Job Description

About NORD

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is the leading nonprofit organization serving the rare disease community in the United States. Join our team and be part of the transformation of science, policy, care and awareness raising that is improving the lives of the over 25 million Americans affected by rare diseases. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package along with a collaborative work atmosphere, flexible telecommuting options, and opportunities for career growth and development. Learn more at www.rarediseases.org.

The Federal Policy Analyst supports NORD’s federal policy and advocacy priorities by advancing legislative and regulatory strategies that improve the lives of individuals and families affected by rare diseases. This role contributes to the development, analysis, and execution of NORD’s federal policy agenda through research, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement across Congress, federal agencies, and the judiciary.

Working collaboratively with internal policy teams and external partners, the Federal Policy Analyst helps translate complex policy issues into clear positions, analysis, and materials that inform advocacy efforts and organizational decision-making. The role also supports internal education and alignment on federal policy priorities and represents NORD in meetings with federal policymakers and allied advocacy stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze and report on legislative and regulatory proposals at the federal and state level
• Research and create background "packages" on respective issues including summaries, comparisons, and analyses of different proposals
• Work closely with the Federal Policy team on research and implementation of new NORD public policy directives, including the development of innovative health policy solutions to aid the rare disease community
• Interface with NORD State Policy staff to the extent there are overlapping issues or concerns with pending legislation at the state or federal level
• Attend legislative hearings and write reports, utilize online resources to conduct research and read and report on activities in the Federal Register
• Represent NORD and its policy positions in meetings with elected officials, legislative offices, administration officials, and regulatory agency personnel
• Draft, edit, and disseminate public statements pertaining to NORD’s policy positions
• Coordinate outreach to special interest groups to organize efforts on legislative issues, including attending relevant meetings of special interest groups as the representative of NORD and report resulting developments to the appropriate committees and staff
• Build strong working relationships with policy counterparts and external stakeholders
• Provide education to NORD member organizations on the legislative process and answer inquiries on NORD policy and rare disease issues
• Coordinate activities of the Policy Department with other NORD departments, including the public dissemination of NORD’s policy positions and the education of non-policy department employees on NORD’s policy activity to ensure consistent messaging
• Where appropriate to advance federal policy initiatives, travel to states participating in NORD’s Rare Action Network to conduct policy education with NORD’s in-state advocacy partners, member organizations, and elected officials
• Coordinate the activities of other Policy Department staff members, including interns
• Perform other duties and functions as assigned.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (public policy, etc.) required. Masters in related field (public policy, public health) is a plus

• At least 3 years of experience in public policy experience with a focus on health care policy initiatives required and a strong preference for a regulatory or legislative background.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• High energy and passion for NORD's mission is essential
• Candidates should have an interest in health policy with an ability to adapt and respond effectively to different audiences
• Strong organizational abilities and superior attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking before large audiences
• Capable of handling a full range of delegated responsibilities and working independently
• Capable of exercising good judgment and displaying personal initiative in all areas assigned
• Advanced proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Working Conditions

This position may be hybrid or fully onsite to our Washington, DC office. Occasional travel is required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

NORD is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

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