WHO WE ARE
The National Association of ACOs (NAACOS) is a member-led and member-owned nonprofit of more than 500 ACOs and value-based care entities in Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance working on behalf of physicians, health systems, and other providers across the nation to improve quality of care for patients and reduce health care cost. NAACOS represents more than 9.5 million beneficiary lives through Medicare’s population health-focused payment and delivery models.
SUMMARY
The Senior Director of Federal Affairs is responsible for helping NAACOS members interpret, shape, and respond to evolving federal regulations that impact provider payment and the transition to value-based care. This role blends deep policy expertise in Medicare, Medicaid, and value-based care with government relations, serving as a key representative to federal agencies, and national stakeholders. This individual operates with significant autonomy, partners closely with executive leadership, and helps position the organization as a leading voice in federal health policy. The Senior Director reports to the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and collaborates with all NAACOS staff. This position serves as a direct point of contact for NAACOS leaders, members, and partners of the association.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Federal Policy Strategy & Leadership
- Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive federal policy and advocacy strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
- Identify and advance legislative and regulatory priorities, proactively shaping policy outcomes.
- Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on federal policy risks, opportunities, and positioning.
- Translate complex policy developments into actionable strategies for internal teams and members.
Government Relations & Advocacy
- Serve as a primary liaison to federal agencies (e.g., CMS, HHS), and key policymakers.
- Lead and execute federal advocacy efforts, including coalition engagement and regulatory comment strategy.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with administration staff in key agencies, including CMS, CMMI, and ONC.
- Represent the organization in meetings, briefings, hearings, and national policy forums.
Policy Development & Analysis
- Oversee analysis of federal legislation, rulemaking, and policy proposals impacting healthcare delivery and payment.
- Direct the development of policy positions, comment letters, regulatory recommendations, and legislative proposals.
- Guide the creation of policy briefs, white papers, and member-facing insights.
- Conduct impact assessments and scenario planning to inform organizational strategy.
Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Leadership
- Convene and lead coalitions of external stakeholders, including provider organizations, associations, and advocacy groups.
- Collaborate with member organizations to shape policy priorities and ensure alignment with field needs.
- Build strategic partnerships with industry leaders and allied organizations to advance shared objectives.
- Serve as a visible thought leader in federal health policy discussions.
Member Support & Education
- Provide timely and actionable policy guidance to members regarding federal regulatory and legislative changes.
- Lead educational initiatives (e.g., webinars, briefings, toolkits) to support member compliance and strategic planning.
- Synthesize member feedback into cohesive policy positions and advocacy strategies.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate across departments to ensure aligned external messaging and advocacy.
- Contribute to broader organizational strategy and external affairs initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (e.g., MPP, MPA, MPH, JD, or related field).
- 10+ years of experience in federal health policy, government relations, or regulatory affairs.
- Deep understanding of federal healthcare policy, including Medicare, Medicaid, and value-based care models.
- Experience working with or within federal agencies, or national healthcare associations strongly preferred.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including policy writing and executive-level presentations.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex policy and assess implications.
- Demonstrated success leading cross-organizational initiatives and influencing without authority.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly dynamic policy environment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position will operate in a hybrid work environment. This will include 2-3 onsite days per week. The physical demand of NAACOS positions is typical of those in an office environment. Positions require frequent use of a computer to communicate both orally and in writing.
Estimated amount of travel, not including usual commute, is < 5%.
BENEFITS
- Health Insurance – employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums through the NAACOS group insurance plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 11 Federal paid holidays
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- 401K savings plan
- Flexible Spending Account
- Employee Enrichment Benefit
- Salary paid monthly (one month in arrears)
The base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $180,000 annually, with eligibility for a yearly performance-based bonus. The actual salary offered will be dependent upon the applicant’s experience and qualifications.
