VP, Head of Federal Government Affairs

PURPOSE AND SCOPE: 
The Vice President, Head of Federal Government Affairs serves as FME’s senior leader for all U.S. federal legislative strategy and engagement. This position is responsible for shaping and advancing the company’s federal policy agenda, representing the organization before Congress, federal agencies, and other key government stakeholders.
In close partnership with cross-functional business leaders, the Vice President develops and executes a proactive, strategic government affairs plan aligned with FME’s business priorities and long-term objectives. The role provides decisive leadership in federal advocacy, including the design and oversight of grassroots mobilization strategies and coordinated responses to emerging federal legislative and regulatory issues.
The Vice President represents the company in high-impact coalitions, alliances, and industry forums to influence public policy and strengthen the organization’s position within the healthcare environment. Additionally, this role manages all external federal consultants and leads a team of 3–4 direct reports. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
•    Provide strategic leadership for the Federal Government Affairs function, overseeing the monitoring, analysis, and interpretation of federal legislative and regulatory developments. Proactively develop the federal advocacy agenda in coordination with executive leadership and business operations leaders.
•    Engage directly with federal elected officials, congressional committees, and regulatory agencies to advocate for FME’s priorities, including representing the company before Members of Congress, Administration officials and other key federal stakeholders.
•    Develop and execute federal advocacy and grassroots strategies, coordinating closely with internal partners and overseeing all employee and patient engagement initiatives.
•    Manage external federal consultants and ensure full compliance with all lobbying disclosure and reporting requirements in partnership with the Legal Department.
•    Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and their staffs, industry coalitions, dialysis providers, ESRD organizations, Medtech organizations and other key stakeholders to advance shared policy objectives.
•    Lead the development and review of policy materials, including policy briefs, position statements, and comment letters. 
•    Prepare and provide regular updates on federal advocacy activities to internal business leaders, including monthly written updates for executive leadership and oral presentations for specific business units.
•    Provide leadership, guidance and coaching to all direct reports, collaborating on career development plans and advancement of future leaders within the organization.
•    Work closely with the PAC Director to manage FME’s political giving strategy and collaborate with the team on ways to further grow the PAC.
•    Ensure full compliance with the company’s Code of Business Conduct and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulatory requirements.

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

EDUCATION: 
Bachelor's Degree required; Advanced Degree strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:  
•    10+ years' experience in a senior management level role (e.g., Vice President)
•    A demonstrated background in government affairs, with at least ten years’ experience in federal government relations, preferably with ESRD, medtech or other applicable health care experience.
•    Strong working knowledge of U.S. federal health care policy and experience working with Congress, HHS, CMS, FDA and other federal healthcare stakeholders
•    Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external groups, advocate for a broad spectrum of issues to relevant government and third-party stakeholders and negotiate mutually agreeable solutions with a wide variety of interest groups.
•    Strong management skills and leadership capability with the ability to set a clear vision and lead cohesive and productive teams.
•    Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of management through diplomacy and tact.
•    Exceptional strategic thinking and political acumen. Strong bipartisan relationship-building skills.
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•    Occasional travel may be required.