State Government Relations Director - New Mexico

Alzheimer's Association®•Santa Fe, NM

3d•$85,000 - $95,000

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 position represents the Association before the New Mexico legislature, governor, relevant state agencies, coalitions, community partners, and statewide task forces and work groups. As a registered state lobbyist, the Director 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 Government Relations Director. The Director plans and executes a multi-year legislative and regulatory agenda in collaboration with the National Public Policy Office; drafts bills and regulatory language; secures bill sponsors; testifies before legislative committees; and trains volunteer advocates and staff to testify. The position develops relationships with elected officials, government staff, and community stakeholders; monitors and tracks legislation; reports lobbying activities and ensures compliance; and partners with grassroots staff to organize advocacy activities and the annual State Advocacy Day. The Director also provides policy expertise and updates to Association staff and leaders, prepares reports and presentations, and participates in major Chapter events. The position is based in close proximity to the New Mexico state capital and requires statewide travel, including some evenings and weekends, as well as occasional air travel. Attendance at the Association’s annual Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C., and other national and regional training and professional development meetings is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 5 years of experience working in state government affairs, as a state legislative staff member, 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 of, 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, and organized, with the ability 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.
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 a governor’s office or relevant state agency in New Mexico is preferred.

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 provide testimony as needed.
Develop relationships with legislators, state government officials, and community stakeholders; ensure the Association is represented on relevant task forces, workgroups, 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, correspondence, and other activities.
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 with state Chapter staff 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.