The PSNA Government Affairs Specialist will lead the Association’s strategic legislative platform. In collaboration with PSNA’s President, CEO, Government Relations Committee, and PAC, this individual will identify, monitor, develop, analyze, and move forward local, state, and federal nursing and healthcare policy efforts (www.psna.org). In addition, this position will develop, implement, and coordinate all government relation’s activities as directed by the PSNA legislative platform, including grassroots initiatives and support for PSNA legislative issues. The Government Affairs Specialist will educate and guide the efforts of PSNA members regarding professional nursing and healthcare issues.
Relationships
This position reports to the CEO and Chief of Staff. In collaboration with the CEO, this position assures its accountability to external and internal constituents. Within the Association, the position has primary working relationships with the Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant, and the PSNA team. Outside the Association, the position connects with the American Nurses Association, Pennsylvania state legislature, media, and interested and vested organizations.
Responsibilities
Government Relations activities may include, but are not be limited to:
- Drafts legislation, keeping abreast of current law and research to develop strategies and legislative agendas.
- Seeks out legislative sponsors and co-sponsors in both parties for bills to be introduced by PSNA.
- Contacts and confers with members of the legislative and executive branches for support of legislation favorable to the nursing profession’s priorities.
- Studies proposed legislation to determine effects on nursing.
- Confers with legislators and committees as appropriate, emphasizing the merits of specific bills, issues, and opportunities related to PSNA initiatives.
- Meets with members and PSNA committees to identify issues that may be resolved through legislative action.
- Educates and assists stakeholders in the fundamentals of grassroots lobbying.
- Organizes committee meetings.
- Coordinates annual Legislative Day in Harrisburg and Town Hall meetings.
- Collaborates with the PSNA Cabinet on Nursing Practice & Professional Development in writing and distributing position papers.
- Monitors and analyzes data and legislation related to nursing and healthcare-related subjects.
- Maintains awareness of nursing and healthcare policy at the state and federal level.
- Produces and distributes legislative updates on legislative priorities, events of significance, and status of bills of interest.
- Produces legislative content for the PSNA website as needed.
- Reviews related bills for analysis and distribution to appropriate committees and constituents.
- In collaboration with the CEO, meets with local groups to present nursing’s position on issues resulting from legislation affecting nursing and healthcare.
- In collaboration with the CEO, prepares testimony at legislative hearings in support of nursing’s position on a particular issue.
- Attends meetings of and reports to the Government Relations Committee, PSNA Board, and PSNA membership.
- Drafts letters to legislators.
- Acts as primary liaison with legislature, conferring with CEO as needed.
- Works with healthcare groups to develop collaborative strategies and build coalitions.
- Supports PSNA staff at all levels in their understanding of and capacity to assist in strategic governmental outreach.
- Assists with the development and planning of special projects as needed.
- Acts as primary liaison between members and administrative leadership.
- Works with the PAC to develop fundraising strategies and promote PSNA’s legislative agenda.
- Plans tentative budget for government relations in conjunction with the CEO and Director of Finance.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief of Staff and/or CEO.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in political science, politics, or related subject.
- Experience in the Pennsylvania legislature preferred.
- Demonstrates a knowledge of local, state, and federal legislative process.
- Experience working with a variety of community, public, and private sector actors and with people from diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Good project management skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work in a team or independent setting.
- Strong contacts with a variety of policymakers.
- Excellent legislative advocacy, negotiation, and persuasion skills and judgment.
- High level of energy and strong strategic vision.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Strong sense of integrity.
- Excellent computer skills.
- Willingness to travel as needed or requested.
- Willingness to speak publicly as needed or requested.
Hybrid work setting. Headquarters in Harrisburg.
Send resume and cover letter to: Kelley Richwine, PSNA Executive Assistant, [email protected]