The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the national not-for-profit association established in 1863 & representing over 108,000 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services, is seeking a Division Director for our Federal Government Relations Division (GRD) located in Washington, D.C.  The GRD advocates the Association’s policies & positions on federal legislative & regulatory issues that affect animal & human health & the veterinary profession.  The mission of the Association is to lead the profession by advocating for our members & advancing the science & practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal & human health.

Reporting to the Associate EVP/Chief Advocacy Officer, the Director is responsible for leading AVMA’s federal legislative advocacy efforts based upon the Association’s policies & positions, ensuring the effective utilization & compliance of the AVMA Political Action Committee under the oversight of the AVMA PAC Board, & coordinating with other AVMA staff to address federal regulatory issues.  They will manage a team of lobbyists & other professional staff to ensure the activities of the Division are in line with the objectives set by the CEO, Chief Advocacy Officer & the Board of Directors to maximize effectiveness for the association & its members. 

The Director leads staff to identify congressional/regulatory issues which may affect the veterinary profession & develop response strategies for such issues consistent with AVMA official policy & to develop & maintain relationships with Members of Congress & their staffs; Congressional Committee staff; appropriate federal regulators; appropriate state & allied veterinary associations; & producer, humane, & allied health organizations in order to advance the official policies of the AVMA & to establish & maintain the AVMA as a recognized primary resource for scientific information on animal & human health issues.  They also lead the lobbying team & the development of strategy for achieving the AVMA’s goals, lobbying Congress directly & developing & joining appropriate coalitions as needed to support & advance the official policies & initiatives of the AVMA.

The AVMA offers a hybrid work environment, excellent employee benefits including generous health insurance, retirement plan, paid time-off (e.g., vacation, sick, paid parental leave) and a supportive work/life balance. Deadline for application is 12/18/24.  Send resume with salary requirements to: apply@avma.org .

 Visit https://www.avma.org/AVMAcareers

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To be successful in this role you must be highly collaborative & passionate about AVMA’s mission. Additional qualifications include:

• BS/BA degree
• Minimum of ten years of related work experience
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the federal legislative/regulatory process
• Strong involvement with organized veterinary medicine highly desirable
• Must be a strong leader with excellent interpersonal & communication skills (written & verbal)
• Must be able to interact and effectively communicate both with members of the scientific & non-scientific community
• Able to organize, plan & manage group meetings
• Exhibit AVMA’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in execution of duties
• Approximately 20%+ travel

About American Veterinary Medical Association

Located in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an office in Washington, D.C., the AVMA is structured to work for its members and acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the veterinary profession. The AVMA provides many benefits to its members, including information resources; state and federal advocacy; opportunities to address issues affecting policies that govern the profession and practice of veterinary medicine; continuing education opportunities; quality publications; and discounts on personal and professional products, programs and services. The work of the AVMA is carried out by a dedicated staff of over 170. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors and has a $50M+ annual operating budget. Throughout the organization, we take pride in knowing that we make a difference. The AVMA provides excellent employee benefits, including generous health insurance, retirement and paid time-off plans. We enjoy a supportive, friendly and comfortable work environment where work/life balance is evident at every level. We work hard, grow and have fun! For more information, please visit www.avma.org.

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