Senior Director, State Government Affairs

Our client, located in Washington, DC, is seeking a Senior Director of State Government Affairs.  This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to policy initiatives and make a positive impact.  This is a full-time, remote opportunity with the candidate's location strongly preferred in the Midwest.  This position requires up to 40% travel.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of State Government Affairs (SGA) advocates member interests and is responsible for strategy development, direct lobbying, member relations, general advocacy, research, analysis, and reporting state legislative and regulatory activities.  All initiatives and activities relate to association and member company interests and include additional duties such as liaison work with applicable stakeholder organizations and public affairs coordination.  Success in this position relies on experience and judgment in planning, executing, and accomplishing goals.  This position manages one junior professional.

Responsibilities

• Research, analyze, and monitor the progress of priority legislation and regulations, and initiate/maintain contact with state legislative and regulatory staff directly concerning issues of interest.
• Provide Managing Director of SGA with regular updates on priority bills and rulemaking and maintain consistent interaction with the SGA team and association membership (e.g., progress reports/conference calls).
• Testify and negotiate on behalf of member interests in priority state legislative and regulatory initiatives; aim to continually expand and maintain key relationships, and develop industry champions.
• Provide regular communications to members on state legislative and regulatory developments with thorough analysis (i.e., trajectory of bill, likelihood of enactment, status of stakeholder positions, etc.). 
• Manage and mentor a junior professional who provides administrative and basic lobbying support.
• Work collaboratively with the SGA team, contracted state lobbyists, and other related consultants in the development of consensus-based association policies and positions on state legislative and regulatory affairs issues. 
• Prepare issue briefs, testimony, proposals, letters, memos, and summary communications.
• Assist with the selection, management, and leveraging of state contract lobbyists, as applicable.
• Attend meetings/conferences and make presentations for the organization and national public policy organizations representing state and local industry interests as appropriate/necessary.
• Assist Managing Director of SGA with stewardship of the organization’s resources and overall state government affairs budget.
• Act as the liaison with state and national associations and relevant national public policy organizations.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Self-starter who is capable of multitasking numerous projects simultaneously
• Proven ability to work independently, as well as collaborate effectively with colleagues, peers, membership and other internal and external constituencies
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to develop and maintain strong internal/external relationships while advancing the association’s policy positions
• Ability to exhibit a dynamic and professional style that inspires confidence in the organization’s direction and leadership to optimally impact legislative and regulatory activity
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment that requires strategic thinking
• Ability to pivot to meet deadlines and achieve goals without sacrificing quality
• Ability to travel up to 40%, including frequent travel during peak legislative sessions

Required Education and/or Experience 

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience with an extensive understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes
• Experience with multi-state lobbying
• Advanced degree preferred (e.g. MPA/MPP)

How To Apply

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing samples reviewing legislative engagement to the Apply button.

Salary range: $150,000 - $160,000

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at jobs@cessnasearch.com or contact 202-232-1765.