State Government Relations Director - Maryland

Alzheimer's Association Careers•Annapolis, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland State Government Relations Director serves as the Alzheimer’s Association’s principal staff member for state government affairs and chief lobbyist in Maryland. The role represents the Association before the Maryland legislature, governor, state agencies, coalitions, community partners, and statewide task forces and work groups. The director serves as a registered lobbyist and develops and executes strategies to advance the Association’s coordinated state policy priorities, including insurance coverage, Medicaid, long-term care, training standards, workforce issues, and aging policy. The director plans and carries out a multi-year legislative and regulatory agenda in collaboration with the National Public Policy Office. The position drafts bills and regulatory language, secures sponsors, testifies before legislative committees, and trains volunteers and staff to testify. It also builds relationships with public officials and community stakeholders, tracks legislation, reports lobbying activity, and ensures compliance with lobbying requirements. Working with the local Grassroots Advocacy Manager and other Association staff, the director supports grassroots advocacy, organizes the annual State Advocacy Day, provides policy expertise, and shares updates and reports with chapter leaders and boards. The position participates in major chapter events and performs other duties as assigned. It is based in Annapolis, Maryland, and is full-time at 37.5 hours per week. The stated salary expectation is $110,000–$120,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 5 years of experience in state government affairs, as a state legislative staff person, or as policy staff in a governor’s office or relevant state agency.
Current contacts within the state legislature and executive branch, and with potential partners and collaborators in Maryland.
Understanding of and experience with Maryland’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, organized, and able to manage multiple projects and tasks.
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 in state government affairs, legislative staff, or policy staff work in Maryland is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute a multi-year state legislative and regulatory agenda in collaboration with the National Public Policy Office.
Draft bills and regulatory language and secure bill sponsors.
Testify before state legislative committees and train volunteer advocates and Association staff to provide testimony as needed.
Develop and grow relationships with legislators, state government officials, and community stakeholders.
Represent the Association 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 and ensure compliance with the Association’s 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 and assist with state-level advocacy activities, including office visits and correspondence.
Provide regular updates to the state Chapter Executive and other functional leaders, and prepare reports and presentations for Chapter Board meetings and community events as requested.
Collaborate 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 gala events.
Perform other duties as assigned.