Director, Governmental Affairs and Political Advocacy

Purpose  

 The Director is responsible for coordinating and evaluating activities of the Government Affairs and Political Advocacy Department. The Director is responsible to answer questions for members and those interested in the field of nursing about how laws, rules and trends impact the practice of nursing. Other responsibilities include developing and maintaining a lobbying program, working cooperatively with ONA’s leadership, staff, outside lobbyists and other stakeholders to contribute to optimum representation of the Association’s legislative, political engagement, and outreach for building strength in ONA’s voice for the nursing profession.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates with ONA leadership on forming long and short-range legislative goals.

• Researches and analyzes State policy issues that impact ONA members, the delivery of health care, the Association and the workplace conditions of members.

• Prepares reports reflecting health policy trends and anticipated impact on the nursing profession.

• Raises awareness of, influences and promotes health policy initiatives to Association leadership, staff, and members to encourage participation in the legislative process.

• Submits written reports of departmental activities as requested by the supervisor or designee.

• Governmental Affairs: Develops, cultivates and maintains oversight of the member lobbying program.

• Identifies, develops and implements programs to increase ONA’s influence among legislators, including, but not limited to the legislative liaison program.

• Educates and inspires members on how to engage with policy makers at the statehouse and in- district on policy priorities of the association. 

• Prepares written and oral testimony for submission or presentation on proposed legislation and/or regulation on behalf of ONA.

• Establishes relationships with State lawmakers as well representatives from other Associations, agencies, and interest groups relative to shared issues and values.

• Contributes as an ONA representative and/or coordinates liaison representation to other organizations as assigned such as Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Aging, Ohio Board of Nursing, Department of Developmental Disabilities, and Columbus Health Department etc.

• Facilitates, attends, conducts and staffs ad hoc meetings and events related to legislative and regulatory activities such as Lobby Day.

• Political Advocacy Maintains current knowledge of Ohio campaign finance laws and ensures that the Political Contributing Entity (PCE) adheres to them.

• Works with local leadership on political and legislative issues.

• Monitors PCE finances and ensures timely and effective use of ONA PCE funds, in collaboration with ONA leadership, outside lobbyist and in accordance with ONA policy.

• Leads endorsement process and recommends endorsements of ONA’s candidates, in collaboration with ONA leadership and outside lobbyist, if applicable, and in accordance with ONA policy.

• Leads political mobilization, organizes and motivates members volunteers, and coordinates volunteer efforts in political races of endorsed candidates.

• Represents the Association at political fundraisers.

• Responsible for regulatory reporting guidelines.

• Frequently works extended and flexible hours including evenings and early mornings to meet the demands of political events, hearings and activities.

Consultation to Members, the Community, and Interested Parties

• Contributes to the coordination, communication, and meetings of the Health Policy Council.

• Provides consultation and assistance to district nurses associations and local leaders regarding health policy.

• Coordinates and develops educational activities designed to increase ONA members’ knowledge of the legislative and political processes.

• Develops and implements communication strategies regarding federal and state legislative activities using social media outlets and other forms of media in conjunction with the Director of Communications.

• Serves as a speaker for educational programming on topics related to health policy. Delivers presentations and continuing education to members of the legislature, interested party groups and nursing students.

• Contributes to the work of special interest caucuses as assigned.

Other Duties

• Participates in the coordination and preparation of the biennial convention and other association events.

• Compliance with ONA policies and procedures

• Travels throughout Ohio and frequent visits to the Ohio Statehouse. Occasional national travels or overnight trips.

• Other duties as assigned.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Typical Physical Requirements

• Regularly uses a telephone and e-mail system for communication.

• The person in this position frequently communicates with coworkers and Association contacts that have inquiries. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

• The person in this position frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.

• This person must be able to drive.

• Light work – Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Desirable Education and Experience  

 Any combination of education and experience, which would likely produce the necessary knowledge and abilities, is qualifying.

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Current Ohio driver’s license and willing to travel.

• Commitment to working flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings for political and legislative events. 

• 3 years experience in legislative & policy development and political advocacy.

• Preferred: Experience mobilizing union members for political advocacy, including organizing campaigns, grassroots initiatives, or legislative actions.

This position is based in Columbus, Ohio.

Work Environment  

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such office environments. Observance of all safety rules and guidelines is imperative and expected at all times. The employee may be exposed to chemical compounds found in an office environment.

To apply, email cover letter, resume and salary requirement to: Jobs@ohnurses.org.

Include “Dir. Governmental Affairs and Political Advocacy” in the subject line. Individuals will be considered applicants if they are contacted for an interview. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants with a disability during the recruiting process. EOE