State Government Relations Director - Maryland

Alzheimer's Association®•Annapolis, MD

7h•$110,000 - $120,000•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 state legislature, governor, relevant state agencies, coalitions, community partners, and statewide task forces and work groups. The position is a registered 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 role reports to the Territory State Government Relations Director and is based in Annapolis, Maryland. The position plans and executes a multi-year legislative and regulatory agenda in collaboration with the National Public Policy Office. It works with Association colleagues and community partners to advance mission priorities, supports grassroots advocacy, and provides policy expertise and updates to chapter leaders. This is a full-time position based on a 37.5-hour workweek.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
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 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 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Maryland state government affairs, the Maryland legislature, or a Maryland governor’s office or relevant state agency.

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 Association staff to testify on the Association’s behalf as needed.
Develop and grow relationships with legislators, state government officials, and community stakeholders, and 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, correspondence, and other activities.
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 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.