Manager, Education & Workforce Policy

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Manager of Education & Workforce Policy is a high-impact policy and advocacy position responsible for leading AOTA’s federal strategy across education, workforce, and school-based practice issues. The role drives legislative and regulatory initiatives impacting occupational therapy in K–12 education, early intervention, higher education, and workforce development, and leads AOTA as a thought leader in federal education and workforce policy.

An occupational therapy practitioner is strongly preferred, however candidates with comparable experience in other special education or related-service fields will be considered. All candidates must have a deep knowledge of IDEA and related federal education laws, regulations, and school-based practice policy, along with the ability to translate that expertise into strategic advocacy. The role requires advanced strategic thinking, long-term planning, and policy development, along with independent judgement, high-level relationship management skills, and the ability to educate AOTA members and external stakeholders on complex policy issues. This position reports to the Vice President of Federal Affairs and Regulatory Policy. This position requires registration as a federal lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA)

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Monitor, analyze, and interpret federal legislative and regulatory activity related to IDEA, ESSA, workforce development, and school-based practice policy
• Develop and execute federal advocacy strategies including legislative and regulatory proposals, informed by emerging policy trends and strategic analysis.
• Represent AOTA in meetings with Congressional offices, federal agencies, coalition partners, and external stakeholders
• Independently cultivate and maintain relationships with policymakers, education policy leaders, and national coalition partners
• Serve as AOTA’s lead representative in education and workforce coalitions and strategic partnerships
• Translate complex federal policy into clear, actionable information for AOTA members and external audiences through communications such as presentations, web articles and member other member resources.
• Lead member education efforts on education and workforce policy issues and support grassroots advocacy engagement
• Support AOTPAC engagement activities as part of strategic relationship-building efforts with policymakers
• Collaborate with internal teams including State Affairs, Practice, Communications, and Membership to align policy and advocacy efforts with other organizational initiatives.
• Attend and represent AOTA at advocacy events, coalition meetings, conferences, and federal engagement activities
• Perform other duties as assigned