Director, Regulatory Affairs – Payer Policy

American Psychological Association

Director of Regulatory Affairs at APA leading advocacy and health policy initiatives. Collaborating with regulators to enhance psychologists' influence in healthcare systems.

Posted 5/27/2026full-timeRemote • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $113,500 - $174,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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, ensuring APA’s positions are evidence‑based, persuasive, and aligned with organizational priorities
Prepares formal comment letters and regulatory submissions on behalf of the Association to advance psychologists’ visibility, roles, and reimbursement within federal and state programs
Collaborates with internal partners to create member education resources, training materials, and communication tools that help psychologists navigate evolving policies and regulatory requirements
Responds to inquiries from members, divisions, and State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Associations concerning federal, state, and commercial insurance programs and health policy issues
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 to strengthen the role of psychologists across federal, state, and commercial payer systems
Proactively identifies opportunities to influence program design, reimbursement structures, and regulatory frameworks to expand psychologists’ participation in health care systems
Responds to requests for federal and state regulatory analyses; assists, advises, and educates SPTAs, APA members, divisions, and governance on key policy developments, trends, and strategic implications
Supports broader Association initiatives and emerging priorities, contributing expertise to cross‑functional projects, strategic planning efforts, and member‑facing programs as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

J.D. or Master's Degree in a health-related field (MPH, MPA, etc.)
8 years’ experience in federal regulatory analysis, health insurance adjudication, and health policy
Strong advocacy skills and prior federal or state lobbying experience
Strong communication skills and ability to develop relationships with key partners across industry
High degree of professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy; well-developed interpersonal skills
A collaborative working style; and excellent judgment
Demonstrable expertise in understanding federal and state health care systems, health policy, and health care regulations
Understanding in psychological practice a plus
Problem-solving and growth-oriented mindset; the ability to prioritize and reprioritize work
Ability to solve complex problems
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email programs, virtual meetings, and federal and state agency technology interface

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Generous employee benefits program

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Hard Skills & Tools

federal regulatory analysishealth insurance adjudicationhealth policyadvocacy skillslobbying experienceproblem-solvingunderstanding of health care regulationsunderstanding of federal and state health care systemspsychological practice knowledge

Soft Skills

strong communication skillsinterpersonal skillscollaborative working styleexcellent judgmentprofessionalismdiscretiondiplomacyrelationship developmentgrowth-oriented mindset

Certifications

J.D.Master's DegreeMPHMPA