VP, Head of Federal Government Affairs

PURPOSE AND SCOPE: 
The VP, Head of Federal Government Affairs leads FME's federal legislative efforts and develops proactive agenda for addressing issues of concern.

The incumbent provides education to appropriate FME employees on related issues.

Additionally, the VP, Head of Federal Government Affairs oversees grassroots advocacy plans, manages and coordinates grassroots response to federal issues.

The incumbent represents FME on relevant coalitions related to legislative, regulatory and emergency management issues.

This position oversees 3-6 direct reports and manages all external federal consultants.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
•    Provide strategic leadership for the department.

Review and track federal legislative and regulatory activities.

Develop issues agenda proactively in collaboration with operations management personnel and Business Unit counsels. 
•    Interact with federal elected officials and regulators on behalf of FME, including advocating FME priorities with Administration officials.

 
•    Spearhead, develop, and coordinate advocacy and grassroots plans.

Interface as needed with related parties (such as the state advocacy team). 
•    Direct grassroots advocacy activities, such as visits and other contact with federal legislators. 
•    Track and report on the advocacy response of FME employees during advocacy activities, continually building a strong FME employee and patient volunteer advocacy base. 
•    Partner with federal level consultants and provide guidance to track and complete necessary forms per applicable lobbying laws and reporting requirements in conjunction with FME legal department. 
•    Foster relationships, manage and/or participate in industry and community coalitions. 
•    Collaborate with other dialysis providers and ESRD organizations on legislative and regulatory issues of joint concern. 
•    Review and draft advocacy material, policy statements and regulatory comments on behalf of FME
•    Collaborate in the development of government affairs messaging for FME employees, including assisting with PAC initiatives and online advocacy response. 
•    Write for outside publications on legislative and regulatory issues.

Serve as a resource for publication editors on ESRD issues. 
•    Serve as a liaison between FME employees and patients with regards to media opportunities. 
•    Represent FME through speaking engagements to outside organizations on legislative and advocacy topics. 
•    Support the monthly reporting process of federal advocacy activities to related parties (such as the Kidney Care Council and Kidney Care Partner coalitions).

Partner with Kidney Care Partners on key online advocacy center initiatives. 
•    Serve on internal project committees and work groups related to patient advocacy, emergency management, pandemic flu, and as a liaison to lead social workers and advisory boards.
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