Director, Advocacy and Government Relations

Job Summary:

The Director of Advocacy & Government Relations supports NVA’s public policy, legislative, and grassroots advocacy efforts across the United States and Canada for a network of more than 1,000 veterinary hospitals. This role is responsible for executing advocacy strategies that advance the NVA’s business and professional priorities at the federal, state/provincial, and local levels.

This individual will partner closely with the Political Action Committee (PAC) to evaluate and support candidates, legislation, and policy initiatives aligned with the veterinary profession and the organization’s strategic objectives.

This position also plays a critical role in building a culture of advocacy throughout the organization by educating hospital and support center teams on legislative issues, mobilizing grassroots engagement efforts, and creating opportunities for elected officials and policymakers to engage directly with veterinary professionals and hospital operations.

Key Job Duties:

Advocacy & Government Relations

• Execute NVA’s advocacy and government relations strategy across the U.S. and Canada.
• Monitor, analyze, and communicate legislative and regulatory developments impacting veterinary medicine, animal health, workforce issues, pharmacy, telemedicine, and related business operations.

Political Action Committee (PAC) Partnership

• Partner with PAC leadership to evaluate candidates, legislation, and political opportunities for support at the national and state/provincial levels.
• Provide strategic recommendations regarding political contributions, advocacy priorities, and relationship-building opportunities.
• Support PAC engagement initiatives, fundraising efforts, and political outreach activities in compliance with applicable regulations.

Grassroots Advocacy & Engagement

• Develop and activate grassroots advocacy programs to mobilize hospital and support center teams when legislative or regulatory action is needed.
• Create advocacy toolkits, action alerts, and communication campaigns to support employee engagement in public policy initiatives.
• Build advocacy champions and regional networks throughout the organization.

• Develop and deliver presentations, educational materials, and advocacy updates for hospital teams, field leadership, and support center associates.
• Educate internal stakeholders on the importance of advocacy, legislative developments, and the organization’s policy priorities.
• Present advocacy strategies, legislative updates, and PAC activities to executive leadership and other internal groups.

Legislative & Community Engagement

• Develop opportunities for legislators, regulators, and policymakers to visit hospitals, meet veterinary teams, and gain firsthand understanding of the profession and business.
• Coordinate legislative events, site visits, town halls, and stakeholder engagement opportunities.

Key Deliverables/Outcomes:

• Execute a comprehensive advocacy strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Increase employee participation and engagement in advocacy and grassroots initiatives.
• Coordinate successful legislative visits and hospital tours for elected officials and regulators.
• Deliver timely legislative analysis, advocacy communications, and executive presentations.
• Partner effectively with PAC leadership to support strategic political engagement efforts.

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Business, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in government relations, advocacy, public affairs, political strategy, or association management.
• Experience working with PACs, legislative affairs, or political engagement initiatives preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. state and federal legislative processes; familiarity with Canadian government and regulatory structures preferred.
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated success developing grassroots advocacy programs and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across a large, geographically diverse organization.
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management abilities.
• Ability to travel as needed for legislative meetings, conferences, hospital visits, and advocacy events.

<strong 13px;"="" console",="" font-size:="" sans-serif;="">FLSA Classification: Exempt

*This role is not open to receiving agency candidates and any contingent submissions will not be honored. #LI-Remote

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

At NVA, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us:

•We’ll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com

•We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication

•All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com

•There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position

If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at hiringhub@nva.com. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

The base salary range for this position is $170,000-$200,000 annually. Our salary ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.