**Details** + **Department:** Advocacy External Relations + **Schedule:** Full Time: Monday-Friday + **Location:** Washington, DC **Benefits** Paid time off (PTO) Various health insurance options & wellness plans Retirement benefits including employer match plans Long-term & short-term disability Employee assistance programs (EAP) Parental leave & adoption assistance Tuition reimbursement Ways to give back to your community _Benefit options and eligibility vary by position. Compensation varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, performance and salary range at the time of the offer._ **Responsibilities** **Overview:** The Director of External Advocacy will serve as a key advocate for Ascension, representing the organization’s interests to federal lawmakers, key leaders, and strategic influencers. This role is responsible for shaping and guiding federal legislation and policies that impact Ascension, ensuring that the organization’s policy positions are effectively communicated and advanced on Capitol Hill and within the Administration. The Director will work closely with internal teams, including Public Policy and External Communications, to ensure Ascension’s priorities are aligned with federal legislative efforts. **Responsibilities:** + Represent Ascension’s external advocacy interests with federal lawmakers, key committee members, and strategic influencers across Ascension’s footprint states. + Actively engage with government officials at the federal level to guide the development of legislation and policies that directly impact Ascension’s operations and goals. + Ensure that Ascension’s policy positions are communicated effectively to federal lawmakers and that the organization’s priorities are advanced in federal legislative and executive channels. + Collaborate with Ascension’s subject matter experts to execute the Executive Engagement plan, ensuring that Ascension’s narrative and priorities are clearly understood by federal lawmakers. + Work closely with the AVP of Ascension Public Policy to align and direct Ascension’s priorities and positions, while collaborating with the External Communications/Public Affairs team to advocate for Ascension externally. + Serve on relevant internal and external working groups, contributing to discussions on policy and advocacy strategy. + Share key external insights with federal government contacts and other influencers to ensure Ascension’s perspectives are considered in policy decisions. **Requirements** Education: + High School diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experiencerequired, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management OR Associate's degree/Bachelor'sdegree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those yearsbeing in leadership/management. **Additional Preferences** + Strong experience in federal advocacy, public policy, or related fields with a deep understanding of the federal legislative process. + Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage with lawmakers, government officials, and other stakeholders. + Proven track record in advancing policy priorities and influencing federal legislation. + Ability to collaborate across teams and work with subject matter experts to develop and execute strategic advocacy plans. + Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously. **Why Join Our Team** Ascension associates are key to our commitment of transforming healthcare and providing care to all, especially those most in need. Join us and help us drive impact through reimagining how we can deliver a people-centered healthcare experience and creating the solutions to do it. Explore career opportunities across our ministry locations and within our corporate headquarters. Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 134,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states. Our Mission, Vision and Values encompass everything we do at Ascension. Every associate is empowered to give back, volunteer and make a positive impact in their community. Ascension careers are more than jobs; they are opportunities to enhance your life and the lives of the people around you. **Equal Employment Opportunity Employer** Ascension will provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, genetic information, carrier status or any other legally protected status or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRights\_10\_20.pdf) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRightsSp\_10\_20.pdf) poster. As a military friendly organization, Ascension promotes career flexibility and offers many benefits to help support the well-being of our military families, spouses, veterans and reservists. Our associates are empowered to apply their military experience and unique perspective to their civilian career with Ascension. Pay Non-Discrimination Notice (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp\_%20English\_formattedESQA508c.pdf) Please note that Ascension will make an offer of employment only to individuals who have applied for a position using our official application. Be on alert for possible fraudulent offers of employment. Ascension will not solicit money or banking information from applicants. **E-Verify Statement** This employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click the E-Verify link below for more information. E-Verify (https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify\_Participation\_Poster\_ES.pdf)