Government Relations Director, Montana & Wyoming - Remote

American Cancer Society

Helena (MT)

On-site

USD 97,000 - 105,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

generous paid time off policy

medical

dental

retirement benefits

wellness programs

professional development programs

Job summary

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) seeks a Government Relations Director to advance cancer patient policy outcomes through legislative advocacy and regulatory work. The role leads strategic engagement with state and local policymakers and coordinates with national teams.

You will build coalitions, manage grassroots efforts, and oversee campaigning, travel to the state capital as needed, and represent ACS CAN at public hearings and coalition meetings.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; 5+ years in state government affairs, health or patient advocacy.
Experience driving legislative campaigns.
Experience coordinating with volunteers and health coalitions.
Strong written and verbal communication in state reporting.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements a state advocacy strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
Builds relationships with lawmakers and regulators; lobbies and drafts policy materials.
Monitors and analyzes proposed legislation impacting patients and access to care.
Supports federal goals and tracks advocacy activities and outcomes.
Oversees external consultants and coalition partnerships.

Skills

Government relations

Grassroots organizing

Policy advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Budget management

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Public Health

Public Policy

Law

Job description

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is the nation's leading cancer advocacy organization. Together with our charitable partner, the American Cancer Society, we work in Congress, state legislatures and local jurisdictions to support evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

The Government Relations Director plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission to improve cancer patient policy outcomes through legislative and regulatory advocacy. This position leads and drives strategic engagement in the assigned state or states with state and local policymakers, supports grassroots mobilization, and supports federal advocacy efforts in coordination with national teams.

The position serves as an ambassador for the Society and ACS CAN to the state legislature, governor, state agencies, congressional offices, and donors, as well as representing ACS CAN in coalitions. The position leads the planning and implementation of mission critical issue campaigns in assigned state(s) to achieve progress towards policy and appropriations successes, working with grassroots staff to execute the state(s) advocacy program, as well as with contract lobbyists, where applicable.

***This is a remote position with a required base location within the states or either Montana or Wyoming. Must be present at the state capital on a regular basis during session.***

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.

The starting rate is $97,000 to $105,000. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

BENEFITS: