State Government Relations Director

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. *Salt Lake City, UT*

The State Government Relations Director is responsible for serving as the primary representative of the American Heart Association to the assigned state legislature and state agencies, and local governments generating awareness and support for the American Heart Association’s public policy agenda. Strategically coordinate and be responsible for efforts to further the state public policy priorities of the American Heart Association. Responsible for working with American Heart Association staff, volunteers, coalitions, and partner organizations to build support for American Heart Association policy issues and to integrate advocacy messaging into relevant American Heart Association programs and events.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.

• 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 American Heart Association 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-the-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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 $79,000 - $95,000.  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.  That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
  
  
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; based on the type of position
  
  
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution.  As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
  
  
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program.  Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
  
  
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees.  The number of days will increase based on seniority level.  You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
  
  
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees.  This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.

This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities

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