Dental Assisting National

Compensation

Full Description

We’re looking for … In this role, you’ll shape DANB’s external presence, strengthen partnerships across the dental community, and lead the organization’s policy and advocacy strategy. We’re seeking someone who brings executive-level judgment, a passion for stakeholder engagement, and the ability to represent DANB with credibility and influence in national forums. If you excel at building high-impact relationships, navigating complex policy environments, and elevating an organization’s voice on critical workforce and regulatory issues, we’d love to meet you.   We are … We are the Dental Assisting National Board and the DALE Foundation, a small, friendly group that is driven by our mission. Our organizations provide certifications, certificates, and online education for dental assistants, so they can be well positioned to support dental teams and deliver great dental care. We live our values of Service, Respect, Integrity, Inclusion, and Teamwork.    DEI Statement We support the development and advancement of a diverse dental workforce by removing barriers in our policies, programs, and products. We are committed to engaging a variety of perspectives in our workplace and governance to further foster an equitable and inclusive environment for current and aspiring dental assistants.    Values Service - actively supporting current and prospective dental assistants through equitable and inclusive engagement. Respect - acknowledgment and consideration of the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals. Integrity - adherence to moral and ethical principles, demonstrating honesty, sincerity, and consistency in actions and decisions. Inclusion - ensuring all individuals, regardless of differences or backgrounds, are fully engaged and valued members of a community or organization. Teamwork - individuals working together toward a common goal, leveraging each other's strengths.   We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued and celebrated. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome all applicants and ensure fair treatment regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We especially encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.  We offer … We offer great work/life balance with a 37.5-hour work week and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, 100% company-paid dental/vision, flexible benefits reimbursement, generous PTO, 401(k) matching, and professional development support. Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, our team mostly works on a hybrid schedule.   The role is …               The Vice President of External Relations and Policy is a key member of DANB’s executive leadership team and serves as the organization’s lead strategist for stakeholder engagement, policy development, and advocacy efforts. This role is responsible for shaping and advancing DANB’s external relations strategy, cultivating high-impact relationships across the dental community, and serving as the organization’s senior authority on dental assisting scope of practice, workforce policy, and regulatory issues. This role follows a hybrid work arrangement with the majority of time worked remotely with regular in-office requirements in our downtown Chicago office. Frequent travel to events and organizational meetings is expected.  Essential Duties and Responsibilities: A. Strategic Leadership * Develop and lead DANB’s comprehensive external relations and policy strategy, aligning with organizational mission, strategic plan, and long-term goals. * Serve as a senior advisor to the CEO and executive team on stakeholder engagement, regulatory trends, legislative activity, and policy implications. * Represent DANB’s strategic interests with authority, credibility, and diplomacy in all external settings. B. External Relations & Stakeholder Engagement * Build and strengthen relationships with national and state dental associations, dental boards, dental assisting educators, credentialing organizations, and other key partners. * Establish and maintain a strong presence for DANB at national and state-level meetings, conferences, and policy forums. * Develop engagement frameworks and partnerships that elevate DANB’s influence and support a unified voice on dental assisting issues. * Oversee the creation and implementation of stakeholder outreach campaigns, coalition-building efforts, and collaborative initiatives. C. Policy Leadership & Advocacy * Serve as DANB’s chief policy expert on dental assisting roles, scope of practice, credentialing, and workforce regulatory.  * Advocate for and promote DANB, dental assisting, education and certification with key stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers. * Monitor and analyze emerging state and national legislation and regulatory actions affecting the dental assisting profession and DANB’s programs. * Develop policy positions, white papers, issue briefs, and testimony to inform stakeholders and guide organizational advocacy efforts. * Lead state outreach and policy engagement related to regulatory and legislative issues relevant to dental assistants. D. Communications & Thought Leadership * Oversee development of strategic messaging, presentations, and external communications related to policy and stakeholder priorities. * Serve as a public representative of DANB, presenting at conferences, participating in panels, and engaging with external media as appropriate. * Ensure consistent and compelling articulation of DANB’s value proposition and leadership within the dental community. E. Team Leadership & Organizational Collaboration * Lead and mentor staff involved in external relations, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis. * Work collaboratively across departments—including certification, education, operations, and marketing—to ensure cohesive strategy execution. * Contribute to organizational planning, culture-building, and leadership initiatives as part of DANB’s executive team.    Skills and Attributes: * Demonstrated success in building high-level partnerships and representing organizations in national forums. * Proven ability to think strategically, influence diverse audiences, and navigate complex policy environments. * Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and executive presence. * Collaborative, responsive, and proactive work style.    Education & Qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public policy, health administration, communications, law, or related field preferred. * Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in external relations, public affairs, government relations, or association leadership. * Extensive knowledge of dental assisting practice, credentialing systems, state-level regulations and scope of practice policies. * Ability to travel (25-35%) for stakeholder engagement, conferences, and organizational representation.    Physical Demands: Required to sit for extended periods of time; may need to walk or stand in the course of work as well as light (20-30 lbs.) to medium (30-40 lbs.) levels of lifting of supplies and/or equipment. Work Environment: Work performed in an office environment, either onsite or offsite; frequent travel to be expected.