Director, State Government Affairs, Western Region

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) seeks an individual for the position of Director of State Government Affairs for the Central United States. This position is responsible for designing and implementing advocacy strategies to advance the ADA’s advocacy priorities and mission in assigned states. Among other duties, the position’s responsibilities include lobbying state legislatures, managing volunteer and staff working groups, and representing ADA in coalitions and other public facing groups and situations.

This position works under the supervision of the Managing Director of State Government Affairs and works closely with colleagues in ADA’s Grassroots Advocacy, Federal Government Affairs, Legal Advocacy, and Communications teams to achieve the ADA’s advocacy goals. Candidates for this position must be able to work independently and manage multiple priority projects.

The position will work remotely but the applicant must live in one of states in the region, which includes Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Nevada or Utah. Preferably Arizona.

Responsibilities

The successful incumbent will manage all aspects of state lobbying in assigned states and contribute to the ADA’s Advocacy Division by:

• Establishing and maintaining close working relationships with members of state legislatures and their staff, governors and relevant agency personnel, and partner organizations,
• Leading state efforts to introduce and engage in legislation or support regulatory policy change in alignment with ADA’s advocacy priorities,
• Pursuing necessary regulatory follow-up of legislative gains achieved,
• Preparing materials to support advocacy campaigns including drafting bill language, fact sheets, reports, press releases, and other materials,
• Identifying, recruiting, and training volunteer advocates as required by the position and assisting advocates with preparation and presentation of testimony before state legislative committees and other agencies,
• Facilitating local advocacy committees and presenting to community leadership boards as required,
• Working in tandem with colleagues on the federal team to support federal campaigns as required,
• Utilizing the ADA’s grassroots and communications capabilities to support state legislative activities and federal campaigns as required, and
• Overseeing the implementation of advocacy-related communications efforts.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of three years’ experience in public policy arena (either with non-profit, state or federal legislative office or regulatory agency).
• Demonstration of active participation in public policy making as a lobbyist, legislative or regulatory staff person.
• A strong personal commitment to preventing and curing diabetes and improving the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
• Frequent travel is required.
• Must live in one of the listed states in the region.

Why Work Here
The American Diabetes Association ® (ADA) offers a rewarding career working for one of the premier voluntary health organizations in the world supporting people living with diabetes and/or obesity. Our employees consistently say that our mission, culture, work-life balance, and total rewards package are what they like most about working at the ADA. benefits and our culture:

• Industry competitive base pay. Base offers are determined by several factors including but not limited to your relevant work experience, education, certifications, location, internal pay equity, etc.
• A culture of recognition including new hire welcome announcements, service anniversary awards, referral bonuses, monthly All Employee Assembly, appreciation awards
• Generous Paid Time Off, including holidays, vacation days, personal days and sick days
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), disability & life insurance, pet insurance, and retirement savings
• Guided by our mission, we provide full diabetes supply coverage through our medical benefits program
• A company focus on offering mental health programs and work/life balance with most of our employees working remote
• Joining our dedicated team affords the gratification of knowing beyond a doubt that you will impact the lives and well-being of millions

About the Organization
The American Diabetes Association ® (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people living with diabetes thrive. Since 1940, we have driven discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes. We advocate for policy changes and improved access to quality care for all people living with diabetes and/or obesity. Through the Obesity Association, a division of the ADA, we are also working to reduce the prevalence of obesity—a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes.