Director of Government Affairs

The Georgia Dental Association is seeking a Director of Government Affairs to oversee the organization’s strategic agenda for state-based government affairs, including legislative and regulatory initiatives. This position will manage PAC reporting and fundraising events and, as a senior management team member, ensure that legislative and regulatory updates are communicated regularly to both the membership and GDA staff.

This person must excel in communication, networking, and political acumen. They must possess strong research and analytical skills to present well-informed arguments and negotiate effectively with all stakeholders. Below is a list of primary duties and responsibilities.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead lobbyist for the GDA as part of the GDA’s internal, Government Affairs Team with the Executive Director, General Counsel, Health Policy Director.

• Position and leverage the GDA at the state level as a key leader on oral health policy and government affairs initiatives relevant to the organization’s vision, mission, and goals.

• Build and leverage influential working relationships with key leaders in the state, including federal and state legislators, health care practitioners, federal and state agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Work with GDA’s General Counsel and Executive Director to evaluate, review, and draft legislation and administrative regulations relating to the practice of dentistry and GDA’s business units.

• Manage and update the GDA’s Contact Dentist List to ensure that each state legislator has a contact dentist to promote the GDA’s legislative advocacy initiatives.

• Host year-round events and small gatherings in each state district to ensure strong relationships between legislators and their contact dentists.

• Manage GDAPAC to encourage growth in membership contributions, oversee PAC fundraising events, and ensure compliance with state PAC and lobbyist expenditure reporting requirements.

• Attend district legislative receptions around the state and legislator receptions/fundraisers as necessary.

• Coordinate and determine agenda for each LAW Day at the state Capitol and direct the lobbying activities of LAW Day participants. Provide an overview of the current legislative activity. Follow up with legislators on questions or other issues requested of the dentists during their LAW Day visit.

• During the legislative session, write a weekly legislative summary for publication to GDA members.

• Manage and oversee the activities of GDA’s contract lobbyists.

• Primary staff liaison to following GDA Committees:

o  Government Affairs Committee

o  GDAPAC Board

o  Board of Dentistry – attend monthly meetings, advocate on behalf of GDA, and report on developments to GDA membership and senior management team

• As part of the GDA Annual Meeting, ensure invitations to key legislators are sent, moderate discussion of legislative panel and present the GDA’s annual, legislative strategy to House of Delegates for approval, and coordinate legislative dinner.

• Coordinate, oversee, and attend the GDA delegation’s attendance and participation at the annual ADA Dental-Student Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. (subject to a scheduling conflict with the Georgia legislative session).

• Other duties as assigned by the GDA’s Executive Director/CEO and based on divisional needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Business, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized certifications are a plus.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience in government, public affairs, law, or advocacy roles. Relevant experience may include work as a legislative aide, in political campaigns, or in similar advocacy positions. Healthcare experience is a plus.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of the legislative process, public policy, and regulatory frameworks.
• Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to convey complex positions and engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Networking: Proven ability to build and maintain professional relationships with legislators, policymakers, and key stakeholders.
• Research and Analysis: Strong research and analytical skills to evaluate legislation and its impact, and to present well-informed arguments.
• Ethics: A solid grasp of legal and ethical standards in lobbying practices, with a commitment to maintaining integrity.

Compensation/Benefits:

Base salary commensurate with experience bonuses based on personal and organizational achievements

Generous benefits package including, but not limited to:

•  insurance with premium paid for employee/spouse/child(ren)
• 401(k) with employer match
• dental benefits
• short/long-term disability