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*

The State Government Relations Director is responsible for serving as the primary representative of the American Heart Association to the assigned state legislature, state agencies, and local governments, generating awareness and support for the Association’s public policy agenda. This role strategically coordinates and leads efforts to advance state public policy priorities. The position works with staff, volunteers, coalitions, and partner organizations to build support for policy issues and integrate advocacy messaging into relevant 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 local support.

**#TheAHALife** is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It reflects our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values, where employees can thrive 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.

## Responsibilities

– 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 legislative and regulatory issues of concern to the Association and apprises appropriate volunteers and staff of emerging advocacy issues.
– Provides policy research, develops support materials, recruits spokespersons, prepares testimony, and performs other activities needed to advance the legislative agenda.
– Participates in coalition‑building efforts and collaborative partnerships to leverage opportunities that advance advocacy issues.
– Recruits membership for and provides staff support to volunteer state advocacy committees; collaborates with committees 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 on development and timing of media advocacy efforts.
– Prepares required reporting information, including local, state, and/or federal lobbying reports and other necessary documentation.
– Provides advocacy presentations and training opportunities to volunteers and staff as needed.
– Attends and participates in relevant Association meetings throughout the year, including national and affiliate staff training, affiliate and state‑level meetings, and metro board meetings.
– Represents the organization in public settings, including on‑the‑record legislative convenings and media interviews.

## Qualifications

– 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 coalitions
– 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 manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under time constraints
– Knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, and work management principles
– Knowledge of state legislative and regulatory processes

### Preferred Qualifications

– Knowledge of voluntary health 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

## Compensation & Benefits

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

The Association invests in its people. Key components of the total rewards package include:

**Compensation** – Competitive base salary with regular market reviews.
**Performance and Recognition** – Annual salary planning and incentive programs based on position type.
**Benefits** – Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and a robust retirement program with employer match and automatic contribution. Additional offerings include an employee assistance program, wellness program, telemedicine, and medical consultation.
**Professional Development** – Access to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentoring programs, and Heart U, the Association’s national online university with over 100,000 resources.
**Work-Life Harmonization** – Minimum of 16 days of PTO for new employees (increasing with seniority) plus 12 paid holidays annually, including several days off at year‑end.
**Tuition Assistance** – Financial support for employees pursuing education related to current or future roles.

## The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal

Building on over 100 years of leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, the Association aims by 2028 to 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 the 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, or physical or cognitive abilities.

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

**EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities**

**#LI-Hybrid**

Apply here