American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

In This Section:

Director, State Education & Legislative Advocacy

Posting Date: 3/29/2013

Cluster/Team:  Government Relations & Public Policy Cluster/State Advocacy Team

Coach:  Director, State Advocacy

Salary:  $79,183–$87,981

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Description

The purpose of this position is to advocate for state legislation, state regulations, and state and local policies that will benefit speech-language pathologists; audiologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; persons with communication related disorders. Specific issues are determined by the Association's annual public policy agenda and aligned with ASHA's Strategic Pathway for Excellence. The incumbent will work closely with staff in the Professional Practices clusters of the National Office, state speech-language-hearing associations, and state and local officials to determine member needs, analyze existing policy, propose necessary changes, and effect such changes through recognized advocacy techniques consistent with state ethics and lobbying laws. Some travel is expected to provide on-site assistance and support to state leaders regarding issues of importance to members and consumers.

Responsibilities

  1. Provide in-depth analyses of existing and proposed state or local laws, regulations, and policies on selected issues related to the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology and assess their impact on programmatic issues for ASHA members and consumers.
  2. Based on these analyses—and in consultation with other staff members, board and committee members, other ASHA members, and state speech-language-hearing associations—identify strategies for changing state or local laws, regulations, and/or policies on these selected issues to achieve the goals of ASHA's public policy agenda and focused initiatives.
  3. Develop action plans, identify stakeholders and decision makers, provide grassroots advocacy training, and develop marketing materials, as needed, to assist state associations with advocacy efforts.
  4. Draft legislative, regulatory, and policy language and author reports and other advocacy materials for use in lobbying activities.
  5. Coordinate the preparation of testimony and comments, both oral and written, for delivery to state and local legislators, regulators, and policy makers.
  6. Advise and support state and local member volunteers on effective political advocacy techniques, including through travel to state associations and legislatures.
  7. Report state public policy trends to the leadership of ASHA, state associations, and grassroots members in both written and oral (or equivalent) formats.
  8. Maintain state advocacy webpages on education and other important requirements as requested.
  9. Serve on internal and external committees, task forces, or expert panels, as requested.

Qualifications

Knowledge Typically Acquired Through

  • A graduate degree in speech-language pathology, audiology, law, social science, political science, or related field
  • 7 or more years of related professional experience, preferably including advocacy at the state and local levels

Scope and Depth of Technical Skills/Knowledge

  • In-depth knowledge of state legislative or regulatory issues and activities in the areas of education and health
  • Knowledge of computer applications and software

Scope and Depth of Non-Technical Skills/Knowledge

  • Excellent analytical skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent communication skills in both oral (or equivalent) and written forms
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Ability to travel extensively



Find out how to apply. Send a resume and cover letter to jobs@asha.org.

EOE/minorities, women, persons with disabilities, veterans with disabilities and Vietnam veterans are encouraged to apply.

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