Director of Government Relations

Dental Trade Alliance (DTA):
Director of Government Relations

Location:

Hybrid – Arlington, VA

Travel:
Approximately 30% outside the DC Metropolitan Area

Salary Range: commensurate with experience $85,000-$110,000

The Director of Government Relations serves as a member of the Dental Trade Alliance’s Leadership team and is a key connector between the organization’s members and the public policy environment that affects their businesses and professions. This role is responsible for ensuring that member perspectives meaningfully guide the organization’s advocacy priorities, and that members are engaged, informed, and empowered participants in government relations efforts.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven leader who understands healthcare and business policy, brings prior government or congressional experience, and excels at working across diverse stakeholder groups. Success in this role requires the ability to collaborate with team members, translate policy into relevance, create pathways for member engagement, and represent the organization with credibility and warmth. This is a Hybrid role, team members will be in the office 2-3 days per week.

• Develop and execute a government relations strategy grounded in member interests and organizational priorities
• Monitor federal, state and international legislative developments impacting healthcare and business sectors
• Translate policy developments into clear implications and recommended actions for members and leadership
• Develop a Political Action Committee for DTA, if applicable
• Lead DTA’s federal affairs committee

• Build and maintain strong relationships with DTA members
• Build and maintain relationships with existing allied organizations and cultivate relationships with other like-minded organizations
• Partner with consultants to develop relationships with Members of Congress and federal agencies
• Represent DTA in meetings, coalitions, and external forums, ensuring member voices are accurately reflected
• Navigate and balance diverse stakeholder perspectives while maintaining alignment with organizational goals

• Partner with internal teams to align advocacy messaging, member communications, and engagement strategies
• Prepare member-facing materials such as policy summaries, briefings, FAQs, and advocacy guides
• Brief leadership and member committees on policy developments and engagement outcomes
• Events & Programming (Plus)
• Plan and support member-focused advocacy events, including Hill days, policy round tables, receptions, and educational sessions
• Coordinate logistics, content, and stakeholder participation to ensure high-quality member experience

• 5+ years of experience in government relations, public policy, advocacy, or a related field
• Strong understanding of healthcare and business policy issues
• Prior experience in government, on Capitol Hill, or in a government-facing role
• Demonstrated ability to engage and manage relationships with diverse member groups
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to make policy accessible and relevant
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Understanding of Political Action Committees

• Experience working or partnering with a trade association or membership-based organization
• Experience developing a Political Action Committee
• Event planning or advocacy programming experience

• Member-centric mindset
• Relationship building and trust development
• Political and organizational fluency
• Collaboration across functions and constituencies