA is a separate but affiliated organization with a different tax operating status.  HRS is a 501(c)(3), which limits some of the political actions the organization can take.  HRA will be structured as a 501(c)(6) organization that can more effectively raise and expend money on political activities.

About Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)

The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) is committed to helping end heart rhythm disorders and saving lives.  HRS is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders.  HRS’s mission is to improve patient care by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards.  HRS represents more than 8,500 cardiac pacing and electrophysiology professionals in over 90 countries.

HRS Statement of Belonging & Inclusion
HRS stakeholders share a common passion for accomplishing our mission to end death and suffering from heart rhythm disorders. We believe our backgrounds, experiences and interests are assets in reaching that goal, and we are committed to providing an inclusive environment in all activities, where everyone feels valued, respected, and welcome. We strive to have organizational leaders who represent and promote the principles of belonging and inclusion that are essential to our success.

HRS/HRA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

About Cessna & Associates, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission-driven nonprofit organizations.  Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.