State Government Relations Director

Job Posting Organization:
The American Heart Association (AHA) was founded in 1924 and has since made significant strides in reducing cardiovascular disease deaths by half. The organization is dedicated to addressing the most pressing health challenges and is committed to ensuring a healthier future for all. With a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, the AHA operates across various states and engages in numerous initiatives to promote public health. The organization values its employees and fosters a culture of work-life harmonization, encouraging personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The State Government Relations Director plays a crucial role in representing the American Heart Association to the state legislature and relevant state agencies. This position is pivotal in generating awareness and support for the Association’s public policy agenda. The director will strategically coordinate and supervise efforts to advance the state public policy priorities of the Association. This includes working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, coalitions, and partner organizations to build support for policy issues and integrate advocacy messaging into relevant programs and events. The role also involves developing and advancing a local policy agenda in Durham, NC, and other communities, ensuring that the Association's advocacy efforts are effectively communicated and supported at the local level.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The State Government Relations Director will meet one-on-one with members of the state legislature, their staff, and other state government officials to garner support for the American Heart Association’s advocacy issues. They will monitor and engage with state-level legislative and regulatory issues that concern the Association, keeping appropriate volunteers and staff informed of emerging advocacy issues and local ordinances. The director will conduct policy research, develop support materials, recruit spokespersons, prepare testimony, and engage in other activities necessary to advance the Association’s legislative agenda. Additionally, they will participate in coalition-building efforts and collaborative partnerships to leverage opportunities that advance advocacy issues. The director will also recruit members for and provide staff support to volunteer state advocacy committees, collaborating with these committees to develop an annual state legislative agenda. They will provide strategic direction on statewide grassroots efforts, key contact recruitment, retention, and mobilization, as well as support materials for state lobby days and local in-district meetings. The role requires collaboration with communications staff on media advocacy efforts and preparation of required reporting information, including lobbying reports. The director will also provide advocacy presentations and training opportunities to volunteers and staff as needed and will attend relevant Association meetings throughout the year, including national and regional staff training and state-level meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, or a related field, or have equivalent work experience. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience and success in legislative and regulatory lobbying is required. Candidates should have proven experience in building and managing issue advocacy coalitions, as well as developing and implementing grassroots and media advocacy tactics. Outstanding oral and written communication skills are essential, along with policy analysis and technical writing skills. The ability to manage multiple, sophisticated projects simultaneously under time constraints is crucial, as is knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, and work management principles.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, or a related field is required. Equivalent work experience may also be considered in lieu of a formal degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public policy and advocacy work.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in legislative and regulatory lobbying, as well as experience in building and managing advocacy coalitions. Candidates should also have experience in developing grassroots and media advocacy tactics, demonstrating a successful track record in these areas.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with the American Heart Association. The organization offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary that is regularly reviewed to ensure market competitiveness. Employees are rewarded for their achievements through merit increases and incentive programs. The AHA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as a robust retirement program with employer matching. Professional development opportunities are available, including access to the HeartU online university and employee resource groups. Work-life harmonization is emphasized, with a minimum of 16 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) for new employees, increasing with seniority, and 12 paid holidays each year. Tuition assistance is also offered to support employees in furthering their education and career development.