Position Overview: The primary responsibilities for the Government Relations & Communications Manager include oversite and coordination of all HFM activities related to community advocacy and policy efforts including legislative and grassroots advocacy. The Government Relations & Communications Manager will possess an understanding of issues limiting access to care and will have the ability to advocate on behalf of the foundation with various stakeholders including legislators, state agencies, payers, providers, patient advocates and industry partners to maintain or grow access to outstanding health services and coverage for individuals and families affected by bleeding disorders.
Additionally, the Government Relations & Communications Manager assists in drafting grant proposals and reconciliation reports, supporting communication and marketing needs, participating in programming efforts, and attending fundraising events and other activities within the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan.
Key Responsibilities (Daily and Monthly):
Advocacy and Policy
- Possess a strong understanding of Michigan’s regulatory environment, specifically related to healthcare access. Create, strengthen, and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including elected officials, regulatory agencies, payers, manufacturers, consumers, and other decision-makers and engages proactively and when necessary.
- Communicate foundation’s priorities regarding the needs of the bleeding disorders community and identify partnerships locally and nationally. Provide strategic communications support, including social media and stakeholder messaging aligned with advocacy priorities.
- Individually, and in collaboration with national organizations, identify, research, and monitor legislation, policy, procedures, services, and insurance practices as they apply to the bleeding disorders community. Determine policy priorities and draft position statements, issue overviews, and messaging on behalf of organization.
- Work to educate decision makers and influence actions, policies, and decisions that support the interests of the bleeding disorders community.
- Develop, maintain, and lead partnerships with coalitions and other partners in the rare disease space.
- Plan and coordinate annual state legislative day, Lansing Days, including recruiting participants, developing and leading the training program, scheduling legislative meetings, creating talking points, managing day of logistics, creating evaluations, and proactively following up with legislative offices.
- Attend other events at state capital and in Washington DC to meet with legislators, participate in press conferences, and meet with stakeholders, bringing in HFM leadership as appropriate.
- Oversee and coordinate the HFM Advocacy Committee, schedule and lead quarterly updates, and plan all aspects of the annual summit.
- Recruit, develop, train, manage, and support volunteers to assist in the advancement of state advocacy and policy initiatives and enhance local community advocacy efforts with state legislators and staff. Continue building youth advocacy programming through workshops, retreats, and other events.
- Create and host regular advocacy activities, including 2-3 annual webinars, coffee hours, and other events both virtual and in-person to maintain a robust year-round program and advocate engagement.
- Provide pertinent education, training, and updates to consumers and staff via email, social media, print media, and web, including monthly advocacy e-newsletters.
- Research grant opportunities and draft grant proposals and reconciliation reports for advocacy activities as well as other foundation priorities.
- Other responsibilities as assigned. The inaugural Government Relations & Communications Manager provided social media and communications support for full agency needs – other responsibilities may relate to manager’s areas of expertise.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in political science, public policy, communications or related areas. Masters in Public Policy preferred.
- Experience with Medicaid, insurance policy, or rare disease advocacy is preferred.
- Must live in Michigan. Occasional work at the HFM office, located in Ypsilanti, will be required.
- Demonstrated experience in grassroots organizing, lobbying, and/or public policy.
- Excellent oral, writing, editing, and communication skills.
- Able to manage multiple responsibilities across departments.
- Excellent interpersonal relationship skills.
- Self-motivated & well organized
- Driver’s license
- Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively
- Proficiency in MS Word and other graphic software
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
- Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA and other federal, state and local standards.
How to Apply
Send cover letter and resume to sceci@hfmich.org; no phone calls please.