Director of Congressional and Federal Affairs

Note: APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.

The Director of Congressional and Federal Affairs, as a member of the Science and Technology Advocacy Team, advocates for the association's legislative and regulatory priorities before Congress and Executive Branch agencies, particularly in support of psychological science and its application (e.g., at agencies like CDC, DoD, and the Surgeon General's office). This role involves managing a key issue portfolio, developing and implementing advocacy strategies, and representing APA in relevant coalitions.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Chief of Advocacy for Science and Technology, the Director formulates policy, conducts legislative and regulatory analysis, and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders. Key responsibilities include advocating for increasing federal funding for psychological research, enhancing the visibility of psychological science, and ensuring representation of psychologists in policymaking.

The Director builds relationships with Congressional offices, agencies, and partners; creates opportunities for scientist engagement in advocacy; develops advocacy materials; and communicates with APA membership and leadership. This position requires proactive leadership and a commitment to advancing psychological science in the federal policy arena.

Education and Experience:    

• Bachelors degree in psychology, scientific field, or policy required. Master’s degree in psychology, other scientific field, or policy preferred. 

• 5-7+ years of relevant experience in science policy, regulatory and advocacy work. Government relations experience, including federal and state legislative and regulatory, lobbying, policy development, grassroots and coalition-building experience required. 

• 5-7+ years relevant experience and understanding of psychological and behavioral research and federal science policy. 

• Substantial contacts and leadership roles (planning/coordinating/convening) in coalitions and partnerships with other advocacy organizations. 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills. 

Computer Skills Required:

• Microsoft (Advanced User) with proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
• Experience with virtual meeting technology preferred (e.g., Zoom). 

Responsibilities:

• Advocates for APA legislative and regulatory issue positions before Congress and in the Executive Branch agencies with primarily retrospective review of Deputy Chief of Advocacy for Science and Technology. 

• Manages issues within assigned portfolio and is also expected to lead or work on any federal or state issue relevant to advocacy priorities. 

• Formulates, develops and implements policy and political strategy and agenda with direction and collaboration with Chief Advocacy and Deputy Chief Advocacy Officers. 

• Provides research and analysis of federal and state law and legislation and coordinates with regulatory and policy staff regarding federal and state regulation. 

• Drives and leads APA’s advocacy organizational relationship initiatives, ensuring focus on and alignment with APA’s needs and Strategic Plan; 

• Develops and implements strategies for increasing the share of federal funding dedicated to psychological and behavioral health; 

• Increases visibility and understanding of psychological science within research funding agencies, and ensures psychological scientists are represented in peer review, policymaking and advisory committees. 

• Develops sustainable partnerships with other organizations and entities— 

• Explores, creates and sustains strategic alliances, collaborative opportunities, networks, partnerships, etc. across advocacy priorities; 

• Creates visibility for, development of, and participation in APA advocacy programs and initiatives; 

• Communicates with allied organizations regarding APA’s programs and advocacy initiatives. 

• Initiating and maintaining relationships with Congressional offices and Executive Branch agencies and coalition partnership and leadership to accomplish legislative and regulatory agenda. 

• Creating opportunities for scientific psychologists to participate in federal advocacy by planning and undertaking federal advocacy training sessions, identifying experts to provide congressional testimony or to visit key policymakers. 

• Preparing legislation, testimony, fact sheets, and other advocacy, policy and informational materials necessary to advocate on behalf of the association. 

• Interfacing with APA membership, senior management, other staff across the entire association, and governance to promote and discuss advocacy agenda.
•  Other Duties as Assigned

About APA:

The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 146,000 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.

Job Location: Remote: APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA’s Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.