WHAT YOU'LL DOThe Government Relations Associate plays a critical role in expanding Ascend Learning's state-level policy awareness and engagement in a complex, rapidly changing regulatory environment. You will monitor state regulatory changes and build relationships with regulatory agencies-especially State Boards of Nursing-to manage risk and create opportunities. You'll establish a regular external communication cadence that shares government relations and policy insights, while supporting grassroots advocacy efforts with clients and stakeholders. By translating legislative and regulatory developments into actionable business insights, you'll strengthen Ascend Learning's advocacy at both the federal and state levels and deliver added value to clients through collaborative policy and advocacy initiatives.
WHERE YOU'LL WORKThis position offers the flexibility of remote work within the United States.
HOW YOU'LL SPEND YOUR TIME- Policy Awareness & Engagement:Monitor and analyze state-level legislative and regulatory developments impacting nursing education and healthcare workforce policy, and expand engagement with state agencies, boards, and policymakers to anticipate emerging issues and opportunities.
- External Thought Leadership: Develop and maintain regular policy updates for clients and stakeholders, translating legislative and regulatory developments into actionable business insights and reinforcing Ascend's position as a trusted source of healthcare workforce and nursing education policy expertise.
- Policymaker Engagement:Build and sustain regular communication and outreach with federal and state policymakers, sharing insights that inform policy development and supporting relationship-building with legislative, executive, and regulatory officials.
- Grassroots Advocacy Support:Help stand up and support grassroots engagement initiatives with clients and stakeholders, coordinating advocacy and public affairs campaigns and equipping participants with tools and resources to engage in policy discussions.
- Certification Project Management:Manage timelines and deliverables for state certification requirements, ensuring consistency and continuity across states.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED- Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Health Administration, or a related field required.
- Minimum 2 years experience in government relations, public affairs, or regulatory compliance; postsecondary education or healthcare policy experience preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze legislative and regulatory developments and communicate their implications to diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to travel occasionally for policymaker engagement and advocacy activities.
- Familiarity with state-level healthcare and healthcare education regulations and certification processes preferred.
- Familiarity with emerging AI policy, regulation, and governance issues, including their implications for healthcare providers, workforce development, education, credentialing, and assessment programs preferred.
- Experience with stakeholder engagement and advocacy campaigns preferred.
HIRING RANGEThe current full-time, annualized base pay hiring range for this role is $72,600.00-$103,840.00. In accordance with applicable state laws, we are providing the expected pay range for this position. Individual compensation will be determined by various factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, current business needs and local market factors. Most regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in an Ascend incentive bonus or sales plan.
BENEFITS - Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Company paid life Insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and parental leave
- Employee assistance program
- Other wellness programs such as Headspace and Airvet
- Charitable matching program
