The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization representing people with hearing loss. HLAA opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy. With more than 48 million Americans living with hearing loss, we work nationally and in local communities to provide vital assistance and resources to help people with hearing loss and their families live better lives.

Job Purpose 

To strategically guide HLAA’s public policy and advocacy program and enhance HLAA’s impact on public policy on a federal, state and local level for people with hearing loss.

Job Summary

Reporting to the executive director, the director of public policy’s role is to ensure people with hearing loss are included when public policy is created.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

    • Developing strategy for advancing public policy goals for HLAA.
    • Collaborating with the executive director on strategic planning for HLAA’s public policy initiatives.
    • Providing reports to the executive director on policy efforts.
    • Attending meetings of the HLAA Board of Directors and providing reports for the executive director to share with the board.
    • Working with federal regulators, e.g., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to ensure the needs of people with hearing loss are considered when drafting and enforcing rules and regulations.
    • Monitoring and filing comments in federal proceedings that have an impact on people with hearing loss.
    • Communicating with and educating members of Congress and their staff through virtual and in-person meetings, written communications, and phone calls on HLAA’s public policy agenda and on proposed laws as needed.
    • Serving on selected federal FACA (Federal Advisory Committee Act), industry advisory boards and committees, and consumer coalitions.Working collaboratively with allies and stakeholders to advance HLAA policy.
    • Working with HLAA’s communications team to draft content for all media channels.
    • Assisting HLAA State Organizations, HLAA Chapters and individual members in activities that support HLAA’s federal and state public policy agenda.
    • Responding to queries from state and local leaders to help implement HLAA policy on the local level and support local advocacy efforts.
    • Working with all staff to achieve HLAA’s strategic goals.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; master’s or advanced degree preferred.

Relevant Experience

Consumer advocacy or public policy experience at the federal and/or state level on issues related to hearing loss and other relevant advocacy areas.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Understanding and working knowledge of hearing loss and the impact of lack of communication access on people with hearing loss.
  • Understanding of the variety of technologies; e.g., hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening and alerting devices, speech-to-text apps, that people with hearing loss depend on to support effective communication both personally and in the public space.
  • Understanding of federal disability law including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Experience in and comfort with communicating with high level Congressional and executive branch policymakers and staff.
  • Ability to use data in shaping policy messages.
  • Experience in coalition-building and working in a team environment.
  • Ability to communicate complex information clearly in writing and in oral presentations to a range of audiences.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and professionalism.
  • Must be a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, in partnership with the executive director, and develop strategic policy plans and initiatives.
  • Solid experience in the nonprofit environment.
  • Ability to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
  • Comfort as self-starter but also enjoys working with a team.
  • Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings and provide presentations or webinars.
  • Ability to travel as needed.

Technical Skills

  • Microsoft 365, all tools
  • Research skills
  • Working knowledge of social media
  • Experience with hearing assistive technology
  • Knowledge of software applications that assist communication access

Work Environment

Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. Travel to HLAA’s national convention and other meetings may be required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises one staff member.

How to Apply

For serious inquiries, please apply with a resume and cover letter, including salary requirements to advocacyjob@hearingloss.org.

Location

Rockville, Maryland

Type

Full-time

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HLAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. HLAA is committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse staff; individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. HLAA does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parenthood, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.