Manager, Regulatory Policy at American Association of Neurosurgeons Inc – Washington DC, District of Columbia

Job title: Manager, Regulatory Policy

Reports to: Vice President, Health Policy and Advocacy

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary: $125,000-135,000 annually

** Please note that this is a hybrid position requiring 2-3 days in-office every week.

Job Purpose

The Manager, Regulatory Policy is responsible for leading organized neurosurgery’s regulatory portfolio under the Public Health Service Act and related federal authorities. This role focuses exclusively on federal regulatory policy affecting graduate medical education, biomedical research, student loan and workforce programs, drug and device regulation, public health initiatives, and medical liability policy.

The position also serves as staff lead for the AANS/CNS Drugs and Devices Subcommittee, providing strategic guidance and operational support to physician leaders on matters related to federal drug and device regulation.

This role requires strong regulatory analysis skills, familiarity with federal agencies, and experience supporting physician volunteer leadership.

Essential Functions

Below is a listing of the job functions this position performs.

I. Regulatory Policy Development and Analysis (70%)

• Oversee and direct analysis of federal regulatory activity under the Public Health Service Act and related authorities, and formulate strategic policy positions affecting graduate medical education, biomedical research, workforce and student loan programs, drug and device regulation, medical liability, and related public health initiatives.
• Produce well-researched comment letters, regulatory responses, policy memoranda, and formal analyses influencing executive branch policymaking, ensuring materials are completed in a timely manner and prepared for multi-level review and leadership approval.
• Maintain subject matter expertise across assigned regulatory portfolios by continuously analyzing significant rulemaking, agency guidance, advisory committee actions, and Federal Register notices, assessing impact on neurosurgery, and recommending strategic engagement when appropriate.
• Take ownership of identifying and evaluating emerging regulatory developments, proactively develop strategic recommendations and engagement plans, and advise the Vice President and physician leadership on policy positioning.

II. Federal Agency Engagement and Advocacy (15%)

• Serve as primary regulatory point of contact for relevant federal agencies, including HHS, NIH, FDA, HRSA, and related offices, maintaining ongoing professional relationships and ensuring timely, coordinated engagement on matters affecting neurosurgery.
• Represent AANS/CNS in direct engagement with federal regulatory officials, proactively initiating outreach and meetings to advocate for organizational policy positions and advance neurosurgery’s regulatory priorities within the executive branch.
• Lead coordinated regulatory advocacy efforts with specialty societies, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and coalition partners, aligning strategic positions and working collaboratively with internal communications functions to support cohesive and amplified engagement.

III. Leadership and Organizational Support (15%)

• Serve as primary staff liaison to the AANS/CNS Drugs and Devices Subcommittee, partnering with physician leaders to develop agendas, strategic priorities, and policy analyses related to federal drug and device regulation, and ensuring coordinated follow-through on subcommittee initiatives.
• Prepare comprehensive briefing materials, activity reports, and presentation content for senior physician leadership and governance meetings summarizing regulatory initiatives and progress.
• Draft regulatory summaries or educational materials to support member communications when appropriate.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in federal regulatory policy, public health law, or health policy.
• Strong knowledge of the Public Health Service Act and federal agency rulemaking processes.
• Experience engaging with HHS agencies such as NIH, FDA, HRSA, or related federal offices.
• Superior writing and editing skills, with disciplined attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, quality control, and personal ownership of deliverables.
• Highly self-directed and organized, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, anticipate emerging needs, and proactively advance initiatives in a fast-paced policy environment.
• Experience working with physician leaders, academic medical centers, or professional associations preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public policy, public health, or law preferred.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield plan options are available.
• Select plans are fully employer-covered.

Paid Time Off

• 20-28 days of paid time off (PTO) annually based on tenure
• 12 days paid holidays annually
• 2 floating holidays
• Birthdays off
• Summer hours June 1 through August 31 each year
• Half-day Fridays offered during designated summer months
• Remote work the entire week of Thanksgiving and the week between December 24 and January 1

Retirement & Financial Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Plan up to 10% of employee base salary
• 100% employee contribution, subject to federal contribution limits
• Money Purchase Pension Plan
• Employer contributes 10% of base salary after the employee meets the eligibility requirement of one year of service
• Fully employer-funded

Professional Development & Education

• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Professional Development Reimbursement

Well-Being & Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial Education Programs and Advisory
• Gym Membership Reimbursement

Working Conditions

This job operates in a professional office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment. The ideal candidate will be flexible and willing to assist, as needed, in all types of assignments, given limited size of office staff.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• This is a largely sedentary role.
• Travel required, as needed (typically 10-15 days per year), to AANS and CNS annual meetings, and other meetings and events, as assigned.
• Occasional evening virtual/remote meetings.

Direct Reports

None.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.