Job Advertisement

Position Title: State Government Relations Director
Location: Laramie
Country: United States
Deadline Date: No specific deadline indicated, apply timely to not miss an opportunity.

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The American Heart Association (AHA) is a leading organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, with a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Established in 1924, the AHA has grown to become a prominent health organization with a presence in all 50 states and numerous countries worldwide. The organization employs thousands of individuals and engages millions of volunteers to promote cardiovascular health and wellness. The AHA is committed to Health Equity and aims to remove barriers to healthcare access and quality for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The State Government Relations Director plays a crucial role in representing the American Heart Association at the state level, particularly in Montana and Wyoming. This position is responsible for generating awareness and support for the AHA's public policy agenda by engaging with state legislators and relevant agencies. The director will strategically coordinate efforts to advance the AHA's public policy priorities, working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, coalitions, and partner organizations. The role requires a proactive approach to advocacy, ensuring that the AHA's messaging is integrated into various programs and events. The director will also have access to extensive training and resources to support their success in this role, including the Heart U corporate university and various local support mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The State Government Relations Director will meet one-on-one with members of the state legislature and their staff to gain support for the AHA's advocacy issues. They will monitor and engage with state-level legislative and regulatory issues, providing updates to AHA volunteers and staff. The director will conduct policy research, develop support materials, recruit spokespersons, and prepare testimony to advance the legislative agenda. They will participate in coalition-building efforts and collaborate with various stakeholders to leverage opportunities for advocacy. Additionally, the director will recruit members for Volunteer advocacy committees and collaborate with them to develop an annual legislative agenda. They will provide strategic direction for grassroots efforts, support state lobby days, and collaborate with communications staff on media advocacy efforts. The director will also prepare required reporting information and provide advocacy training to volunteers and staff as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, or a related field, or have equivalent work experience. A minimum of three years of experience in legislative and regulatory lobbying is required, along with demonstrated success in building and managing issue advocacy coalitions. Candidates should have experience developing and implementing grassroots and media advocacy tactics, as well as outstanding oral and written communication skills. Policy Analysis and Technical Writing skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple projects under time constraints. Knowledge of Strategic Planning, budgeting, and work management principles is also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, or a related field is required for this position. Equivalent work experience may also be considered in lieu of a formal degree. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in understanding public policy and advocacy processes.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have at least three years of relevant experience in legislative and regulatory lobbying, demonstrating a successful track record in advocacy efforts. Experience in building and managing coalitions, as well as developing grassroots and media advocacy strategies, is essential. The candidate should also have experience in policy analysis and technical writing, showcasing their ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication. Additional language skills may be considered beneficial, particularly in regions with diverse populations or where multiple languages are spoken.

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