Government Relations Director - Northern California

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is the nation's leading cancer advocacy organization. Together with our charitable partner, the American Cancer Society, we work in Congress, state legislatures and local jurisdictions to support evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

***This is a remote position that can be home based in Northern CA, preferably in the Bay Area.***

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads and executes strategic local and state issue campaigns aligned with ACS CAN’s mission priorities, including managing legislative relationships and advancing or defeating relevant legislation. (40%)

• Develops and maintains partnerships with local and state elected officials, health agencies, coalitions, and congressional offices to advocate for policy change and enhance ACS CAN’s reputation. (20%)

• Collaborates with grassroots staff to engage volunteers and the public in advocacy activities, incorporating them into campaign planning, meetings, and testimonies. (15%)

• Supports fundraising efforts in coordination with national teams by helping execute events, cultivating donors, and leveraging policy forums to grow financial support. (10%)

• Serves as a spokesperson to local media and utilizes communications tools (e.g., social media) to promote advocacy campaigns and public awareness. (5%)

• Ensures compliance with lobbying and electoral activity laws and organizational guidelines, including management of contract lobbyists and administrative reporting. (5%)

• Champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in all responsibilities, advancing health equity through public policy work. (5%)

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

FORMAL KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor's Degree Required. Master’s Degree preferred.

• Min. 5 years of experience in political/policy campaigns, especially in tobacco control.

• Valid driver's license.

• Health policy knowledge, particularly tobacco control is preferred.

• Experience drafting/analyzing legislation is preferred.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING OR KNOWLEDGE

• Relevant work experience in political and/or policy campaign experience required, especially in tobacco control.

• Expertise and detailed knowledge of the legislative process and political landscape, with the ability to adapt to local and state government environment

• Health policy, especially tobacco control, knowledge preferred

• Ability to draft and analyze bill or amendment language preferred

• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, computer, and mobile application skills required

• Action-oriented and the ability to work independently with minimum direction and work as a member or leader of a team

• Ability to work with others in complex environments, with a strong ability to adapt to changing situations

• Demonstrated ability to work on fast-paced, time-sensitive matters with internal and external constituents

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and communities

• Ability to complete work in a timely and efficient manner and ensure work is accurate

• Ability to utilize available technology to perform position responsibilities

SPECIAL MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Some travel required (up to 25%), including occasional overnight trips for meetings or events including air travel.

The starting rate is $81,000 to $97,000 annual. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

ACS CAN provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.