Government Relations Director, Montana & Wyoming - Remote

American Chemical Society•Cheyenne, WY

12d•$97,000 - $105,000•Remote

About The Position

The Government Relations Director advances the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s mission to improve cancer patient policy outcomes through legislative and regulatory advocacy in Montana and Wyoming. The role leads strategic engagement with state and local policymakers, supports grassroots mobilization and federal advocacy efforts, and represents ACS CAN and the American Cancer Society with legislatures, governors, state agencies, congressional offices, donors, and coalitions. The director plans and implements mission-critical issue campaigns to achieve policy and appropriations progress. The position works with grassroots staff and, where applicable, contract lobbyists; builds coalitions and stakeholder relationships; manages external consultants; and supports revenue development. It also serves as a public spokesperson, develops advocacy communications, and ensures compliance with relevant lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance laws. This is a remote position requiring a base location in Montana or Wyoming and regular presence at the state capital during legislative session. Travel may be required up to 20%, including overnight and occasional weekend travel, primarily within the assigned region, with occasional travel to national conferences or headquarters.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of experience in state government affairs, preferably focused on health or patient advocacy.
Experience driving legislative campaigns.
Experience working with volunteers, health and patient coalitions, communities, nonprofit advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders.
Ability to drive and achieve legislative results and work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment with internal and external constituents.
Strong understanding of government relations and grassroots organizing.
Ability to adapt to and manage ambiguity in state and local political environments.
Ability to manage and work with others in a primarily virtual environment and adapt to changing situations.
Experience collaborating with state health policymakers and advocacy leaders.
Experience with budget management and external vendor oversight.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including reporting activities in assigned states.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in advocacy and leadership.
Ability to travel by car, train, or plane as needed.
Must be based in Montana or Wyoming and be present at the state capital regularly during legislative session.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Advanced degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Law, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive state advocacy strategy aligned with organizational priorities and in collaboration with the State and Local campaign team.
Build long-term relationships and engage directly with state and local lawmakers, executive branch officials, regulators, and local officials.
Lobby lawmakers and officials and draft policy briefs, testimony, and advocacy materials with State and Local campaign teams.
Monitor, analyze, and respond to proposed legislation and regulations affecting patients, healthcare access, and cancer prevention.
Align state and local legislative strategies with federal policy goals and ACS CAN’s mission.
Track legislative activity and maintain accurate records of advocacy efforts and outcomes.
Build strategic relationships with advocacy coalitions and health-focused organizations.
Manage external consultants and lobbying firms supporting campaign execution.
Ensure support for organizational policy positions and serve as a public-facing leader for state advocacy efforts.
Support ACS and ACS CAN revenue development goals.
Support grassroots mobilization, including patient and volunteer engagement, action alerts, lobby days, and community engagement events.
Partner with community organizations, patient groups, and stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts.
Participate in state cancer action days.
Serve as a spokesperson on state policy issues in media, public forums, and legislative hearings.
Develop and deliver presentations to stakeholders, partners, and internal leadership.
Contribute to advocacy communications, including newsletters, social media, and policy updates, and communicate regularly with regional and national teams.
Ensure compliance with lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance laws.
Oversee reporting and documentation for state-level and federal advocacy activities.