Health Affairs and Government Relations Manager at AMER ASSOC OF COLL OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE – Bethesda, Maryland
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About This Position
AACOM is seeking a full-time, experienced Health Affairs & Government Relations Manager to support federal health policy and advocacy initiatives that strengthen osteopathic medical education and improve public health. Reporting to the Director of Government Relations, this role is part of AACOM’s Government Relations and Health Affairs team and advances AACOM’s position as a national thought leader in health policy and osteopathic medical education.
If you are someone who:
- Has a passion for health affairs and public policy
- Brings experience in public affairs and policy
- Enjoys program management and relationship development
- Communicates clearly and persuasively across diverse audiences
- Aligns with AACOM’s mission and commitment to improving public health
This may be what you’re looking for!
ABOUT AACOM
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, also known as AACOM, was founded in 1898 to lend support and assistance to the nation's osteopathic medical schools, and to serve as a unifying voice for osteopathic medical education. The association is guided by its Board of Deans of member colleges of osteopathic medicine, and various other member councils and committees. AACOM represents and advances the continuum of medical education by:
- Supporting our member institutions as they educate the future physician workforce
- Increasing awareness of osteopathic medical education and osteopathic medicine
- Promoting excellence in medical education, policy, research, and service
- Fostering innovation and quality throughout medical education
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The individual in this role supports the execution of AACOM’s health affairs initiatives through policy analysis, research, and stakeholder engagement. This includes coordinating educational outreach, planning and managing initiatives such as webinars, expert panels, seminars, and conference presentations, and collaborating with government and private sector partners to raise awareness of key health issues impacting medical education, patient care, and public health. Manages health affairs campaigns that highlight the impact of osteopathic principles and practice on pressing healthcare issues, such as rural health, community-based training, mental health and clinician wellbeing, opioids and addiction policy, osteopathic medical manipulation, nutrition, and climate and health. The role develops content on priority policy issues—including mental health, substance misuse, musculoskeletal pain management, climate and health, and pandemic preparedness—while also monitoring and interpreting federal legislative, regulatory, workforce, and public health developments affecting AACOM member colleges and physician training. The position produces high-impact policy resources—including briefs, issue summaries, fact sheets, and talking points—to inform AACOM leadership, member institutions, and advocacy partners. Leveraging data and evidence, the role advances policy recommendations and advocacy strategies that demonstrate the value of osteopathic medical education in improving population health, patient experience, provider well-being, and health equity.
This role also advances AACOM’s advocacy and external engagement efforts by aligning policy analysis with legislative strategy in close collaboration with Government Relations Managers. The individual drafts key advocacy materials—including comment letters, testimony, and briefing materials—and supports congressional engagement, agency meetings, and coalition initiatives. The position plays a central role in developing and delivering policy briefings for congressional offices, federal agencies, and partner organizations, translating complex issues into clear, actionable insights. Additionally, the role strengthens relationships with policymakers, federal agencies, healthcare organizations, and national coalitions, representing AACOM in collaborative efforts to advance public policy priorities.
WHO WE NEED
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 3–5 years of experience in health policy, public health, government relations, or a related advocacy role
- Understanding of federal health and education policy
- Excellent policy analysis, research, and writing skills
- Ability to translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences
- Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills
- Excellent organizational and project management abilities
- Experience working with federal agencies, congressional offices, or national coalitions
- Familiarity with policy tracking or advocacy tools such as CQ, BGOV, VoterVOICE, or Salesforce a plus.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
- Annual bonus program
- 403(b) with generous 10% employer contribution
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-provided life insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Account
- 12 annual company-paid holidays
- Vacation & sick leave benefits
- Professional Development Opportunities
- And more!
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time exempt, hybrid position with health, dental, vision, vacation, sick leave and 403(b) benefits. The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000 annually.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AACOM is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and do not discriminate based on any legally protected status or characteristic. All employment decisions are made based on individual qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. If you require an accommodation due to a disability, please inform your recruiter.
HOW TO APPLY
For consideration, interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via Careers at AACOM on our website, aacom.org. Your cover letter should address your experience, qualifications, and why you are interested in joining the AACOM team.
To learn more about AACOM, please visit: https://aacom.org