Government Relations Director, Minnesota

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

Legislative Impact (50%) 

• Develops and implements a comprehensive state advocacy strategy aligned with organizational priorities and in collaboration with the State and Local campaign team. 

• Builds long-term relationships and direct engagement with state/local lawmakers, executive branch officials/regulators and local officials.   

• Lobbies lawmakers/officials and drafts policy briefs, testimony, and advocacy materials in collaboration with the State and Local campaigns teams. 

• Monitors, analyzes, and responds to proposed legislation and regulations impacting patients and healthcare access, as well as cancer prevention. 

• Supports and aligns state and local legislative strategies with federal policy goals and ACS CAN’s mission.  

• Tracks legislative activity and maintain accurate records of advocacy efforts and outcomes. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building & Development (20%) 

• Builds strategic relationships with advocacy coalitions and health-focused organizations. 

• Manages external consultants and lobbying firms to support campaign execution. 

• Accountable in ensuring we support organization policy positions. 

• Serves as a public-facing leader for the organization’s state advocacy efforts. 

• Supports ACS and ACS CAN revenue development goals. 

Grassroots Mobilization & Campaign Management (15%) 

• Supports grassroots mobilization efforts, including patient and volunteer engagement. 

• Supports state-level grassroots campaigns, including action alerts, lobby days, and community engagement events. 

• Partners with community organizations, patient groups, and stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts. 

• Participates in state cancer action days. 

Communications (10%) 

• Serve as a spokesperson on state policy issues in media, public forums, and legislative hearings. 

• Develops and delivers presentations to stakeholders, partners, and internal leadership. 

• Contributes to advocacy communications including newsletters, social media, and policy updates. 

• Regularly communicates with regional and national teams. 

Compliance & Governance (5%) 

• Ensures compliance with all lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance laws. 

• Oversees reporting and documentation for state-level and federal advocacy activities. 

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Minimum Degree Required: ​Bachelor's Degree​  

• Preferred Degree: ​Master's Degree​  

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Law, or related field 

• Years of experience: 5+ years of experience in state government affairs, preferably with a focus on health or patient advocacy. 

• Experience driving legislative campaigns. 

• Experience working with volunteers, health and patient coalitions, communities, health coalitions, nonprofit advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:  

• Passion for improving cancer patient policy outcomes and advancing health equity through the legislative and regulatory process. 

• Proven ability to drive and achieve legislative results/goals and demonstrated ability to be action-oriented and to work on fast-paced, time-sensitive matters with internal and external constituents.  

• Strong ability and understanding of government relations and grassroots organizing. 

• Ability to adapt to, and manage the ambiguity of, state and local political environments. 

• Ability to manage and work with others in a primarily virtual environment, with the ability to adapt to changing situations. 

• Experience in collaborating with state health policymakers and advocacy leaders. 

• Experience with budget management and external vendor oversight. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in reporting activities in assigned state(s). 

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in advocacy and leadership. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:  

• This position may require travel up to 20%, including overnight and occasional weekend travel. 

• Travel will primarily be within assigned regions to support legislative campaigns, attend strategic meetings, and engage with stakeholders.  

• Occasional travel to national conferences or headquarters may also be required. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Ability to travel by car, train, or plane as needed.