State Government Relations Director

Overview

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a State Government Relations Director
. 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 – Olympia, WA.*

• Meets one‑on‑one with members of the state legislature, their staff, and other state and local government officials to gain support for the American Heart Association’s advocacy issues.
• Monitors and engages on state and local level legislative and regulatory issues of concern to the American Heart Association 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 the American Heart Association’s legislative agenda.
• Participates in coalition‑building efforts and collaborative partnerships to leverage opportunities that advance the American Heart Association’s advocacy issues.
• Recruits membership for and provides staff support to volunteer state advocacy committee(s). Collaborates with the committee to develop an annual 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 relevant American Heart Association meetings throughout the year, including national and affiliate staff training, affiliate and state‑level meetings with staff partners, and metro board meetings.
• Represents organization in public settings, including in on‑record legislative convenings and in media interviews.

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Political Science, Law, related field or equivalent work experience.
• Three (3) years of experience and success in legislative and regulatory lobbying.
• Three (3) years of demonstrated experience building and managing issue advocacy coalition(s).
• Three (3) years of experience developing and implementing grassroots and media advocacy tactics.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Policy analysis and technical (legislative and regulatory) writing skills.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time constraints.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic planning, budgeting, and managing work.
• Knowledge of the state legislative and regulatory processes.

• 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.
• Experience managing contract employees.

The expected pay range will be $90,000 - $112,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary.
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; based on the type of…