Manager, Government Affairs

Who We Are: It all starts with purpose.

We are a purpose-driven nonprofit with a dynamic staff culture.

With a meaningful purpose, motivated staff, and excellent benefits, working here will definitely have you smiling! The ADA’s headquarters is located in one of Chicago’s most iconic buildings, designed by a world-renowned architectural firm, and is close to public transportation.  With more than 350 colleagues, the ADA Staff are some of the most talented people in the Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston area.

We were named a 2024 Best-in-Class Employer By Gallagher and Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune in 2019 and 2021! Come join our team!

Job Responsibilities:

The Manager Government Affairs is responsible for leading the daily operations of the DC legislative office, ensuring timely completion of all legislative priorities in collaboration with the Senior Vice President and leaders within the division. The role will also build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including federal officials, public representatives, and grassroots/political organizations. They will attend events and communicate legislative priorities to stakeholders. The role requires strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations. The Manager will develop press strategies with federal affairs and ensure consistent and effective communication regarding legislative activities. They will serve as the operational leader for the division.

Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree or experience in lieu of degree
• 5 years experience (9 years in lieu of a degree) as lobbyist and/or as a government affairs staff person, in depth knowledge of congress and the legislative process, hill experience with particular knowledge of major congressional health committees, health associations and federal health care issues, experience in office management functions including, building management, calendar management, budgeting and expense management
• Knowledge of the functioning of the legislative, regulatory and political process
• Excellent organizational, report writing, collaborative, problem-solving, negotiation, politically savvy, customer service, multi-task and strong oral/written communications, analytical, facilitation, collaboration negotiation, prioritization, and presentation skills, influential, self-starter, results-focused, and strategic
• Proficient in legislative tracking software, election compliance software
• Travel twice per year 1-3 nights per trip to attend meetings for ADA Councils, ADA House of Delegates

Nice to Have:

• Experience in a federal or state legislative or executive branch office, a trade association, or labor union.

Just a few of the benefits offered to employees:

• Promotes Work/Life Balance
• Hybrid Work Schedule (2-3 days from home)
• Health insurance/ dental reimbursement plan
• Ample Paid time off
• 401(k) 
• Pension
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Student Loan Refinance
• 2 days off to work at a charity event of your choice 

The ADA values a variety of backgrounds and experiences and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified job candidates. The ADA is an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in open positions without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status or any other characteristic.

The American Dental Association is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at recruiting@ada.org

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.