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.
Location: Honolulu, HI

The State Government Relations Director is responsible for serving as the primary representative of the American Heart Association to the assigned state legislature and relevant state agencies to generate awareness and support for the American Heart Association’s public policy agenda in Hawaii and remotely for Alaska. They will strategically coordinate and oversee efforts to further the state public policy priorities of the American Heart Association and work 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 support locally.

#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, where employees can thrive both 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
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Responsibilities

Meet one-on-one with members of the state legislature, their staff, and other state government officials to gain support for the American Heart Association’s advocacy issues.

Monitor and engage on state-level legislative and regulatory issues of concern to the American Heart Association and apprise appropriate volunteers and staff of emerging advocacy issues.

Provide policy research, develop support materials, recruit spokespersons, prepare testimony, and perform other activities as needed to advance the legislative agenda.

Participate in coalition-building efforts and collaborative partnerships to leverage opportunities that advance advocacy issues.

Recruit membership for and provide staff support to volunteer state advocacy committees; collaborate with the committee to develop an annual state legislative agenda.

Provide strategic direction on statewide grassroots efforts, key contact recruitment, retention, and mobilization; support state lobby days and/or local in-district meetings.

Collaborate with communications staff partners on development and timing of media advocacy efforts.

Prepare required reporting information including local, state, and/or federal lobbying reports and other necessary reporting.

Provide advocacy presentations and training opportunities to 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.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, or a 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.

Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

Policy analysis and technical (legislative and regulatory) writing skills.

Ability to manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time constraints.

Knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, and managing work.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of voluntary health organizations or nonprofit organizations.

Experience working in health care policy.

Experience in volunteer management.

Understanding and appreciation for the use of technology and information systems.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected pay range will be $80,000 – $95,000, commensurate with experience; geographic differentials may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

Components of the total rewards package include:

Compensation – Competitive base salary, regularly reviewed for market value adjustments.

Performance and Recognition – Merit increases and incentive programs based on position type.

Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, robust retirement program with employer match and automatic contribution, employee assistance and wellness programs, telemedicine, and medical consultation.

Professional Development – Access to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentoring programs, and HeartU, the national online university with 100,000+ resources.

Work-Life Harmonization – Paid Time Off (PTO) starting at 16 days per year for new employees, increasing with seniority, plus 12 paid holidays annually.

Tuition Assistance – Financial support for career development, further education, and potential future positions.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal

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

Learn more here