Sr. Government Relations Director - CA Grant Program

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN); California (MO); Remote; USD 102,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in cancer advocacy is seeking a Sr. Government Relations Director to manage tobacco control grant programs in California. This remote position requires expertise in government relations and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The role involves strategic leadership in public policy campaigns and collaboration with community leaders to advance health equity.

Benefits

Generous paid time off policy

Medical and dental benefits

Retirement benefits

Wellness programs

Professional development programs

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7-10 years relevant work experience in political and/or policy campaign experience required.
• Detailed knowledge of the legislative process and political landscape.
• Experience in engaging and/or leading coalitions.

Responsibilities

• Leads and manages six state-funded tobacco control grant programs.
• Develops and drives local public policy and appropriations campaigns.
• Builds and sustains relationships with elected officials and community leaders.

Skills

Fluent written & verbal communication skills in Spanish

Health policy knowledge

Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, computer, and mobile application skills

Ability to draft and analyze local ordinance or amendment language

Action-oriented and ability to work independently

Demonstrated ability to work on fast-paced, time-sensitive matters

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

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American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) provided pay range

This range is provided by American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$102,000.00/yr - $125,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)

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.

Build the power of ACS CAN in California local communities to successfully implement public policy advocacy campaigns. Lead, drive, execute and manage six tobacco control grant programs (contracts) as prescribed by the state granting/funding entity --- the California Tobacco Control Program – to engage Hispanic/Latino, African American, and AANHPI communities in local tobacco control policy campaigns. This requires expertise in direct lobbying and government relations in the state by achieving tobacco policy wins at the local level. This role serves as an ambassador for the Society and ACS CAN to local and state elected and appointed officials, state agencies, community leaders, as well as representing the organization on coalitions. Lead a team in the planning and implementation of tobacco policy campaigns by engaging grassroots volunteers and staff, as well as with subcontractors/consultants, where applicable. Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of the role. Model the organization's values and cultural beliefs. Comply with all relevant lobbying protocols, including lobbyist registration and reporting, adhering to state legal requirements, grant funder protocols, and all assigned administrative duties.

***This is a remote position, with a required base location in either Greater San Francisco Bay area, Central/San Joaquin Valley, or San Diego area. Tobacco Control Policy and team management experience is highly preferred.***

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads and manages six state-funded tobacco control grant programs starting July 1, 2025 (3-year grants) including staffing, strategy execution, progress reporting, evaluation, and compliance with funder requirements. (50%)
• Develops and drives local public policy and appropriations campaigns that align with ACS CAN’s mission, including legislative analysis, coalition leadership, and media engagement. (25%)
• Builds and sustains relationships with elected officials, health agencies, community leaders, and subcontractors to advance tobacco control policies in priority populations. (15%)
• Supports grassroots advocacy and volunteer training in collaboration with staff, enhancing campaign effectiveness and community engagement. (5%)
• Contributes to fundraising initiatives through events and donor stewardship, supporting organizational revenue goals. (as needed)
• Ensures legal and administrative compliance for grant activities and lobbying efforts, including reporting and use of technical tools. (5%)
• Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion by prioritizing health equity and fostering an inclusive campaign culture. (continuous)

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

FORMAL KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor's degree; Master’s degree preferred and successful experience managing teams and/or coaching professional development required
• Minimum of 7-10 years relevant work experience in political and/or policy campaign experience required
• Detailed knowledge of the legislative process and political landscape, with the ability to adapt to local and state government environment
• Experience in engaging and/or leading coalitions

SKILLS

• Fluent written & verbal communication skills in Spanish is preferred
• Health policy knowledge preferred; thought leader that delivers impact
• Must have a great attitude and be a team leader
• Ability to draft and analyze local ordinance or amendment language preferred
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, computer, and mobile application skills required
• Action-oriented and the ability to work independently with minimum direction and work as a member or leader of a team
• Ability to work with others in complex environments, with a strong ability to adapt to changing situations
• Demonstrated ability to work on fast-paced, time-sensitive matters with internal and external constituents
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and communities
• Ability to complete work in a timely and efficient manner and ensure work is accurate

SPECIAL MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Up to 25% travel required, including overnight and air travel.

The starting rate is $102,000 to $125,000 annual. 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.

ACS CAN provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at:jobs.cancer.org/benefits.We are a proud equal opportunity employer.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

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