Director of Government Relations

Director of Government Relations
Salary range: $80,000-$90,000

Position: Director of Government Relations
Reports to: Chief Public Affairs Officer

Job Summary:
The Director of Government Relations is principally responsible for developing and leading legislative advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and coalition building in support of the organization’s federal and state policy objectives. The Director of Government Relations works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Public Affairs Officer, and the Communications and Member Services Manager to align government relations and advocacy work with the organization’s overall strategic plan and communications activities.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Government Relations & Legislative Advocacy

• Develop and lead the organization’s federal and state government relations strategy to align with organizational and membership goals.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments that could impact the organization and provide strategic advice to the organization and membership.
• Advocate for the organization’s positions with elected officials, agencies, and other stakeholders, including drafting position statements, writing and presenting written and oral testimony, preparing comment letters, and developing advocacy materials to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and governmental entities as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government agencies, regulatory bodies, trade associations, and advocacy groups.
• Provide policy recommendations and strategic insights to internal and external stakeholders and the organization and its membership.
• Ensure compliance with all lobbying disclosure laws, ethics rules, and regulatory reporting requirements, to include preparing and filing lobbying reports for the MPCA lobbying team.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the organization’s lobbying firm.
• Manage and lead interns engaged in policy work as needed.

Grassroots Mobilization & Coalition Building

• Assist member organizations and other CHC supporters in developing their advocacy capacity. Create toolkits, testimony and social media templates, talking points, reports, and more to support and encourage engagement.
• Lead CHC Ambassador program, including recruitment, promotion, and development of advocacy resources.
• Participate in industry coalitions and public policy forums to promote shared goals and collaborative initiatives, including attending and presenting at conferences and events.

Event Management

• Serve as a key member of the planning team for major MPCA events, including the Legislative & Business Leaders Breakfast, CHC Advocacy Day in Augusta, and Annual Conference.

Supervision

• Supervise managers or program leads as assigned, providing coaching, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Meet regularly with direct report(s), using Small Improvements to document administrative, education and supportive spheres of employees’ work.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and performance of direct reports.
• Identify and ensure professional development opportunities for direct reports.
• Monitors expenses and ensures cost-effective use of resources.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public policy, political science, communications or related field or commensurate experience.
• At least three years of professional experience in government relations, public policy advocacy, regulatory affairs, or related field. Experience working within a state legislature setting preferred.
• Experience working at a non-profit, trade association, or membership organization strongly desired.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of community health centers.
• Excellent speaking and written skills required.
• Proficiency with computer systems, cloud-based and MS Office software required.
• Be able to work as a team member in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to support and implement the mission and goals of MPCA.

MPCA offers a highly competitive salary based on the experience and skills of employees. Additionally, MPCA provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, 403b match, ancillary benefits, and generous paid time off benefits.

Please submit cover letter and resume to hr@mepca.org.