The Director of Public Policy supports and enhances effective federal and state advocacy for the American Kidney Fund (AKF), on issues related to End- Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) , including the Part D and drug pricing provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare, Medicaid, the FDA drug approval process, and private insurance (including the Affordable Care Act) with an emphasis on patient access to prescription drugs and biologics, through strong policy analysis and writing skills. The Director will work with the Vice President of Government Affairs on strategic issue assessment, policy development and analysis, timely production of advocacy materials and comment letters, thought leader development and coalition building. The Director of Public Policy should be an excellent communicator, both written and verbal, and able to translate complex policy issues into useful information for AKF employees and key constituents, including AKF patient advocates. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• In collaboration with the Vice President of Government Affairs and the other Director of Public Policy, work effectively and professionally with federal regulators/lawmakers, such as Health & Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), the FDA, MedPAC, Congress and other government officials with responsibility for overseeing policies and programs with an impact on kidney disease. Develop and maintain relationships with key staff in federal agencies. 
• Work effectively with, influence and mobilize policy positions of kidney care associations (e.g., Kidney Care Partners), coalitions of patients, providers, and other groups in support of AKF policies.
• Works in close collaboration with fellow Office of Government Affairs team members, other AKF colleagues, as well as colleagues in associated organizations. Helps support public policy efforts in States.
• Regularly scans environment for emerging policy trends based on regulatory, policy, and legislative proposals, developments, data and research from Congress, the Administration, government advisory committees, and other key organizations.
• Remains abreast of insurance policy and trends as they impact persons with ESRD and CKD that potentially impact AKF programs and activities.
• Identifies the key policy issues and debates facing AKF; collaborates with outside organizations when appropriate and develops, recommends, and gains approval of AKF policy positions on key issues, including regulatory comment letters.
• Drafts full range of advocacy materials for use with Members of Congress and their staff and will work closely with the Director of State Policy and Advocacy to develop materials for State legislators and regulators, all of which effectively articulate rationale for AKF positions. Will also be responsible public policy related content for action alerts, monthly e-newsletters, etc.
• Assist in preparation of related materials for AKF’s Public Policy Committee meetings; help coordinate Hill briefing materials for VP and assist with drafting committee reports and other related materials such as PowerPoint presentations.
• Local travel – 20% of position.
• Occasional out of town travel for AKF or partner events.
• Other duties as assigned.