Vice President of Government Relations (VP)
The Opportunity
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) seeks an experienced and strategic Vice President of Government Relations (VP).
The VP develops and oversees the Society’s regulatory and legislative affairs strategy and works closely with surgeon leaders to advance the Society’s health policy and advocacy objectives. Serving as a strategic conduit in representing the interests of cardiothoracic surgeons, the VP facilitates access to Congress and executive agencies. This position reports to the Senior Vice President and provides leadership and oversight of the Society’s office and operations in Washington, DC. The VP supervises three direct reports.
This position is hybrid, requiring an on-site presence at least two days a week with flexible scheduling availability as needed.
About STS
Founded in 1964, STS is a nonprofit professional organization representing surgeons, researchers, and allied health care professionals who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lungs, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest.
STS is the largest cardiothoracic surgery organization in the world with more than 7,800 members in 102 countries. The Society offers access to research and analytics, educational programs, and an international peer-reviewed journal devoted to issued cardiothoracic surgery to improve patient outcomes and the lives of those with cardiothoracic diseases. With offices in both Washington, DC and Chicago, STS has an annual budget of approximately $38 million and is supported by a staff of 88.
The Vice President, Government Relations Role
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee relationships with CMS, FDA, and members of U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, particularly the health subcommittees of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, House Ways and Means, and Senate Finance Committee.
- Provide strategic leadership in advancing the Society’s health policy and advocacy goals and objectives.
- Work with surgeon leaders in developing the Society’s legislative and regulatory priorities regarding Medicare reform, access to health care, patient safety, and other health care issues.
- Represent the Society in meetings with government agencies, Congressional offices, coalitions, and other medical societies.
- Oversee and develop comments to the Department of Health and Human Services on regulatory proposals affecting cardiothoracic surgery. Devise responses and letters to other government agencies and members of Congress.
- Provide oversight of external regulatory affairs consultants, including the Coding & Reimbursement consultant.
- Provide leadership and oversight of the government relations team and direct the activities of the STS Council on Health Policy and Relationships Operating Board, Workforce on Health Policy, Reform and Advocacy, and PAC Board of Directors.
- Oversee the Society’s grassroots advocacy program. Execute an annual Washington, DC advocacy event and as needed fly-ins to address targeted issues of interest to the Society and its members.
- Direct content development for newsletters, including STS News and Advocacy Monthly, and the STS website.
- Oversee the Society’s political action committee (PAC).
- Develop and oversee budgets for the STS Washington office.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills, Experience, and Desired Qualifications
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Proven ability to lead and direct staff, with insight and vision to move programs and volunteer leadership bodies forward.
- Demonstrated excellence in organization, planning, and follow-through capabilities.
- Ability to multi-task and manage several projects simultaneously, detail oriented.
- Established ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, volunteer leaders, government officials, other organizations, and industry contacts; ability to act with tact, diplomacy, and good judgment.
- Positive attitude in the workplace.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing daily activities and schedules.
- Ability to travel, as necessary.
Compensation
The starting salary range for this position is $225,000 – $265,000. A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate.
To Apply
To apply, please send a cover letter and current resume (Microsoft Word® format preferred) here. The cover letter should outline how your experience fits the requirements of the position as this will be an important factor in considering your candidacy.
Sterling Martin Associates is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
