Job Overview

The Senior Specialist, Federal Affairs works with the Director, Federal Affairs to influence regulations and public policy through federal agencies to advance the microbial sciences across all areas, but with a particular focus on clinical microbiology, laboratory science, coding and reimbursement, biosecurity, and biosafety among other issues. This position also interacts with the ASM members and other organizations to advance the interests of ASM and its members. The position works collaboratively with internal departments, in particular, the Clinical and Public Health Microbiology, Communications and Membership departments, to gather input from and communicate to stakeholders-including members, organizational partners, and media-about regulatory and science policy efforts.

Accountabilities (are the critical activities and results the position is held accountable to produce)

Essential Functions (defines the critical end results expected of the jobholder related to the accountabilities above)

• Proactively identifies opportunities for ASM federal policy engagement with regulatory agencies, specifically, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on regulatory activity that has the potential to affect the microbial sciences community in assigned policy areas, including diagnostic regulation, coding, and reimbursement.
• Provides timely updates on policy issues for staff and volunteers.
• Works with ASM members to develop position statements, testimony, and regulatory comments.
• Ensures a strong presence with specific regulatory agencies.
• Represents ASM in coalitions with whom the Society is engaged and identifies new partnership opportunities.
• Collaborates effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners working to address issues that impact the microbial sciences, especially the clinical microbiology area.
• Work directly with volunteer committees and volunteer leaders

Technical Competencies (are applied or practical knowledge and skills needed for effective technical performance)

• Excellent policy analysis skills and the ability to use data/evidence and input from ASM member experts to shape policy and advocacy messages.
• Demonstrated success building relationships with government agencies, coalitions and other policymaking and stakeholder entities; strong connections with key agencies preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Behavioral Competencies (are observable behaviors and skills that matter most for success)

Physical Demands
This is largely a sedentary role and may sit or use PC for long periods of time. Bending, reaching, or stooping may be necessary for use of filing cabinets or other office cabinets or office machines. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Preferred

Preferred

Required

Preferred

Required