Director (Western Region), State Advocacy & Outreach

Job Summary

The Director, State Advocacy & Outreach, leads AAPA’s state government affairs efforts in an assigned region. Candidates are required to reside in the Western United States. This role serves as a critical partner to AAPA’s constituent organizations (COs), collaborating with volunteer leaders to enact legislation and regulations that modernize PA practice laws and improve patient care.

The Director supports and strengthens state advocacy capacity through strategic planning, coalition development, grassroots mobilization, and policy analysis. The role also acts as the primary liaison between AAPA and its state chapters and affiliates, providing policy expertise, technical assistance, and tactical support.

This position requires strong political acumen, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, staff management experience, and the ability to foster productive relationships with stakeholders across diverse state environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary staff contact for assigned Western state/territory constituent organizations.
• Guide state organizations in aligning with and advancing AAPA’s advocacy priorities.
• Monitor and analyze state legislative and regulatory activity; inform and support state leaders with timely, strategic insights.
• Lead or support the drafting of bills, regulations, testimony, fact sheets, and advocacy materials.
• Attend legislative hearings, stakeholder meetings, and provide in-person testimony or subject matter expertise as needed.
• Advise AAPA members, employers, and policymakers on state laws and regulations affecting PA practice.
• Collaborate with AAPA Communications Department staff to amplify state-level advocacy successes and awareness.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with coalition partners, regulatory agencies, and allied organizations.
• Assist in broader strategic efforts to strengthen the advocacy capacity of state organizations.
• Deliver presentations to AAPA leadership, COs, and external partners on government affairs issues.
• Support internal reporting on legislative/regulatory trends and assist with policy development as assigned.
• Travel to represent AAPA at state-level events, meetings, and legislative days.

Required Abilities

• Proven ability to motivate and support volunteer leaders in grassroots advocacy efforts.
• Strong interpersonal, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated collegial, team-oriented approach when working with staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience and strong professional connections with the Western state legislatures and/or advocacy community preferred.
• Track record of collaboration and policy engagement in the Western state legislatures.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capacity and strategic thinking.
• In-depth understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes; healthcare policy knowledge strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Experience managing staff and outside contractors/vendors.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with occasional travel, evening, and weekend work.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in state government relations, public policy, or related field.
• Experience designing and executing grassroots advocacy strategies.
• Direct lobbying or legislative experience preferred.
• Familiarity with health workforce policy or medical licensing issues a plus.

The American Academy of PAs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enriching the working environment for all staff by promoting a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to apply. AAPA considers all qualified applicants without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, and any other classifications protected by law.

Apply here