Director, State Affairs

Alzheimer's Association • Okemos, MI

73d • $105,000 - $110,000

About The Position

The Michigan Director of State Affairs serves as the principal staff for state government affairs and chief lobbyist in Michigan, representing the Alzheimer's Association before Michigan's legislature, governor, relevant state agencies, community stakeholders and coalitions, and on statewide task forces and work groups. This position is responsible for implementing the Alzheimer's Association's coordinated state policy priorities, including issues related to Medicaid, long-term care, training standards, aging, and workforce, and serves as a registered lobbyist with the state. The Director of State Affairs reports to Regional Vice President and represents the Alzheimer's Association's Michigan chapters. This position is based out of Lansing, Michigan and has one direct report.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least 5 years experience working in state government affairs setting; as a state legislative staff person; or as policy staff in the governor's office or relevant state agency, preferably in Michigan.
• Political or issue advocacy campaign experience desired.
• Understands, and has experience with the legislative, regulatory, and budget process in Michigan.

Nice To Haves

• Familiar with Medicaid, senior, aging, health, and long-term care issues.
• Has current contacts within the state legislature and executive branch, and with potential partners and collaborators in Michigan.
• Demonstrates the ability to anticipate, identify, organize, and analyze public policy opportunities.
• Possess excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Detail-oriented, adaptable, organized and able to successfully manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Proven self-starter with excellent judgment and careful attention to detail.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations with a high level of integrity, diplomacy and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a multi-year state legislative and regulatory agenda with a focus on implementation of the Association's state policy priorities, in collaboration with the Executive Director and the National Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C.
• 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 on behalf of the Association as needed.
• Develop and grow relationships with legislators, state government officials and community stakeholders, ensuring the Association is represented on relevant statewide task forces, workgroups, committees and coalitions.
• Track state legislation utilizing 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.
• Lead the planning and execution of the Association's annual State Advocacy Day event at the state capitol.
• Identify opportunities for grassroots engagement on state issues and assist as needed in the execution of state-level advocacy activities, including coordinating office visits, correspondence, and other activities.
• In consultation with Regional Vice President, provide regular updates to Association staff in the state, the chapter board, volunteer advocates and to staff in the Association's National Public Policy Office.
• Collaborate with Association staff across the chapter regularly including Communications, Programs, Health Systems and the Executive Director to advance mission priorities and provide policy expertise.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flex accounts, short and long-term disability, life insurance, long term care insurance, tuition reimbursement, generous Paid Time Off, 12 annual holidays and Paid Family Leave.
• Annual Cultural & Heritage Day and Volunteer Day of their choosing.
• Gold standard 401(k) retirement plan.
• Full time employees will enjoy an annual School Visitation Day and an Elder Care Facility Day of their choosing.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees