Director, Federal Advocacy – Communications

## The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)

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 Director, Federal Advocacy, serves as the advocacy communications lead for ACS CAN’s Federal Advocacy & Coalitions team, working in close coordination with the advocacy communications team and across functions to drive integrated communications that advance our federal legislative and regulatory priorities. This role combines strategic communications leadership with federal lobbying and coalition work, translating complex policy issues into compelling narratives that influence policymakers, engage key stakeholders, and elevate the organization’s profile. The Director advocates for evidence‑based public policy with the goal of reducing the cancer burden and serves as a principal registered federal lobbyist on an assigned portfolio of issues before Congress and the Administration.

**This is a hybrid role. The ideal candidate needs to live within a reasonable commute to Washington, DC.**

—

## Essential Functions

– **Leads strategic communications planning** — Leads strategic communications planning and execution for the federal advocacy team, coordinating closely with the media team and across digital, field, and coalition functions to advance federal priorities and engage stakeholders. (60%)
– **Drafts and edits advocacy content** — Drafts and edits high‑quality advocacy content including talking points, newsletters, emails, internal and external presentations, letters, briefing materials, and digital content.
– **Utilizes public opinion research** — Uses polling, focus groups, surveys, and analytics to identify and inform the most effective framing, narratives, and calls to action for federal lawmakers and policymakers.
– **Translates research insights** — Translates research insights into clear messages, frameworks, talking points, and creative content that can be leveraged across media, digital, paid, field, and coalition partners.
– **Represents ACS CAN** — Represents ACS CAN before Members of Congress and Congressional staff, Executive Branch/Administrative Agency personnel, coalition partners, and others to advance federal legislative and regulatory priorities. (30%)
– **Supports volunteer and donor engagement** — Supports volunteer development and engagement, donor engagement, and ACS CAN and ACS events as necessary. (10%)

—

## Experience / Qualifications

– **Bachelor’s Degree** — Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, public policy, journalism, or related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
– **7–10 years of experience** — A minimum of 7–10 years of professional experience, including extensive communications and federal legislative and/or advocacy experience.
– **Capitol Hill or Administration experience** — Strongly preferred.

—

## Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

– **Strategic communications expertise** — Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communications that support policy change or issue advocacy.
– **Exceptional communication skills** — Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, persuasive messages.
– **Message development experience** — Strong experience using polling, focus groups, and analytics to inform advocacy strategy.
– **Collaborative and self‑directed** — Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced advocacy environment with strong understanding of the health care media, political, and grassroots landscape.
– **Tool and platform fluency** — Experience with audience understanding, data literacy, visual communication, basic design principles, and tools such as Canva, Constant Contact, Quorum, Mailchimp, and social media analytics.

—

## Travel Requirements

Some travel required.

—

## Compensation & Benefits

The starting rate is **$130,000–$150,000**. The final candidate’s relevant experience and skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non‑discriminatory factors including 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 benefits can be found at: **jobs.cancer.org/benefits**.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer.

—

**Apply Now**
Equal Opportunity Employer.