Assists the DC Office leadership to advance The Joint Commission’s government relations agenda by; 1) analyzing and evaluating the effects of law, regulation, and federal guidance on Joint Commission requirements and its programs; 2) conducting research to support policy positions; 3) helping to ensure that public policymakers understand and appreciate The Joint Commission’s contribution to national quality and safe care; 4) identifying opportunities to add new, or improve upon existing, partnerships with federal agencies and relevant stakeholders; 5) helping to implement the Joint Commission’s advocacy agenda.

• Assists in developing and implementing short and long-term public policy goals that promote the Joint Commission’s mission, particularly with national influencers, but also with Congress and Executive Branches. Helps formulate the Joint Commission’s annual federal relations agenda and assists with its effective implementation.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with professional association government relations offices and administration staff and others who are key to The Joint Commission’s successful partnerships for advancing quality and safety nationally. Using these relationships, focuses on issues that are important to The Joint Commission, and helps promote awareness and appreciation of the Joint Commission’s activities and role in ensuring high quality health care. 
• Analyzes proposed regulations, legislation, and executive branch policy guidance for their effects on Joint Commission programs and mission. Prepares amendments and comments to these proposals and organizes meetings with pertinent government staff to discuss Joint Commission positions.
• Serves as a liaison between the Joint Commission and Washington- based health care organizations, and with other organizations having significant national or regional reach in the areas of quality and safety. Examples of such organizations include the National Quality Forum, the Institute of Medicine and the Government Accountability Office. Follows the progress and stays apprised of developments of such national organizations as relevant to The Joint Commission’s work.
• Identify and suggest new opportunities for The Joint Commission to improve upon existing public partnerships or to enter into new collaborations to enhance the reach of The Joint Commission’s mission.
• Helps keep Joint Commission officers and staff routinely apprised of Washington Office activities. Prepares reports on views of executive and legislative branch officials that address Joint Commission activities. Assists Executive Vice President in preparing routine reports to Joint Commission leadership on federal relations activities and issues; and assists with the development of quarterly reports for the Board of Commissioners.
• As requested, prepares and delivers presentations to internal Joint Commission audiences and to external groups.
• As appropriate, represents The Joint Commission at national meetings.

• Master’s degree required.  Studies in public health, public policy, government, health care administration, law or a related field is preferred.
• At least seven years’ experience with increasing responsibility in a Congressional office, Federal Agency, and/or government relations experience. Will consider similar years of experience in a position conducting Congressional or Executive Branch affairs for a healthcare related organization that includes, as a central art of the job, interacting with Executive Branch staff or Congressional Members and staff.
• Experience analyzing health care legislation or regulations, as well as the ability to synthesize diverse information and develop policy recommendations.
• Experience as an author of documents, reports or articles that relate to health care policy.
• Exacting standards for accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills necessary to effectively present information and ideas in proposals, position papers, written communications and speeches.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to participate in dialogue and negotiations with individuals outside The Joint Commission.

      INDHP

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. The description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and working conditions associated with this position. All requirements are subject to possible modification and reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.