What’s your motivation? Interested in satisfying work that makes a real difference in people’s lives? Then consider the American Heart Association whose mission is building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. We have an excellent opportunity for a local GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR based in our ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA OFFICE.
The Government Relations Director serves as a representative of the American Heart Association to the Council of the District of Columbia, local government agencies in Virginia and Maryland, various public policy coalitions, and other partner organizations for the purposes of achieving the AHA’s public policy priority goals in the Greater Washington, DC area. In addition to DC, the Director will have local policy responsibilities in portions of Maryland and Virginia.
MAJOR DUTIES:
- With supervision from the Senior Director, will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to develop and implement strategic issue advocacy campaigns that incorporate direct lobbying, media advocacy, grassroots advocacy, and coalition building tactics.
- Meets one on one with elected officials including: members of the Council of the District of Columbia; Council staff; Mayor’s staff; Mayor and other elected and appointed officials to gain support for the AHA’s advocacy issues.
- Meets one on one with local elected officials in Maryland and Virginia including: members of the city councils; mayors; county commissioners; county executives; and staff to each of the previous groups; to gain support for the AHA’s advocacy issues.
- Meets one on one with local government agency leads and their staff to gain support for the AHA’s advocacy issues.
- Works with existing coalitions and develops new coalitions to support AHA’s priorities.
- Monitors legislative and regulatory issues of concern to the AHA and apprises appropriate AHA volunteers and staff of emerging advocacy issues.
- Under supervision of Senior Director of Government Relations manages the local legislative and regulatory program in the Greater Washington Region, including policy research, development of support materials, recruitment of spokespeople, preparation of testimony and correspondence, and other activities to advance the AHA legislative agenda.
- Attends and participates in relevant AHA meetings throughout the year, including volunteer advocacy committee meetings and board meetings, as appropriate.
- Under supervision of Senior Director of Government Relations and in partnership with the Grassroots Director plans the recruitment and retention of key volunteers, and building and maintenance of the AHA’s grassroots network.
- Coordinates advocacy events such as lobby days, rallies, and press conferences.
- Seeks out other organizations, coalitions, companies, and government agencies to leverage partnership opportunities to advance the AHA’s advocacy issues.
- Supports AHA’s fundraising goals through participation in major events throughout the year, including Heart Walk and Heart Ball.
- Supports organizational goals related to multi-cultural health, marketing and communications, and community health.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of the principles and practice of strategic planning: public policy assessment, issue identification and issue advocacy campaign development.
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia legislative, regulatory, and political processes preferred.
- Exceptional oral and written communications skills.
- Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time constraints
- Minimum of 3 years of work experience in grassroots/community organizing or legislative and regulatory lobbying.
Attracting talented, committed employees means offering a competitive benefits package, ongoing professional development and training, and a diverse and inclusive environment in which to work and grow. And we do.