State Government Relations Director - New Mexico

Alzheimer's Association Careers•Santa Fe, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The New Mexico State Government Relations Director serves as the Alzheimer’s Association’s principal staff member for state government affairs and chief lobbyist in New Mexico. The role represents the Association before the New Mexico Legislature, governor, relevant state agencies, coalitions, community partners, and statewide task forces and work groups. The Director serves as a registered state lobbyist and develops and executes strategies to advance the Association’s coordinated nationwide state policy priorities, including insurance coverage, Medicaid, long-term care, training standards, workforce issues, and aging policy. The position plans and carries out a multiyear legislative and regulatory agenda in collaboration with the National Public Policy Office, builds relationships with government and community stakeholders, and supports grassroots advocacy and statewide events. The Director collaborates with staff across the state chapter, provides policy expertise and updates to chapter leaders, and participates in major chapter events. The role reports to the Territory Government Relations Director and is based close to the New Mexico state capital. Travel across the state, including some evenings and weekends, is required, as is attendance at the Association’s annual Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C., and other national and regional training and professional development meetings. The Alzheimer’s Association is a voluntary health organization focused on Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its mission is to advance research, risk reduction and early detection, and quality care and support. The Association emphasizes health equity and engagement with underrepresented and underserved communities.

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 a governor’s office or relevant state agency.
Current contacts within the state legislature and executive branch, and with potential partners and collaborators.
Understanding and experience with the 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 successfully.
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.
Ability and willingness to travel across the state, including some evenings and weekends, up to 20%; travel by car and occasionally by air is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in state government affairs, legislative staff, or policy work in New Mexico is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute a multiyear 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 Association staff to testify on the Association’s behalf 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 state Chapter events, including Walk and galas.
Attend the Association’s annual Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C., and other national and regional training and professional development meetings.
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: annual School Visitation Day and an Elder Care Facility Day of the employee’s choosing