WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 21, 2026 – The Alliance for Aging Research (AAR), a prominent nonprofit organization at the forefront of advocating for healthy aging and equitable access to care, announced today the opening of applications for a critical leadership position: Director of Public Policy and Government Relations. This pivotal role will be instrumental in shaping federal policy and driving the organization’s mission to transform the narrative surrounding aging in America. The announcement underscores the AAR’s commitment to proactive engagement with policymakers, federal agencies, and a diverse range of stakeholders to advance the well-being of older adults.
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The Alliance, headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, is actively seeking a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of public policy, federal advocacy, and the intricate landscape of aging issues. The new Director will be tasked with spearheading the development and execution of the AAR’s policy agenda, fostering robust relationships with key players on Capitol Hill and within the Executive Branch, and collaborating with a broad network of coalition partners and external experts. This position reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations, signaling its strategic importance within the organization.
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The Critical Need for Policy Advancement in Aging
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The aging demographic in the United States presents both profound opportunities and significant challenges. As the population continues to age, the demand for comprehensive, accessible, and affordable healthcare, as well as supportive social services, escalates. The Alliance for Aging Research has long recognized that systemic change is not only desirable but imperative to ensure that all older adults can live healthy, fulfilling, and dignified lives. This new leadership role is designed to amplify the AAR’s impact in this crucial policy arena.
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The Director of Public Policy and Government Relations will serve as a key architect in advancing policies that address a spectrum of issues affecting older adults. These include, but are not limited to, Medicare and Medicaid reform, the affordability and accessibility of prescription drugs, the expansion of home and community-based care options, the prevention and management of chronic diseases, and the promotion of research into age-related conditions. The role demands a strategic thinker capable of translating complex research and the lived experiences of older adults into actionable policy recommendations.
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Responsibilities and Strategic Objectives of the Director
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The successful candidate will be entrusted with a multifaceted set of responsibilities designed to propel the AAR’s policy agenda forward. A primary objective will be to cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with members of Congress, their staff, and relevant congressional committees. This involves educating policymakers on the critical issues facing older adults, providing expert testimony, and advocating for legislative solutions that align with the AAR’s mission.
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Furthermore, the Director will engage actively with federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Administration on Aging (AoA). This engagement will focus on influencing regulatory processes, ensuring that federal programs are responsive to the needs of older adults, and promoting innovative approaches to aging services and research. The Administration itself will also be a key point of contact, with the Director working to ensure that the priorities of older adults are integrated into the broader policy framework.
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Collaboration is a cornerstone of the AAR’s operational philosophy, and the Director will be expected to work closely with a wide array of coalition partners. These partnerships will leverage collective advocacy efforts, amplify the organization’s voice, and build consensus around critical policy initiatives. The ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and build bridges across diverse interests will be paramount.
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Internal collaboration will also be essential. The Director will work in tandem with other departments within the Alliance, such as research, communications, and program development, to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to advocacy. This cross-departmental synergy will be vital for translating research findings into compelling policy arguments and for effectively communicating the impact of policy changes to the public and to older adults themselves.
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Qualifications and Experience: Building a Policy Powerhouse
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While the specific list of "What You’ll Be Doing" and "Requirements" was not fully detailed in the initial announcement, the nature of the role strongly suggests a need for a candidate with a robust background in public policy and government relations. Ideal candidates would possess a proven track record in federal advocacy, legislative analysis, and policy development, ideally within the health or aging sectors.
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Key qualifications likely include:
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- Extensive experience in federal advocacy: Demonstrated success in lobbying Congress and engaging with federal agencies.
- Policy expertise: A deep understanding of healthcare policy, Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs relevant to older adults.
- Government relations acumen: Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, staff, and executive branch officials.
- Strategic thinking and planning: Capacity to develop and implement effective policy strategies.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
- Coalition building and management: Experience working effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders.
- Leadership and management experience: Ability to guide and inspire a team, if applicable, and to work collaboratively within an organization.
- A relevant advanced degree: A Master’s degree or JD in public policy, public health, law, or a related field would likely be preferred.
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The emphasis on the Washington, D.C. metro area residency requirement highlights the need for a candidate who can be readily present and engaged in the nation’s capital, facilitating direct access to policymakers and key stakeholders.
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A Commitment to Employee Well-being and Diversity
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The Alliance for Aging Research distinguishes itself not only through its impactful advocacy but also through its commitment to its employees. The organization offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package, reflecting a dedication to the health, well-being, and professional growth of its team members. This includes employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and long and short-term disability coverage.
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Recognizing the importance of work-life balance and family support, the AAR provides paid maternity/paternity leave. Additional benefits aimed at enhancing employee well-being include a flexible spending account, a qualified transportation benefit, and a 401K retirement plan with employer matching, signaling a commitment to long-term financial security. For those prioritizing physical health, free gym access is provided. A monthly cell phone allowance or company-issued cell phone, an employee assistance program, and a commendable fourteen (14) days of paid health and wellness leave further underscore the organization’s holistic approach to employee care. The provision of four weeks of paid vacation and half-day Fridays demonstrates a strong emphasis on rest and rejuvenation.
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Crucially, the Alliance for Aging Research champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization explicitly states its commitment to being a workplace where inclusion thrives, individuals grow, and diverse talent is retained. Their non-discriminatory hiring practices are comprehensive, covering race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by law. This commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment is not merely a statement but a foundational principle, recognizing that a multiplicity of perspectives enriches the organization’s ability to effectively serve a diverse aging population.
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Compensation and Application Process
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The salary range for the Director of Public Policy and Government Relations is set between $90,400 and $95,000 annually, commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications. This compensation reflects the senior level of the position and the significant responsibilities it entails.
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application by emailing a cover letter, resume, and at least one writing sample to a dedicated email address: [email protected] The subject line for all applications should be clearly designated as "Director of Public Policy and Government Relations."
A PDF version of the full hiring announcement is also available for review, providing further details about the role and the Alliance for Aging Research.
The application deadline is set for September 18, 2026. This timeline allows for a thorough and competitive selection process, ensuring that the Alliance secures a leader who can profoundly impact the future of aging policy in the United States.
The Broader Implications: Shaping the Future of Aging in America
The recruitment of a Director of Public Policy and Government Relations by the Alliance for Aging Research is more than just a personnel announcement; it is a clear signal of the organization’s strategic intent to intensify its advocacy efforts. In a nation where the population is aging at an unprecedented rate, the decisions made today in the halls of Congress and within federal agencies will have long-lasting repercussions for millions of older adults and their families.
The focus on "changing the narrative to achieve healthy aging and equitable access to care" is particularly significant. It suggests a commitment to moving beyond a deficit-based view of aging and embracing a more holistic and empowering perspective. This includes promoting research into the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases, but also advocating for policies that support active lifestyles, social engagement, and financial security in later life. Equitable access to care is a critical component, recognizing that disparities in healthcare access and outcomes persist based on socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and geographic location. The AAR’s new Director will be a key figure in working to dismantle these barriers.
The role’s emphasis on working with Congress, federal agencies, and the Administration highlights the complex, multi-pronged approach required for effective policy change. It necessitates not only understanding the legislative process but also navigating the intricacies of regulatory rulemaking and executive branch initiatives. The collaborative nature of the position, working with coalition partners, further underscores the understanding that significant policy shifts are rarely achieved in isolation.
As the nation grapples with the economic and social implications of an aging population, the work of organizations like the Alliance for Aging Research becomes increasingly vital. The appointment of a dedicated Director of Public Policy and Government Relations signals a renewed and intensified commitment to ensuring that the voices and needs of older adults are not only heard but actively translated into impactful policy. This leadership position will be crucial in shaping a future where healthy aging is not just a possibility but a reality for all Americans, and where equitable access to care is a fundamental right, not a privilege. The coming months will be critical as the Alliance seeks to fill this pivotal role and continue its essential work on behalf of older adults nationwide.
