Colorado/Wyoming Government Relations Director

Colorado/Wyoming Government Relations Director

The Colorado/Wyoming Government Relations Director serves as the principal staff for state government affairs and chief lobbyist in Colorado/Wyoming representing the Alzheimer's Association before Colorado/Wyoming legislature, governor, relevant state agencies, coalitions and community partners, and on statewide task forces and work groups. This position serves as a registered lobbyist with the state and is responsible for developing and executing a strategy to implement the Alzheimer's Association's coordinated nationwide state policy priorities including issues related to insurance coverage, Medicaid, long-term care, training standards, workforce issues, aging policy, and other related issues. The State Government Relations Director reports to the Territory Government Relations Director.

Essential functions and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plan and execute a multi-year state legislative and regulatory agenda with a focus on implementation of the Association's state policy priorities, in collaboration with the National Public Policy Office.
• Draft bills and regulatory language and secure bill sponsors.
• Testify regularly before state legislative committees and train volunteer advocates and other Association staff to provide testimony on behalf of the Association as needed.
• Develop and grow relationships with legislators, state government officials and community stakeholders, ensuring the Association is represented on relevant statewide task forces, workgroups, committees and coalitions.
• Track state legislation utilizing the Association's approved tracking system and monitor committee meetings and legislative action.
• Report lobbying activities as required and ensure compliance with the Association's approved lobbying compliance vendor and internal tracking system.
• Collaborate with the local Grassroots Advocacy Manager to plan and execute the Association's annual State Advocacy Day event at the state capitol.
• Identify opportunities for grassroots engagement on state issues and assist as needed in the execution of state-level advocacy activities, including coordinating office visits, correspondence, and other activities.
• Provide regular updates to the state Chapter Executive and other functional leaders; prepare reports and presentations for Chapter Board meetings and community events as requested.
• Collaborate with Association staff across the state chapter regularly to advance mission priorities and provide policy expertise.
• Participate in major events hosted by the state Chapter including Walk, galas, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least 5 years experience working in state government affairs setting; as a state legislative staff person; or as policy staff in the governor's office or relevant state agency, preferably in Colorado/Wyoming.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Has current contacts within the state legislature and executive branch, and with potential partners and collaborators in Colorado/Wyoming.
• Understands, and has experience with the legislative, regulatory, and budget process in Colorado/Wyoming.
• Familiar with Medicaid, aging, health, drug coverage, and long-term care issues.
• Demonstrates the ability to anticipate, identify, organize, and analyze public policy opportunities.
• Possess excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Detail-oriented, adaptable, organized and able to successfully manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Proven self-starter with excellent judgment and careful attention to detail.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations with a high level of integrity, diplomacy and initiative.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, good driving record, access to a reliable vehicle and proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability/willingness to travel across the state, including some evenings and weekends (up to 20%).
• Travel by car and occasionally by air is required.
• Attend the Association's annual Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. and other national and regional training and professional development meetings.

Position Location: Close proximity to Colorado/Wyoming state capital

Full time

Position Grade & Compensation: Grade 209 The Alzheimer's Association's good faith expectation for the salary range for this role is between $95,000 - 110,000.

Reports To: Territory Government Relations Director