State Government Relations Director - Wisconsin

Alzheimer's Association Careers•Madison, WI

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Wisconsin State Government Relations Director serves as the principal staff member for state government affairs and chief lobbyist in Wisconsin. The role represents the Alzheimer’s Association before the Wisconsin legislature, governor, relevant state agencies, coalitions, community partners, and statewide task forces and work groups. The director is a registered state lobbyist and develops and executes strategies to implement the Association’s coordinated nationwide state policy priorities, including insurance coverage, Medicaid, long-term care, training standards, workforce issues, and aging policy. The position 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 provide testimony. The role builds relationships with legislators, government officials, and community stakeholders; tracks legislation and lobbying activity; ensures compliance with reporting requirements; and collaborates with grassroots advocacy staff on statewide advocacy efforts, including the annual State Advocacy Day. The director provides updates to chapter and functional leaders, prepares reports and presentations, collaborates with chapter staff to advance mission priorities, and participates in major chapter events. The position is based in Madison, Wisconsin, and is full-time at 37.5 hours per week. The stated good-faith salary range is $85,000–$95,000. The Alzheimer’s Association is a voluntary health organization focused on Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its mission is to end Alzheimer’s and other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Association states a commitment to health equity and engaging underrepresented and underserved communities, and provides equal employment opportunities. Employees working at least 24 hours per week are eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage; 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; a Cultural & Heritage Day; a Volunteer Day; and a 401(k) retirement plan. Full-time employees also receive a School Visitation Day and an Elder Care Facility Day of their choosing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 5 years of experience working in state government affairs, as state legislative staff, 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 the state.
Understanding of and experience with the state 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 to lift 15 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in state government affairs, legislative staffing, or policy work in Wisconsin 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 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 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 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 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.