Summary
Description
Position Overview
American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACI Alliance) seeks a skilled healthcare advocate with deep knowledge of governmental affairs to serve as its next Executive Director (E.D.). In partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads ACI Alliance’s efforts to fulfill its mission “to advance access to the gift of hearing provided by cochlear implantation through research, advocacy and awareness.”
ACI Alliance is a membership association of nearly 3,000 cochlear implant (CI) clinicians, educators, scientists, speech language pathologists, advocates, parents and consumers. The Alliance’s robust advocacy program with over 200 State Champions carries out initiatives at the state and national levels. Its annual Conference on Cochlear Implants convenes more than 1000 attendees to share and learn. The ACI Alliance stimulates and supports research in the field, and its website serves as the leading non-commercial source of information on cochlear implants.
The Executive Director serves as chief executive under the direction of the Board of Directors and oversees all aspects of ACI Alliance strategy and operations. The E.D. is responsible for management and support of staff, volunteers, and contractors; participation in collaborations and partnerships; membership engagement and expansion; advocacy and awareness-building; conference and event planning; financial management and fundraising; and legal compliance. Ideal candidates will bring a background in healthcare-related governmental affairs/advocacy, experience in association or nonprofit management, stellar communications skills, and a propensity for collaborating with individuals and organizations in mission-driven initiatives.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Advocacy
- In collaboration with the Advocacy Director and contracted lobbyist, devise and lead ACI Alliance’s advocacy efforts with deep engagement of members and allies in priority policies, regulations and issues.
- Support 200+ State Champions and work to expand the program.
- Collaborate with allied organizations to advance advocacy priorities.
- Organize in-person and virtual meetings between advocates and elected or appointed officials.
- Earn credibility and ensure regular communication with elected and appointed officials to advance strategic priorities.
- Facilitate the creation of issue papers, infographics and other position-informing resources.
Awareness
- Serve as the public face of the organization, representing ACI Alliance at events and speaking engagements, to media outlets, and with decision-makers.
- Ensure ACI Alliance serves as the premier source of research-based information to support increased access to cochlear implantation and that publicly available resources (Wikipedia, others) contain accurate and up-to-date content.
- Monitor emerging topics that impact CI access and awareness, and make position statements as appropriate.
- With support of a meeting planning firm, coordinate with ACI Alliance Conference Committee to oversee the design and management of conferences and events.
- Seek out opportunities for State Champions and allies to speak at state and national meetings and conferences.
- Oversee ACI Alliance digital and print communications, including media relations, website curation, social media, publications, email newsletters, podcasts, and other tactics.
Research
- Coordinate ACI Alliance’s input, guidance and support of clinical research studies pertinent to cochlear implantation, as determined.
- Support the presentation, publication and dissemination of research findings and recommendations important to the field.
- As necessary and appropriate, encourage and support information collection and reporting from CI clinicians and other professionals to track outcomes, barriers and other data that is critical to research in the field.
Strategic Leadership and Management
- Provide leadership in developing and implementing Board-adopted strategic plans.
- Execute comprehensive annual work plans towards strategic goal achievement.
- Grow Alliance membership and engage constituencies in the organization’s work.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with sponsors, donors, allied organizations and technology manufacturers in the hearing healthcare space.
- Develop and support Board of Directors governance roles, and partner with the Board and its Committees to carry out strategic priorities.
- Lead fundraising activities.
- Oversee and perform human resources functions, and supervise staff and contractors, providing guidance and mentorship.
- Ensure financial sustainability through diverse income sources, including membership, sponsorships, conference and program registrations, and donations.
- Develop and track annual budget; oversee investment and financial management functions and contractors.
- Complete requisite reporting, timely audits and filings, and assure compliance with all relevant legal requirements and professional standards.
Qualities & Qualifications
Successful candidates will bring an understanding and sensitivity to issues faced by people with hearing loss, and many of the following skills, experience, and attributes to the position.
- People-person with proven ability to: build and foster collaborative and strategic partnerships; cultivate diverse opinions and approaches; and exercise political savviness and diplomacy.
- Skillful mentor who can motivate and guide staff, Board members and volunteers.
- Background and knowledge in health policy, research and healthcare advocacy.
- Basic familiarity with cochlear implants and associated healthcare and therapies.
- Leadership experience in a non-profit membership organization with multiple constituencies and stakeholders.
- Knowledge and experience in human resources, budgeting, financial management and fundraising.
- Expertise in strategic communications; event and meeting management skills a plus.
- Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.
- Confident self-starter with a willingness to embrace challenges and drive solutions.
- Patience, persistence and flexibility to accomplish projects in a collaborative setting.
- Integrity, honesty and a sense of humor.
- Bachelor’s degree and post-graduate education or equivalents preferred.
Location: Within commuting distance to Washington, DC.
Commitment to Equity: We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law, and to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment, or bias based upon these grounds.
