Director of Government Affairs

Overview

We need hope-bringers and changemakers — because the work we all do matters. If you’re passionate about making an impact with your time and being someone’s light in the darkness, we want you on our team.

Come Join Us to Do Mission-Based, Meaningful Work

Who We Are

Gaudenzia is one of the largest nonprofit providers of treatment to people with substance use and co-occurring disorders in the nation. We operate in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Our caring, compassionate team is on a mission to save thousands of lives each year and bring hope to people devastated by substance use disorder. Together, we help individuals, families, and communities heal and thrive in the face of one of the most devastating public health crises of our time.

As our organization grows and evolves to meet the needs of our clients and communities, we’re seeking passionate, empathic individuals to help us make an impact. With your help, we can turn the tide on substance use disorder.

Who We’re Looking For

The Director of Government Affairs reports to the Vice President of Government Affairs. This individual is responsible for establishing and enhancing productive relationships, with a priority focus on Maryland, by working with federal, state, and local government agency heads, elected officials, and advocacy groups to further Gaudenzia’s legislative goals. This includes creating policy proposals and strategy initiatives in partnership with a contracted lobbying firm, appropriate government agencies, elected officials, and the community.

This individual will lead and execute the organization’s advocacy, legislative, and public policy strategy at the local, state, and federal levels. The position plays a pivotal role in promoting policies that support access to high-quality behavioral health services, reduce stigma, and improve outcomes for individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The Chesapeake Director of Government Affairs will represent the organization before the Maryland General Assembly, state and local agencies, relevant policy coalitions, and member associations, while also coordinating grassroots and community advocacy efforts.

• Hybrid Position
• Travel is required. Most travel will be in Maryland, especially during legislative session months. Travel to PA, DC, and DE may also be required at times.

Location(s)

106 W. Main Street, Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401, United States
4615 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215, United States

Remote Eligible

Not Eligible

Compensation

$99,213 – $111,615 based upon experience

Job Description

Your responsibilities in this role include:

• Establish and maintain relationships with key decision-makers in federal, state, and local government agencies.
• Work closely with Gaudenzia’s contracted lobbyists, establishing, monitoring, and reporting on strategic government relations goals.
• Advocate for policies that support the mission of Gaudenzia and its Maryland programs.
• Research and monitor legislation and track drug and alcohol-related policy shifts with government that may impact Gaudenzia.
• Represent Gaudenzia’s position on legislation, as appropriate, to special interest groups, lobbyists, and local, state, and federal officials and their staff.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, remarks, testimony, and talking points to represent Gaudenzia at community events, industry forums, and public speaking engagements as requested.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key policymakers, elected officials, legislative staff, and agency leaders, particularly in the Maryland General Assembly, MDH (Maryland Department of Health), Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel County.
• Attend and represent Gaudenzia’s interests on provider member associations in Maryland.
• Other duties as assigned, including providing support to the VP of Government Relations in Delaware and the District of Columbia.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government organizational and legislative processes.
• Knowledge of substance use disorder (SUD) legislation, policy, and regulations in Maryland.
• Ability to negotiate, persuade, and build consensus to reach compromise or gain support.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse audiences, including government officials, community groups, and the public.
• Proven track record of securing government partnerships and policy wins.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment.

Qualifications

Qualifications for this Role:

Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Work, Law, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in government relations, legislative affairs, or public policy—ideally with a focus on behavioral health or healthcare.
• Demonstrated success influencing public policy and engaging with legislative and regulatory processes, particularly in Maryland.

Operating Principles

Our Operating Principles: We, as members of the Gaudenzia Team, are committed to these principles. They guide the way we perform Gaudenzia business, every day.

• We hold client care as our top priority.
• We assume good intentions.
• We are present, we connect, and we communicate with transparency, dignity, and respect.
• We make data-driven decisions with courage, challenge the status quo, and find innovative ways to grow Gaudenzia and each other.
• We support each other publicly and privately in all circumstances.
• We provide and accept constructive, honest, respectful, and timely feedback with an open mind and without personalization.
• We operate with integrity, focus on outcomes, and have a bias for action.
• We follow through on agreements and honor commitments prioritized with a sense of urgency — someone’s life may depend on it.

Gaudenzia’s Mission

Gaudenzia’s Mission is to promote long-term recovery by providing comprehensive treatment and support to people with substance use disorder, co-occurring mental health disorders, and related conditions, regardless of individual circumstances.

Gaudenzia is proud to be an employer of choice — and a treatment provider of choice — in the substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment field. We work hard to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where our employees and clients always feel safe and welcome.

Come work with us!

Gaudenzia is an equal opportunity employer. We do not practice or permit discrimination based on race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religion, creed, disability, or veteran’s status.

Learn more here