VP, State Advocacy & Outreach

Position Title: Vice President, State Advocacy and Outreach

Department: Advocacy and Government Relations

Position Summary:

The Vice President, State Advocacy and Outreach, is a strategic leader responsible for advancing AAPA’s state advocacy efforts and strengthening relationships with constituent organizations. This role champions the mission to ensure Physician Associates (PAs) can practice to the fullest extent of their education and experience by promoting and improving state laws and regulations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

Reporting to the Chief of Public Affairs and Advocacy, the Vice President leads a dynamic team of professionals, is a trusted advisor to AAPA leadership, and represents the organization in high-profile external settings. This role is pivotal in maintaining AAPA’s unified voice and driving impactful partnerships across healthcare and government stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

State Advocacy Leadership:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive state advocacy strategy to advance AAPA’s priorities, ensuring flexibility to adapt to changing legislative and regulatory landscapes.
• Analyze and monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the state level, identifying trends and opportunities to inform national strategies.
• Oversee the creation and execution of grassroots/ grasstops advocacy campaigns, leveraging tools like advocacy action centers and social media.
• Ensure compliance with state registration and lobbying disclosure laws.

Constituent Engagement:

• Lead AAPA’s relationships with 126 constituent organizations, including state chapters, specialty societies, and federal service chapters.
• Collaborate with the Director of Constituent Organization and Outreach to support constituent organizations’ growth, sustainability, and strategic priorities through tailored assistance and targeted grants.
• As needed, provide on-site consultation, strategic planning, and presentations to constituent organizations.
• In collaboration with VP of Federal Advocacy, oversee the development, planning and execution of annual leadership and advocacy conference.

Strategic Partnerships:

• Build and enhance alliances with external stakeholders, including state medical boards, the Federation of State Medical Boards, and other healthcare organizations.
• Serve as a spokesperson on state policy issues and collaborate with AAPA’s communications team on media opportunities.
• Coordinate closely with federal advocacy and reimbursement teams on areas of mutual interest.

Thought Leadership and Communication:

• Represent AAPA and the PA profession at external events, state meetings, and industry workshops.
• Develop and update resource materials to support advocacy, communication, and constituent outreach efforts.
• Regularly report on state government activities through articles, presentations, and correspondence.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and empower a team of state advocacy and association professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Review and refine team deliverables to ensure high-quality outputs aligned with AAPA’s strategic goals.

Qualifications:

• 10-15 years of progressively responsible professional experience with a track record of success in advocacy, policy, or government relations
• At least 5 years of direct experience working with state governments, campaigns, associations, or healthcare-related organizations
• Strong knowledge of healthcare policy at the national, state, and provider levels
• Proven ability to mobilize grassroots and build coalitions, with a preference for experience in healthcare advocacy
• Demonstrated strategic vision, planning expertise, and financial acumen, including budget management
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with efficiency, flexibility, and a collaborative approach
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school preferred
• Willingness to travel and attend evening/weekend meetings as needed

Why Join AAPA?

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the PA profession while working with passionate colleagues dedicated to making a difference in healthcare advocacy.

The American Academy of Physician Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability and any other classification protected by law.