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.

The Senior Government Relations Director plays a pivotal role in California advancing the organization’s mission to improve cancer patient policy outcomes through legislative and regulatory advocacy. This position leads and drives strategic engagement with state and local policymakers, supports grassroots mobilization, and supports federal advocacy efforts in coordination with national teams. The position serves as an ambassador for the Society and ACS CAN to the state legislature, governor, state agencies, and donors, as well as representing the organization on coalitions. Leads the planning and implementation of mission critical issue campaigns in California to achieve progress towards policy and appropriations successes, working with grassroots staff to execute the state’s advocacy program, as well as with contract lobbyists, where applicable. Leads and mentors two government relations directors on mission impact at the local level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Legislative Impact (50%)

• Develops and implements a comprehensive state advocacy strategy aligned with organizational priorities and in collaboration with the State and Local campaign team.

• Develops and executes comprehensive state and local legislative strategies aligned with organizational priorities and in collaboration with the State & Local campaign team.

• Monitors, analyzes, and responds to proposed legislation and regulations impacting patients and healthcare access.

• Drafts policy briefs, testimony, and advocacy materials in collaboration with the State & Local campaign team.

• Supports and aligns state and local legislative strategies with federal policy goals and organizational mission.

• Tracks legislative activity and maintain accurate records of advocacy efforts and outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building & Development (10%)

• Builds strategic relationships with advocacy coalitions, and health-focused organizations.

• Manages external consultants and lobbying firms to support campaign execution.

• Serves as a public-facing leader for the organization’s state advocacy efforts.

• Supports ACS and ACSCAN revenue development goals.

Grassroots Mobilization & Campaign Management (15%)

• Supports grassroots mobilization efforts, including patient and volunteer engagement.

• Supports state-level grassroots campaigns, including action alerts, lobby days, and community engagement events.

• Partners with community organizations, patient groups, and stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts.

• Participates in state cancer advocacy days.

Team Management (10%)

• Leads and mentors a team of two Government Relations Directors. 

• Builds a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and accountability. 

• Supports the hiring, onboarding, and professional development to ensure team excellence. 

Communications (10%)

• Serve as a spokesperson on state policy issues in media, public forums, and legislative hearings.

• Develop and deliver presentations to stakeholders, partners, and internal leadership.

• Contribute to advocacy communications including newsletters, social media, and policy updates.

Compliance & Governance (5%)

• Ensures compliance with all lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance laws.

• Oversees reporting and documentation for state-level advocacy activities.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's Degree

• Preferred Degree: Master's Degree

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Law, or related field

• Years of experience:  7+ years of experience in state government affairs, with a focus on health or patient advocacy.

• Experience in legislative campaigns.

• Experience working with volunteers, health and patient coalitions, communities, health coalitions and nonprofit advocacy organizations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:

• Passion for improving cancer patient policy outcomes and advancing health equity through the legislative and regulatory process.

• Proven ability to drive and achieve legislative results/goals and demonstrated ability to be action-oriented and to work on fast-paced, time-sensitive matters with internal and external constituents.

• Strong ability and understanding of government relations and grassroots organizing.

• Ability to adapt to, and manage the ambiguity of, multi-state political environments.

• Ability to manage and work with others in a primarily virtual environment, with ability to adapt to changing situations.

• Experience is collaborating with state health policymakers and advocacy leaders.

• Experience with budget management and external vendor oversight.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in advocacy and leadership.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position may require travel up to 20%, including overnight and occasional weekend travel.

• Travel will primarily be within assigned regions to support legislative campaigns, attend strategic meetings, and engage with stakeholders.

• Occasional travel to national conferences or headquarters may also be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel by car, train, or plane as needed.

The starting rate is $105,000 to $120,000 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.