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Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Hybrid
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is the nation's leading cancer advocacy organization. Together with our charitable partner, the American Cancer Society, we work in Congress, state legislatures and local jurisdictions to support evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.
The Government Relations Director plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission to improve cancer patient policy outcomes through legislative and regulatory advocacy. This position leads and drives strategic engagement in the assigned state or states with state and local policymakers, supports grassroots mobilization, and supports federal advocacy efforts in coordination with national teams. The position serves as an ambassador for the Society and ACS CAN to the state legislature, governor, state agencies, congressional offices, and donors, as well as representing ACS CAN in coalitions. The position leads the planning and implementation of mission critical issue campaigns in assigned state(s) to achieve progress towards policy and appropriations successes, working with grassroots staff to execute the state(s)’s advocacy program, as well as with contract lobbyists, where applicable.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Legislative Impact (50%)
Develops and implements a comprehensive state advocacy strategy aligned with organizational priorities and in collaboration with the State and Local campaign team.
Builds long-term relationships and direct engagement with state/local lawmakers, executive branch officials/regulators and local officials.
Lobbies lawmakers/officials and drafts policy briefs, testimony, and advocacy materials in collaboration with the State and Local campaigns teams.
Monitors, analyzes, and responds to proposed legislation and regulations impacting patients and healthcare access, as well as cancer prevention.
Supports and aligns state and local legislative strategies with federal policy goals and ACS CAN’s mission.
Tracks legislative activity and maintain accurate records of advocacy efforts and outcomes.
Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building & Development (20%)
Builds strategic relationships with advocacy coalitions and health-focused organizations.
Manages external consultants and lobbying firms to support campaign execution.
Accountable in ensuring we support organization policy positions.
Serves as a public-facing leader for the organization’s state advocacy efforts.
Supports ACS and ACS CAN revenue development goals.
Grassroots Mobilization & Campaign Management (15%)
Supports grassroots mobilization efforts, including patient and volunteer engagement.
Supports state-level grassroots campaigns, including action alerts, lobby days, and community engagement events.
Partners with community organizations, patient groups, and stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts.
Participates in state cancer action days.
Communications (10%)
Serve as a spokesperson on state policy issues in media, public forums, and legislative hearings.
Develops and delivers presentations to stakeholders, partners, and internal leadership.
Contributes to advocacy communications including newsletters, social media, and policy updates.
Regularly communicates with regional and national teams.
Compliance & Governance (5%)
Ensures compliance with all lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance laws.
Oversees reporting and documentation for state-level and federal advocacy activities.
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's Degree
Preferred Degree: Master's Degree
Advanced degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Law, or related field
Years of experience: 5+ years of experience in state government affairs, preferably with a focus on health or patient advocacy.
Experience driving legislative campaigns.
Experience working with volunteers, health and patient coalitions, communities, health coalitions, nonprofit advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:
Passion for improving cancer patient policy outcomes and advancing health equity through the legislative and regulatory process.
Proven ability to drive and achieve legislative results/goals and demonstrated ability to be action-oriented and to work on fast-paced, time-sensitive matters with internal and external constituents.
Strong ability and understanding of government relations and grassroots organizing.
Ability to adapt to, and manage the ambiguity of, state and local political environments.
Ability to manage and work with others in a primarily virtual environment, with the ability to adapt to changing situations.
Experience in collaborating with state health policymakers and advocacy leaders.
Experience with budget management and external vendor oversight.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in reporting activities in assigned state(s).
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in advocacy and leadership.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
This position may require travel up to 20%, including overnight and occasional weekend travel.
Travel will primarily be within assigned regions to support legislative campaigns, attend strategic meetings, and engage with stakeholders.
Occasional travel to national conferences or headquarters may also be required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to travel by car, train, or plane as needed.
The starting rate is $97,000 to $105,000 annual. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.
ACS CAN provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.
