[Hiring] Director, Regulatory Affairs & Payer Policy @American Psychological Association

Role Description

The Health Policy and Healthcare Financing Department is responsible for leading clinical and operational advancements of the profession to increase viability and impact of psychology practice now and in the future. Activities include:

• Leading APA’s work within the AMA’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) and RVS Update Committee (RUC) process.
• Leading strategy and advocacy regarding financing of psychology practice in the U.S.
• Working within policy and advocacy arenas to increase the influence, visibility, and value of psychology within the health care system.

Serves as a subject matter expert on federal and state agency regulations, with particular emphasis on policies issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Provides expert interpretation of regulatory requirements affecting psychological practice, reimbursement, and access to care across:

• Medicare
• Medicare Advantage
• Medicaid
• Rural Health Clinics
• Federally Qualified Health Centers
• Indian Health Service
• Commercial insurance programs

Works collaboratively across the Association to support the development and implementation of health care policy strategies and to strengthen the visibility, influence, and participation of psychologists within federal, state, and commercial payer systems.

Qualifications

• Education: J.D. or Master's Degree in a health-related field (MPH, MPA, etc.). (Master’s Degree required; JD desirable)
• Experience: 8 years’ experience in federal regulatory analysis, health insurance adjudication, and health policy.
• Strong advocacy skills and prior federal or state lobbying experience desired.
• Strong communication skills and ability to develop relationships with key partners across the industry.
• A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style.
• Excellent judgment.
• Demonstrable expertise in understanding federal and state health care systems, health policy, and health care regulations.
• Understanding in psychological practice a plus.
• A problem-solving and growth-oriented mindset; the ability to prioritize and reprioritize work.
• Ability to solve complex problems.

Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email programs, virtual meetings, and federal and state agency technology interface.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates advanced ability to work both independently and collaboratively with regulators, policymakers, consultants, payers, and other high‑level professionals.
• Serves as a trusted expert representing the Association’s interests in the development, interpretation, and implementation of federal, state, and commercial health care regulations affecting psychological practice.
• Effectively communicates and engages with APA members, governance groups, boards and committees, external stakeholders, and APA staff across units and levels.
• Translates complex regulatory and policy issues into clear, actionable guidance that supports informed decision‑making across the Association.
• Conducts comprehensive analysis of federal, state, and commercial insurance regulations related to psychology and broader health care policy.
• Leads the development of coordinated, multi‑pronged strategies to respond to proposed and final agency rules.
• Prepares formal comment letters and regulatory submissions on behalf of the Association.
• Collaborates with internal partners to create member education resources, training materials, and communication tools.
• Responds to inquiries from members, divisions, and State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Associations (SPTAs).
• Provides timely, expert guidance that supports advocacy, compliance, and practice needs across the field.
• Advises and consults with APA staff on regulatory and health policy matters.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to influence program design, reimbursement structures, and regulatory frameworks.
• Responds to requests for federal and state regulatory analyses.
• Supports broader Association initiatives and emerging priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Remote Work/Flexible Scheduling
• 401(k) option with employer match of up to 4%
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Outpatient mental health benefit
• Paid personal/vacation time plus 12 paid holidays
• Family/Medical Leave
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• And more

Application Instructions

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration.

Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.