Vice President & Head, US Public Policy

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
The Vice President & Head, US Public Policy monitors federal legislative and regulatory issues and develops proactive agenda for addressing issues of
concern. The incumbent provides education to appropriate Fresenius Medical Care (FME) employees on related issues. The VP & Head, US Public Policy develops 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.

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.
• Review and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Ensure all employees within the assigned team(s) understand and comply with the Code of Business Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws and regulations; establishing and maintaining effective internal systems and controls to promote compliance.
• Provide leadership, guidance and coaching to all direct reports to maintain an engaged and productive workforce; partnering with Human Resources on employee relations issues.
• Collaborate with employees in the establishment of clear and concise development plans to ensure succession planning and the advancement of future leaders within the organization.
• Provide technical guidance.
• Assist with various projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Travel may be required.

SUPERVISION:

• May be responsible for the direct supervision of various levels of government affairs staff.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree (such as in Law) required; Advanced Degree preferred.
• EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:  
• 5+ years' experience.
• 5+ years' experience internal senior management level role (e.g., Vice President); or 5+ years' external experience in a senior management level role
• A solid background in government relations is required, with at least five years' experience in federal government relations, preferably with ESRD or other applicable health care experience.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external groups, advocate a broad spectrum of issues to relevant governmental and third party stakeholders, and negotiate mutually agreeable solutions with a wide variety of interest groups.
• Experience in managing a team and building coalitions.
• Demonstrated experience managing one or more departments.
• Strong management skills with the ability to lead cohesive and productive teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of management through diplomacy and tact.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong writing and communication skills.