State Government Relations Director - Alabama

Alzheimer's Association Careers • Birmingham, AL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Alabama Government Relations Director serves as the Alzheimer’s Association’s principal staff member for state government affairs and chief lobbyist in Alabama. The role represents the Association before the state legislature, governor, relevant agencies, coalitions, community partners, and statewide task forces and work groups. As a registered state lobbyist, the Director develops and executes strategies to advance the Association’s coordinated nationwide policy priorities, including insurance coverage, Medicaid, long-term care, training standards, workforce issues, and aging policy. The position reports to the Territory Government Relations Director and is based in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Director plans and carries out a multi-year legislative and regulatory agenda in collaboration with the National Public Policy Office; develops bill and regulatory language; builds relationships with state officials and community stakeholders; and supports grassroots advocacy. The position also tracks legislation, reports lobbying activities, ensures compliance with lobbying requirements, contributes policy expertise across the state chapter, and participates in major chapter events.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a voluntary health organization focused on Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its mission is to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Association emphasizes health equity and engagement with underrepresented and underserved communities. It has more than 1,900 employees across the United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 5 years of experience working in a state government affairs setting, as a state legislative staff person, or as policy staff in the governor’s office or a relevant state agency; Alabama experience is preferred.
• Current contacts within Alabama’s state legislature and executive branch, and with potential partners and collaborators in Alabama.
• Understanding of and experience with Alabama’s legislative, regulatory, and budget processes.
• Familiarity with Medicaid, aging, health, drug coverage, and long-term care issues.
• Ability to anticipate, identify, organize, and analyze public policy opportunities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, adaptable, and organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks successfully.
• A self-starter with excellent judgment and careful attention to detail.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations with integrity, diplomacy, and initiative.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, access to a reliable vehicle, and proof of automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in Alabama state government affairs or in an Alabama legislative, governor’s office, or relevant state agency policy role.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a multi-year state legislative and regulatory agenda focused on implementing the Association’s state policy priorities, in collaboration with the National Public Policy Office.
• Draft bills and regulatory language and secure bill sponsors.
• Testify regularly before state legislative committees and train volunteer advocates and other Association staff to provide testimony as needed.
• Develop and grow relationships with legislators, state government officials, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure the Association is represented on relevant statewide task forces, work groups, committees, and coalitions.
• Track state legislation using the Association’s approved tracking system and monitor committee meetings and legislative action.
• Report lobbying activities as required and ensure compliance with the Association’s approved lobbying compliance vendor and internal tracking system.
• Collaborate with the local Grassroots Advocacy Manager to plan and execute the annual State Advocacy Day at the state capitol.
• Identify opportunities for grassroots engagement on state issues and assist with state-level advocacy activities, including coordinating office visits and correspondence.
• Provide regular updates to the state Chapter Executive and other functional leaders; prepare reports and presentations for Chapter Board meetings and community events as requested.
• Collaborate regularly with Association staff across the state chapter to advance mission priorities and provide policy expertise.
• Participate in major events hosted by the state Chapter, including Walk and galas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term care insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• 12 annual holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Annual Cultural & Heritage Day
• Volunteer Day of the employee’s choosing
• 401(k) retirement plan
• For full-time employees working 37.5 hours per week: annual School Visitation Day and an Elder Care Facility Day of the employee’s choosing

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior