Congressional Relations Director

The Congressional Relations Director serves as NIHB’s lead strategist and advocate with Congress, responsible for advancing Tribal health priorities on Capitol Hill. Reporting to the Vice President of Policy, the Director manages NIHB’s work in appropriations and Tribal budget formulation, builds bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress and staff, and ensures effective execution of NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Agenda in collaboration with Tribal leaders, coalitions, and partners.

The Director leads and manages a small team of policy staff and works in close coordination with the broader Policy Division to ensure NIHB’s congressional strategy aligns with organizational priorities and Tribal needs. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Washington, D.C., requiring approximately 25% travel. NIHB offers a hybrid work schedule, with two days per week remote.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:• 5 to 10 years of experience on Capitol Hill (committee or personal staff), or in legislative/government affairs with a national advocacy organization.• Minimum 3 years of direct experience working with Tribal governments or Tribal organizations.• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or related field. Advanced degree (JD, MPA, MPP, MPH) preferred.• Strong understanding of health care delivery, the federal trust relationship, and the legal, policy, and political frameworks impacting the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal health systems.• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and speechwriting.• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor staff, manage projects, and foster collaboration within a cross-functional policy team.• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings or weekends, as legislative priorities require.• Demonstrated expertise in the federal appropriations and budget process.• Deep knowledge of federal Indian policy; expertise in Indian health policy strongly preferred.• Proven track record in bipartisan engagement and coalition-building.

This position is based on a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote and on-site work, due to the collaborative nature of the role.

EEOC statement: NIHB is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, veteran status, or any other non-merit factor.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Team Management• Lead and manage a small team of congressional relations staff, providing mentorship, oversight, and professional development.• Ensure the team delivers high-quality legislative analysis, testimony, and advocacy materials.• Set clear goals and priorities for staff, aligning individual and team workplans with NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Agenda.• Foster collaboration within the Policy Division and across NIHB’s departments to advance organizational objectives.
Legislative Strategy and Advocacy• Lead NIHB’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill to advance Tribal health and public health priorities.• Help develop, implement, and evaluate NIHB’s annual Legislative and Policy Agenda in close collaboration with Tribal leaders, member organizations, and staff.• Manage NIHB’s engagement in the Tribal budget formulation and appropriations process, aligning advocacy with Tribal leaders’ priorities.• Provide consistent, non-partisan education to Congress on the federal Trust responsibility, Tribal sovereignty, and policies impacting American Indian and Alaska Native health.• Lead the drafting of congressional testimony, policy letters, comments, and briefing materials in collaboration with Tribal stakeholders.
Policy Development and Support• Facilitate the research, analysis, tracking, drafting, and editing of legislation on appropriations, and top policy priorities a reflecting a variety of health and public health policy areas such as Medicaid and Medicare, behavioral health, workforce, data, and others.• Provide technical policy support for Tribal leaders during national listening sessions and consultation sessions.• Work with the Vice President, Policy and Advocacy, and other Policy leadership to provide technical support to Tribal leaders serving on federal Indian health advisory committees.• Ensure high-quality research, drafting, and editing of advocacy materials to advance Tribal health policy priorities.
Relationship Building and Representation• Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, committees, and staff.• Represent NIHB in coalitions and alliances to elevate Tribal health issues nationally.• Engage in strategic coalition-building with other national advocacy organizations in healthcare and public health.• Strengthen health systems and policy for both Direct Service and Self-Governance Tribes.• Work closely with Tribal leaders, technical experts, and national partners to ensure their priorities are reflected in legislative advocacy.• Collaborate with NIHB’s Communications & Engagement team to provide timely policy updates, talking points, and media support on legislative matters.
Organizational Engagement• Prepare and deliver legislative briefings for NIHB’s Board of Directors, Tribal leaders, and external partners.• Secure congressional speakers for NIHB’s national conferences and represent NIHB at external events, including presenting relevant workshops.• Support NIHB’s national convenings as a representative and presenter on policy topics.• Mobilize grassroots engagement to advance NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Agenda.• Serve as an active leader within NIHB’s Policy Division, working alongside other directors and staff to advance NIHB’s overall policy, regulatory, and legislative priorities.

$125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year