Director of Federal Government Relations

About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.

Core to our philosophy is how we think of our capital and its risk profile relative to other stakeholders in the drug development pipeline. We work aggressively to de-risk various therapeutic strategies and tools in the hopes of building a robust pipeline of new treatments for patients. In order to achieve our mission of finding a cure for PD it is critical that we engage with, and bring together, members of the PD community including researchers, physicians, health professionals and most important, people with Parkinson's and their families.

We believe that to find a cure for PD as quickly as possible, our capital needs to push research forward today—we therefore deliberately hold no endowment or excessive reserves. We instead seek to deploy funds raised as quickly and wisely as possible. MJFF raises over $100 million annually. Today, the Foundation has approximately 300 full-time employees. We offer a collegial and collaborative environment where optimistic problem-solvers and entrepreneurial, resourceful individuals can thrive and make a tangible difference for millions of people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Position Summary: 
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Director of Federal Government Relations position.  This position will lead and execute high-level advocacy strategies to advance the Foundation's policy and funding priorities, with a strong focus on federal appropriations. This role is responsible for securing increased federal investments in Parkinson’s research, influencing the National Parkinson’s Project and expanding access to care as well as other policy priorities as assigned. The Director will develop and implement lobbying strategies, engage with Congress and federal agencies and build coalitions to drive impactful policy outcomes. Reporting to the Interim Chief of Policy, the role will oversee a team of professionals, managing resources and ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s broader policy goals.

This position must be based in the Washington D.C. area and will have minimal overnight travel requirements (approximately 1x/month to the Foundation’s office in New York City) and weekend work on an as-needed basis.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement government relations strategies to advance the Foundation’s policy priorities, focused on securing federal appropriations to support Parkinson’s research and related initiatives
• Lead advocacy efforts to influence annual budget and appropriations processes, including working with Congressional offices, key committees and federal agencies to ensure increased research funding
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, federal agencies and stakeholders to drive policy and funding goals
• Manage a team budget, external consultants and related vendor contracts as needed to ensure support for policy planning targets set annually that are backed by resources allocated across a portfolio of programs, projects and operations and are aligned with overall business unit goals
• Monitor and analyze appropriations legislation, regulatory developments and policy proposals to identify opportunities and risks for the Foundation’s mission
• Provide strategic leadership to a team of government relations professionals, offering mentorship and ensuring team objectives align with the Foundation’s advocacy priorities
• Coordinate with internal teams, researchers and advocacy partners to maximize influence and impact in the federal funding landscape
• Translate complex policy and appropriations issues into accessible language for internal stakeholders, advocates and the broader Parkinson’s community
• Commit to the Foundation’s mission and goals, embodying a sense of responsibility and accountability in all endeavors
• Represent the Foundation before Congress, the Administration and external partners in meetings, hearings and events
• Ensure compliance with all lobbying and advocacy-related reporting requirements

Qualifications and Skills: 

• Relevant experience in federal government affairs, with a strong track record in appropriations advocacy and legislative policy; experience in health policy and/or patient advocacy preferred
• Relevant experience in a leadership role managing teams and strategy
• Relevant experience engaging with Congress, particularly in the appropriations process, budget negotiations and securing federal funding for research initiatives
• Relevant experience in legislative and regulatory policy development, preferably in healthcare or the nonprofit sector
• Strong relationships with policymakers, congressional staff and federal agencies
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication and negotiation skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in policymaking and advocacy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a shifting environment while ensuring attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate with people at all levels with a professional approach
• High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
• Ability to remain calm, professional, focused and solution-oriented under pressure
• Must be registered as a federal lobbyist (or willing to register as a federal lobbyist) under the Lobbying Disclosure Act

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $155,000 to $175,000.  In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
• Competitive dental and vision plans
• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer paid life and disability insurance
• 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2 p.m.) and a summer holiday week over July 4
• Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work.  We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done. 

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.  
 

How to Apply: 
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.

MJFF is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Diversity may refer to characteristics including, but not limited to, race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstance, geographic background, ability and disability, political ideology and age.