State Government Relations Director

Overview Are you ready to join an organization where you can be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives? Envision all Americans enjoying ideal cardiovascular health free of heart disease and stroke. At the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, we get to work toward that goal every single day. Is it easy? No. Is it worthwhile? You bet! This is satisfying work that makes a real difference in people's lives. You can achieve professional growth with personal fulfillment. You will connect with people and make a lifesaving impact. You will partner with individuals, schools, lawmakers, healthcare providers and others to ensure everyone has access to healthier lifestyle choices and proper healthcare. Responsibilities The American Heart Association (AHA) has an excellent opportunity for a State Government Relations Director in New York . *In order to be considered for this role, you are required to live in the state and be within commuting distance of the State Capital. * Responsible for serving as the primary representative of the American Heart Association to the assigned state legislature, state executive branch and associated state agencies to generate awareness and support for the AHA’s public policy agenda. You will strategically coordinate and lead efforts to advance the state public policy priorities. Additionally, this position is responsible for annually planning, managing, and executing an active public policy agenda at the local level for Albany, NY/The Greater Capital Region , as well as identifying and cultivating local public policy work for success related to AHA’s mission throughout New York . This role is responsible for working with staff, volunteers, coalitions and partner organizations to build support for our policy issues and to integrate advocacy messaging into AHA programs and events. *Due to the current pandemic, all staff are currently working from home. In the future, this position may resume being based in the local office.* Essential Job Duties:

• Coordinates and handles all elements of successful public policy priority campaigns.
• Meets with members of the legislature, their staff, and other state government officials to gain support for AHA’s advocacy issues.
• Meets with local elected officials and stakeholders in Albany, NY/The Greater Capital Region and other local jurisdictions (as defined by your supervisor) to maximize opportunities and gain support for AHA’s advocacy issues.
• Monitors and engages on state-level legislative and regulatory issues of concern to AHA and apprises appropriate volunteers and staff of emerging advocacy issues.
• Provides policy research, development of support materials, recruitment of spokespersons, preparation of testimony, and other activities as needed to advance our state and local legislative agenda.
• Participates in coalition building efforts and other partnerships to designed to strengthen opportunities that advance our advocacy issues.
• Recruits’ membership for and provides staff support to volunteer state advocacy committee(s). Collaborates with the committee to develop an annual state and local legislative agenda.
• Provides strategic direction on statewide grassroots and key contact, recruitment, retention, and mobilization efforts. Provides strategic direction and support materials for state lobby days and/or local in-district meetings.
• Collaborates with communications staff partners on development and timing of media advocacy efforts.
• Prepares required reporting information including local, state and/or federal lobbying reports and other reporting, as necessary.
• Provides advocacy presentations and training opportunities to volunteers and staff as needed.
• Attends and participates in meetings throughout the year, including national and regional staff trainings, regional and state-level meetings with staff partners, and metro board meetings.

Want to help get your resume to the top? Consider the experience we require: Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, related field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of:
• Experience and success in legislative and regulatory lobbying.
• Experience building and managing issue advocacy coalitions.
• Experience developing and implementing grassroots and media advocacy tactics.
• Possess policy analysis and technical (legislative and regulatory) writing skills.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time constraints.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, budgeting, and prioritizing work.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to travel overnight approx. 25% of the time.

Here are some of the preferred skills/experiences we are looking for:

• Knowledge of voluntary health organizations or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience working in health care policy.
• Experience in volunteer management.
• Understanding and appreciation for the use of technology and information systems.

So, are you ready to work for the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases? Compensation & Benefits Salary: Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials may apply. Benefit Plans: Our Rewards & Benefits package not only gives you the total benefits you want, but also goes above and beyond with innovative programs to develop your skills – helping you grow and thrive at the American Heart Association. To learn more about our benefit offerings please visit: https://heart.jobs/rewards-and-benefits/ At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity applies to both our workforce and the communities we serve as it relates to heart health and stroke prevention.   EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities Location US-NY-Albany Posted Date 12 hours ago (7/21/2021 6:09 PM) Requisition ID 2021-7225 Job Family Group Health Strategies & Programs Job Category Advocacy Location: Albany, NY