Waxman Strategies works with clients on a range of health issues to develop and promote policies for a more accessible and equitable health system, and we’re accepting applications for our next Senior Director of Health Policy to help lead this important work. We’re looking for talented candidates with expertise in health care systems and costs, experience advancing policy, and a strong commitment to health issues and health equity. As a Senior Director in our Health Practice, you will be a critical part of our work to develop, influence, and advocate for health policy on issues including: rising commercial prices, costs and value in Medicare advantage, Medicare sustainability, the rising cost of drug prices; and other issues that affect the cost of and access to care for diverse populations.

Who we are: 

Recognized as “one of the most accomplished legislators of his or any era” by President Obama, former Congressman Henry Waxman leads the firm’s work in the areas of health and the environment. Waxman Strategies uses advocacy, communications, and campaigns to shape policies. Building on a powerful legacy, we are driven by an uncompromising commitment to create and sustain change in the public interest.

Our Health Team uses its policy knowledge and experience to provide strategic counsel, issue analysis and policy development, and engagement support with federal and state officials and a wide array of stakeholders to our diverse portfolio of clients. Building on a powerful legacy, we are driven by an uncompromising commitment to create and sustain change in the public interest. A sample of our current health clients include: Arnold Ventures, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Commonwealth Fund, Medicines360, the Public Health Institute, West Health, Expanding Medication Abortion Access Project, and United States of Care.  

Background on the position:

As one of the Senior Directors in our Health Practice, you will work closely with our team of experts (practice leadership, directors, and associates), former Congressman Waxman, and our clients to shape and advance policy around health, one of the most pressing and high profile issues in our country. You will bring creativity and smarts to our work with our clients, and help organizations achieve policy change, particularly with clients which have a focus on health care prices, Medicare costs, health equity, and health care affordability. You will be a part of a practice and firm that works to ensure DEIJ practices are a central part of our work in a meaningful way. Our team recognizes the systemic racism and inherent inequities in our health care system and works every day to advance health equity through dedicated project work. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Analyzing and developing policy recommendations related to health care costs issues including, but not limited to commercial prices, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare sustainability.
• Serving as the senior contact for a portfolio of clients or funders; leading client meetings, including discussions of policy issues and client deliverables, and overseeing accounts.
• Leading strategy planning to advance client policy goals at all applicable levels of government, including policy development, government relations, communications, and stakeholder relations strategies;
• Developing and communicating our clients’ policy positions to members of Congress, congressional staff, other federal policymakers and stakeholders; and state leaders when applicable;
• Developing and managing annual work plans to ensure timely, high-quality execution of tactics and deliverables to advance client policy goals;
• Project managing deliverables, including development of project plans and management of project teams; 
• Organizing, participating in, and presenting to roundtables of health policy stakeholders;
• Drafting position papers, talking points, letters, and other policy communications, on behalf of Waxman Strategies and our clients;
• Providing communications support to relevant health care projects in conjunction with communications staff;
• Actively identifying potential new clients and conducting background research for business development;
• Mentoring other health practice staff

Who you are:

Required qualifications:

• You have at least eight years of professional work experience, with a background working in a government setting or with nonprofit advocacy organizations or lobbying firms.
• You have a proven track record in legislative or regulatory work, including experience figuring out how to move decision makers and supporting advancement of legislation and/or and regulatory policy.
• You have experience in health policy, with proven knowledge on relevant health care cost topics.
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills. You can communicate effectively with people with varying levels of expertise on health issues from members of Congress to nonprofit leaders to colleagues.
• You have experience in project management, project planning, and/or campaign planning;
• You have a commitment to and experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds, including marginalized communities such as communities of color, low-income communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, various religious backgrounds, and more.
• You approach your work with flexibility, initiative, and a willingness pivot as issues arise.
• You have a bachelor’s degree, ideally in public policy, public health, government, political science, or another related field.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in client and/or funder relations preferred;
• Experience with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice initiatives preferred;
• A master’s degree in a related discipline is preferred;
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

More about our team: The firm is made up of people from various backgrounds, including federal agencies, nonprofit advocacy groups, health agencies, and legislative offices, at a range of experience levels. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming place for people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, parents, empty-nesters, and more.

Details: This is a full-time position and we have a strong preference for candidates based in the Washington, D.C. area. We will consider candidates who are based in the US, with a preference for candidates on the east coast. Candidates who are based in non-EST time zones need to be willing to work east coast business hours. We primarily work remotely, but DC-area based staff have access to the Washington, D.C. office.

You will report to the Senior Vice President of our Health Practice and work with the rest of the health team.

Compensation and benefits: The salary range for this position is $125K to $165K, depending on experience. We have a generous benefits package, including group health insurance, dental benefits, unlimited vacation time, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan.

Interview process: Our interview process involves a phone interview, two video interviews, a candidate exercise, and reference calls for candidates advancing in our process. 

To apply: Please submit a resume and complete our short application. Please make sure to let us know where you heard about the job. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the job will remain posted on our website until it is filled. 

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact Aliya at aliya@waxmanstrategies.com.

Our DEIJ Commitment: Waxman Strategies conducts our work with the understanding that diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) values are central to our mission, our culture, our success and our impact. With the knowledge of this country’s historically unjust economic and social systems in mind, our organization tries to maintain a workplace environment that embraces the diverse backgrounds and identities of our team, partners and clients.

We strive to make decisions transparently and inclusively, working to eliminate barriers so that all present and future Waxman Strategies staff – particularly those with traditionally excluded identities – have equitable, comprehensive access to resources, opportunities for leadership, and oversight of day-to-day activities.

Waxman Strategies is an equal opportunity employer; we strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression and any other characteristic protected by law. 

Women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community and other historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.