Sr. Lead, State Government Relations

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 in various regions and employs a diverse workforce that embodies its core values of collaboration, trust, and empowerment. The AHA is recognized for its commitment to work-life harmonization and offers numerous resources to support its employees.

Job Overview:
The Sr. Lead, State Government Relations position is crucial for the American Heart Association's advocacy efforts at the state level, particularly in Texas. The selected candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining resources, including staff and volunteers, to establish and achieve heart attack systems of care through advocacy priorities. This role involves leading and directing staff in planning and executing issue advocacy campaigns, collaborating with the field advocacy team, and providing strategic vision for public policy priorities. The position requires a proactive approach to managing legislative agendas, engaging with state legislators, and ensuring the successful implementation of advocacy campaigns that align with the AHA's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Sr. Lead, State Government Relations include managing the legislative agenda in Texas and supervising government relations directors in two other southwestern states. The role requires providing strategic leadership for quality systems of care opportunity assessments, campaign prioritization, and development. The candidate will utilize effective management techniques to achieve organizational objectives, fostering a collaborative work environment. Responsibilities also include meeting with state legislators and officials to gain support for public policy priorities, monitoring legislative issues, developing support materials for campaigns, participating in coalition-building efforts, and providing advocacy training to volunteers and staff. The candidate will engage with internal stakeholders to advance the AHA's public policy priorities and attend various meetings throughout the year.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government Relations, or a related field. A minimum of five years of experience in legislative and regulatory lobbying at the state level is required, along with demonstrated success in managing issue advocacy and creating coalitions. Experience in managing staff, remote teams, and volunteers is essential, as well as strong policy analysis skills and the ability to handle multiple complex projects under deadlines. Outstanding oral and written communication skills are mandatory, and the candidate must be willing to travel overnight approximately 35% of the time.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government Relations, or a related area. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of government relations and advocacy work, particularly in the health sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience, specifically in legislative and regulatory lobbying at the state level. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing issue advocacy efforts and creating coalitions among public and volunteer groups. Experience in managing staff and remote teams is also necessary, along with the ability to navigate complex policy environments and engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication and advocacy efforts. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in regions with diverse populations, but are not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with the American Heart Association, which emphasizes work-life harmonization. The organization offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary that is regularly reviewed for market competitiveness. Employees are rewarded for their performance through merit increases and incentive programs. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as a robust retirement program with employer matching. The AHA also provides professional development opportunities, including access to an online university and tuition assistance for further education. New employees receive a minimum of 16 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year, increasing with seniority, along with 12 paid holidays annually.