Dec 10, 2019
Reporting directly to the Chief Scientific Officer in the science directorate, the incumbent is responsible for advancing psychology as a science and as a means to promote human welfare through interactions with federal policymakers across government. Primary aims are to enhance federal support for psychological science and to promote evidence-based public policy informed by psychological science. Required Qualifications:
Master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, other scientific field, or policy required. (Doctoral degree preferred.)
Five years of relevant experience in policy, regulatory, or advocacy work required. Doctoral degree can substitute for up to 3 years of experience.
Microsoft Office suite of programs.
Responsibilities:
Influence research policies within research funding agencies to ensure a positive outcome for psychological science. Develop and implement strategies for increasing the share of federal funding dedicated to psychological and behavioral research; for increasing the visibility and understanding of psychological science within research funding agencies and ensuring that psychological scientists are represented within the peer review, policymaking and advisory committee structures. Implement these strategies by meeting with, providing research for, and representing APA policies to institute and agency directors, program staff, and Executive branch policymakers.
In collaboration with the Chief Advocacy Officer and Advocacy Office staff, influence public policy-making activities on Capitol Hill to ensure positive outcomes for psychological science and to promote evidence-based policy decisions. Develop and implement strategies for increasing the share of federal funding dedicated to psychological and behavioral research; for increasing the visibility and understanding of psychological science among public policymakers; and for enhancing the utilization of psychological research by policymakers. Implement these strategies by meeting with, providing research for, and representing APA policies to Members of Congress and their professional staff members. Undertake special projects such as scientific exhibitions and congressional briefings to demonstrate the science of psychology and educate congressional policymakers.
Establish and maintain a network of contacts with other professional, consumer, scientific, provider, and government-related health organizations and coalitions, both to strengthen APA's ability to influence public policy as part of a group, and to ensure that APA's interests are fully represented in the agendas of such coalitions.
Research and write: legislative proposals, amendments and report language; congressional testimony to be presented by APA members; APA position papers, statements, briefing sheets, newsletter articles, and grassroots action alerts; official comments to federal agencies on proposed regulatory action; and correspondence to key lawmakers from the APA Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. Develop and distribute other documents that represent APA's views on various legislative, regulatory and/or scientific or public interest issues to Congress, federal agencies, other organizations, and the public.
Consult and coordinate with relevant APA members, and APA headquarters staff in the development of APA positions and policy strategies; write papers, memoranda, briefing materials, statements, and other documents to keep these individuals fully informed on the status of legislative and regulatory initiatives undertaken. Serve as liaison to APA divisions with relevance to the designees assigned portfolio.
Create or enhance opportunities for scientific psychologists to participate in federal advocacy by planning and undertaking federal advocacy training sessions, identifying experts to provide testimony or to visit key policymakers. Build ad hoc networks of scientists who can serve as advisers on technical aspects of legislation or policy.
Other duties as assigned.
Location:
The American Psychological Association, located at 750 First St NE, Washington D.C., was named a 2014 recipient of the Washington Post Top Workplace. It is metro accessible from the Red Line.
Application Instructions:
Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach a cover letter and resume specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.
The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.
American Psychological Association
Washington, DC, USA
Full time
