SUMMARY
The Deputy Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer serves as an advocate for the Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) and its physician members before state and federal legislative and regulatory bodies. Reporting to and working in close coordination with the Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, this position’s major emphasis is in WisMed’s lobbying efforts at the Wisconsin State Capitol. The position supports the Society’s political action committee (PAC) and conduit programs, helps guide internal health policy development in collaboration with physician committees and task forces, and helps maintain the Society’s relationship with the American Medical Association (AMA) and WisMed’s AMA delegation. The Deputy Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer is a strategic leader and relationship builder who, in partnership with the Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, advances the interests of Wisconsin physicians and their patients in the legislative and regulatory arenas.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. State and Federal Government Lobbying
Working in tandem with the Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, this position represents WisMed before the Wisconsin State Legislature, the Office of the Governor, and state executive agencies, and engages on federal matters affecting the membership in coordination with the AMA and Wisconsin’s congressional delegation. Specific responsibilities include:
- Building and maintaining strong, bipartisan relationships with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor’s office, and agency officials.
- Tracking, analyzing, and developing strategic responses to legislative proposals, administrative rules, and regulatory actions affecting physicians and the practice of medicine in Wisconsin.
- Drafting and delivering testimony, correspondence, position papers, and talking points before legislative committees and state agencies.
- Coordinating grassroots legislative outreach, including organizing physician meetings with policymakers, Doctor Days, and direct constituent engagement activities.
- Monitoring and engaging on federal legislative and regulatory matters affecting WisMed’s membership, with particular attention to health care financing, workforce, and scope of practice issues.
- Representing WisMed before federal agency offices and with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation as legislative priorities require.
- Ensuring timely compliance with all state and federal lobbying registration and disclosure requirements.
2. Internal Policy Development and Physician Engagement
Works in tandem with the Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer on WisMed’s internal policy development process, ensuring that advocacy positions reflect sound policy analysis and the perspectives of the Society’s physician membership. Engages closely with physician leaders and volunteers across a range of committees and task forces. Specific responsibilities include:
- Staffing WisMed’s legislative and policy-related committees, councils, and task forces, including preparing agendas, background materials, and policy briefs.
- Facilitating consensus-building among physician members with diverse specialties, practice settings, and viewpoints on complex health policy issues.
- Conducting policy research and analysis on health care legislation, regulation, and emerging issues to inform WisMed’s advocacy agenda.
- Translating complex legislative and regulatory proposals into clear, accessible communications for physician members and the WisMed Board of Directors.
- Collaborating with other WisMed departments – including communications, membership, and education – to ensure policy priorities are integrated across Society programs and publications.
- Identifying emerging policy issues and proactively developing WisMed positions and advocacy strategies in advance of legislative or regulatory action.
3. Political Action Committee (PAC) and Conduit Program
Working in tandem with the Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, this position supports and helps manage the operational and strategic activities of the WisMed Political Action Committee (WISMedPAC) and the Society’s conduit contribution program (WISMedDIRECT) in full compliance with applicable Wisconsin and federal campaign finance laws. Specific responsibilities include:
- Overseeing PAC fundraising strategy and activities, including developing and executing physician solicitation campaigns and cultivating a broad donor base across the membership.
- Managing PAC contribution decisions and disbursements, ensuring all activities comply fully with Wisconsin Elections Commission requirements.
- Administering the WisMed conduit program, including managing member solicitations, processing contributions, and ensuring proper recordkeeping and regulatory compliance.
- Ensuring that all required campaign finance reports and disclosures on behalf of the PAC are filed in an accurate and timely manner.
- Educating and engaging physician members on the importance of political participation and the role of PAC and conduit programs in WisMed’s overall advocacy effectiveness.
4. AMA Relations and WisMed AMA Delegation
Serves from time-to-time as a staff liaison to the American Medical Association and supports the WisMed AMA delegation, ensuring effective coordination between national and state-level physician advocacy. Specific responsibilities include:
- Monitoring AMA policy developments, legislative and regulatory activities, and House of Delegates proceedings for relevance to WisMed’s advocacy agenda and membership interests.
- Supporting WisMed’s AMA delegation in preparing for AMA Interim and Annual meetings, including assistance with reference committee testimony, resolution development, and delegation logistics.
- Maintaining regular communication with WisMed’s AMA delegation members and facilitating alignment of state and national advocacy priorities where appropriate.
- Serving as a point of contact for AMA staff and leveraging AMA resources, research, and policy expertise in support of WisMed’s state-level lobbying and policy work.
- Representing WisMed in AMA-affiliated coalitions, advisory groups, and state medical society networks as assigned.
Work with the Management Team to:
Grow – identify, support, and implement goals to help the Society grow.
Operate with Efficiency – Meet goals with minimum effort, expense, or waste. Remove obstacles to get work done.
Build a culture of respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion – Maintain a work environment in which people of all backgrounds or cultures can feel comfortable, apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public policy, health administration, law, or a related field preferred.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, legislative advocacy, or public policy, including knowledge of health care policy issues.
- Demonstrated track record of successful lobbying and relationship-building at the state legislative and/or executive level.
- Thorough understanding of Wisconsin’s legislative process, state agency rulemaking procedures, and campaign finance law.
- Familiarity with federal health care policy and the legislative and regulatory processes of the U.S. Congress and federal agencies.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy matters for diverse audiences including physicians, legislators, and the public.
- Proven ability to facilitate productive discussions and build consensus among stakeholders with differing viewpoints.
- High degree of professional integrity, sound political judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
- Proficiency with standard office software and familiarity with legislative tracking and association management systems.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Attendance at statewide events and meetings during and outside of core daytime hours is occasionally required, including during the legislative session.
- Regular travel to the Wisconsin State Capitol and throughout the state for member and stakeholder engagement; overnight travel required from time to time.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record to operate a personal vehicle on Society business.
FLSA: Exempt
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Madison, WI 53719
