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.

Location Requirement: 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.

Location: 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, state agencies, and local governments, generating awareness and support for the American Heart Association’s public policy agenda. This role strategically coordinates and leads efforts to advance the Association’s state public policy priorities. The Director works closely with American Heart Association staff, volunteers, coalitions, and partner organizations to build support for policy initiatives and integrate advocacy messaging into relevant 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, along with additional local training and support.

#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, allowing employees to thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued. by following the American Heart Association on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.

Responsibilities

• Meet one-on-one with members of the state legislature, legislative staff, and other state and local government officials to gain support for the American Heart Association’s advocacy priorities.
• Monitor and engage on state and local legislative and regulatory issues affecting the American Heart Association and keep volunteers and staff informed of emerging advocacy issues.
• Provide policy research, develop support materials, recruit spokespersons, prepare testimony, and perform other activities needed to advance the Association’s legislative agenda.
• Participate in coalition-building efforts and collaborative partnerships that advance the American Heart Association’s advocacy priorities.
• Recruit members for volunteer state advocacy committees and provide ongoing staff support. Collaborate with committees to develop an annual legislative agenda.
• Provide strategic direction for statewide grassroots and key contact recruitment, retention, and mobilization efforts.
• Provide strategic direction and support materials for state lobby days and local in-district meetings.
• Collaborate with communications staff on the development and timing of media advocacy efforts.
• Prepare required reporting information, including local, state, and federal lobbying reports and other required documentation.
• Provide advocacy presentations and training opportunities for volunteers and staff as needed.
• Attend and participate in relevant American Heart Association meetings throughout the year, including national and affiliate staff training, affiliate and state-level meetings, and metro board meetings.
• Represent the organization in public settings, including legislative convenings and media interviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Three (3) years of successful legislative and regulatory lobbying experience.
• Three (3) years of demonstrated experience building and managing issue advocacy coalitions.
• Three (3) years of experience developing and implementing grassroots and media advocacy strategies.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Strong policy analysis and legislative/regulatory writing skills.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple complex projects in various stages of development while meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, and work management principles.
• Knowledge of 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 technology and information systems.
• Experience managing contract employees.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected pay range for this position is $79,000–$95,000. Compensation is commensurate with experience, and geographic pay differentials may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay above or below the posted range.

The American Heart Association invests in its people through a comprehensive total rewards package.

• Compensation: Competitive base salary with regular market reviews and salary adjustments as appropriate.
• Performance & Recognition: Annual salary planning and incentive programs based on position type and individual performance.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, plus a robust retirement program with employer matching and automatic contributions. Employees also receive access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness program, telemedicine, and medical consultation services.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to participate in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), professional mentoring programs, and Heart U, the Association’s online learning platform offering more than 100,000 educational resources.
• Work-Life Harmonization: New employees receive a minimum of 16 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually, increasing with seniority. Employees also receive 12 paid holidays each year, including several days off at the end of the year.
• Tuition Assistance: Financial support is available for employees pursuing education related to their current responsibilities or future career opportunities within the organization.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal is to build on more than 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health by driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care to create healthier people and communities. The Association is committed to ensuring that the greatest discoveries in health reach everyone, wherever they are.

At the American Heart Association and 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.

Additional Information

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

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