Description
The Director of Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs serves as the association’s staff responsible for policy development, legislative and regulatory advocacy, political action, public affairs, and member communications. This role advances CAHSAH’s mission by protecting and promoting the interests of home care, home health, private duty, and hospice providers at the state and federal levels. The Director acts as the association’s in-house policy expert and advocate, builds and maintains key relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, oversees grassroots and political engagement efforts, and ensures members receive timely, accurate, and strategic information on issues impacting care delivery. The position serves as staff liaison to the Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs Committee, and various policy steering committees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Policy & Advocacy Leadership
- Identify, analyze, and manage state and federal legislative and regulatory issues impacting home care, home health, private duty, hospice, workforce, reimbursement, and compliance.
- In consultation with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs Committee, establish annual policy priorities and develop a strategic workplan to advance those priorities.
- Serve as CAHSAH’s registered in-house lobbyist, working collaboratively with contract lobbyists to advocate for association policy positions. Maintain lobbyist registration in good standing and ensure timely, accurate lobbying disclosure filings for the association.
- Draft letters of support or opposition, prepare policy analyses, and testify at legislative and regulatory hearings as appropriate.
- Monitor legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments and provide timely guidance to leadership and members.
State & Federal Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
- Lead state-level legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts, maintaining strong relationships with legislators, legislative staff, state agencies, and allied organizations.
- Support the President & CEO on federal policy matters, including preparation of issue briefs, correspondence, and presentation materials for congressional briefings and national advocacy efforts.
- Coordinate responses to proposed legislation, regulations, and guidance impacting members.
Political Action & Grassroots Advocacy
- Oversee the association’s Political Action Committee (PAC) and grassroots advocacy network.
- Responsible for PAC administration, compliance, fundraising, and member engagement.
- Develop PAC fundraising and disbursement strategies in alignment with President & CEO and board-approved priorities.
- Support PAC events and advocacy activities, including those held in conjunction with the annual conference.
- Strengthen member participation and effectiveness in grassroots advocacy initiatives.
Communications & Public Affairs
- Oversee internal and external policy-related communications, including the Weekly News Update (WNU), monthly Bulletin, annual report, and policy content on the association website.
- Partner with the President & CEO to coordinate appropriate responses to media inquiries and public policy issues.
- Ensure consistent messaging, branding, and accuracy across all policy and public affairs materials.
Committee Staffing & Governance Support
- Serve as primary staff liaison to the Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs Committee and the steering committees: HHA and HCO Committee, Hospice Committee, Medicare Committee, and Medi-Cal Committee.
- Collaborate with committee chairs to develop agendas, anticipate emerging issues, and advance committee workplans.
- Prepare meeting materials, produce meeting minutes, and conduct follow-up work between meetings.
Relationship Building & Collaboration
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen effective relationships with policymakers, regulators, association partners, advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders.
- Build strong working relationships with CAHSAH volunteer leadership, members, and staff colleagues.
- Represent the association at meetings, hearings, conferences, and industry events as appropriate.
Requirements
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
- Deep understanding of legislative, regulatory, and public policy processes.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate policy priorities into actionable advocacy plans.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including policy analysis and public messaging.
- Relationship-oriented, politically savvy, and effective in coalition-building environments.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Professional judgment, discretion, and a high level of integrity.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, law, or related field preferred.
- Three (3) to Five (5) or more years of experience in legislative affairs, advocacy, government relations, or public policy, preferably in healthcare or nonprofit associations.
- Demonstrated experience working with boards, committees, legislators, and regulatory agencies.
- Experience managing staff and working with contract lobbyists or consultants.
- Familiarity with PAC operations, grassroots advocacy, and member-driven associations strongly preferred.
LOBBYIST REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT: Must be registered as a lobbyist with the California Secretary of State at the time of hire or must complete registration within three (3) months of the date of hire (or sooner, if earlier registration is required under the California Political Reform Act). The incumbent must maintain active registration in good standing throughout employment in this position, including completion of the required lobbyist ethics training and timely filing of all required reports. Obtaining and maintaining lobbyist registration is a condition of employment in this position.
WORKING CONDITIONS: General office working conditions with frequent in-state travel and occasional out-of-state travel required.
