Job Description
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About SDSMA: The SDSMA is a physician member organization that works to advance the medical profession and serve the public. The SDSMA serves physicians, residents, medical students, and honorary lifetime members. The SDSMA’s mission is to promote the art and science of medicine, protect and improve the health of the public, and advocate for the well-being of patients and the best environment for physicians to advance quality health care.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Director of Government Relations/Lobbyist is responsible for advancing legislation to support SDSMA advocacy priorities across all sectors, developing and carrying out SDSMA’s federal and state legislative efforts, assisting with SDSMA’s grassroots activities, and maintaining relationships with public and private sector organizations to assure influence of SDSMA positions.
- In collaboration with the Director of Advocacy and Policy, this position will provide consultation and advice to the CEO and staff on a range of legislative, congressional, regulatory, and policy issues as appropriate, and fully inform the CEO on legislative and congressional proposals.
- Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, staff of state agencies, health plan organizations, and other industry organizations involved in the creation of health policy and physician advocacy.
- Arrange personal visits with federal legislators and congressional staff to build relationships. Educate federal legislators and congressional staff on specific legislative proposals that will seek to achieve the goals and objectives of the Association.
- Execute the SDSMA’s state legislative program and initiatives. Identify issues of importance to the SDSMA membership in consultation with members, staff, district medical and specialty societies, and affiliated and other organizations.
- Work with the SDSMA PAC to formulate and implement plans and events to increase physician membership and raise money for political action.
- Attend the 38-day legislative session in Pierre each year, help craft bills as needed, provide testimony, collaborate with key partners, and educate legislators on policy issues that affect our membership.
Job Requirements
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements
The best candidate for this job will be one who has a thorough understanding of federal and state legislative processes, healthcare regulations, and the ability to analyze proposed legislation to assess its impact on physicians and the broader healthcare system. This person should have professional relationships with elected officials and experience with the activities of a PAC. A successful candidate should be skilled in finding common ground among diverse stakeholders and have the ability to build coalitions among other associations, lobbyists and industry groups. Confidence and clarity in public speaking is needed for public testimony, and the ability travel across South Dakota and to Washington DC will be required, including attending the 38-day legislative session in Pierre.
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in business, public policy or political science.
• Experience in state and/or federal legislative offices as a legislative aide, correspondent or intern.
• Experience with state or federal PACs and fundraising.
• 5+ years of experience in healthcare policy.
Physical Requirements
• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Travel is required throughout South Dakota and to national conferences or Washington DC.
• Work is performed in a professional office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment, computers and keyboards.
• Must have the ability to walk short distances and drive a vehicle.
• Light to moderate lifting may be required.
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Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive salary, commensurate with education and experience.
• Standard weekday schedule (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
• Comprehensive benefits package available.
Equal Opportunity Employer
SDSMA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Interested applicants should email their resume to Tammy Hatting, CEO at thatting@sdsma.org no later than September 4, 2026.