Overview
Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today's biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
We are currently hiring for a State Government Relations Director in Iowa.
The State Government Relations Director is responsible for serving as the primary representative of the Association to the assigned state legislature and relevant state agencies to generate awareness and support for the Association's public policy agenda. They strategically coordinate and supervise efforts to foster the state public policy priorities of the Association. They are responsible for working with Association staff, volunteers, coalitions and partner organizations to build support for Association policy issues and to integrate advocacy messaging into relevant Association programs and events. They are responsible for developing and advancing a local policy agenda in Des Moines, Iowa and other communities.
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.
TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
Meets one-on-one with members of the state legislature, their staff, and other state government officials to gain support for the American Heart Association's advocacy issues.
Monitors and engages on state-level legislative and regulatory issues of concern to the Association and apprises appropriate Association volunteers and staff of emerging advocacy issues and local ordinances.
Provides policy research, development of support materials, recruitment of spokespersons, preparation of testimony, and other activities as needed to advance the Association's legislative agenda.
Participates in coalition-building efforts and collaborative partnerships to leverage opportunities that advance the Association's advocacy issues.
Recruits membership for and provides staff support to volunteer state advocacy committee(s). Collaborates with the committee to develop an annual state legislative agenda.
Provides strategic direction on statewide grassroots and key contact, recruitment, retention, and mobilization efforts. Provides strategic direction and support materials for state lobby days and/or local in-district meetings.
Collaborates with communications staff partners on development and timing of media advocacy efforts.
Prepares required reporting information, including local, state, and/or federal lobbying reports and other reporting as vital.
Provides advocacy presentations and training opportunities to volunteers and staff as needed.
Attends and participates in relevant Association meetings throughout the year, including national and regional staff training, regional and state-level meetings with staff partners, and metro board meetings.
Responsible for developing and driving the American Heart Association's state and local policy agenda
Responsible for meeting with local elected officials to build support for our local policy agenda.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, related field, or equivalent work experience
Three (3) years of experience and success in legislative and regulatory lobbying
Three (3) years of proven experience building and managing issue advocacy coalition(s)
Three (3) years of experience developing and implementing grassroots and media advocacy tactics
Outstanding oral and written communication skills
Policy analysis and technical (legislative and regulatory) writing skills
Ability to simultaneously manage multiple, sophisticated projects in varying stages of development under time constraints
Knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic planning, budgeting, and managing work
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of voluntary health organizations or nonprofit organizations
Experience working in health care policy
Experience in volunteer management
Understanding and appreciation for the use of technology and information systems
Compensation & Benefits
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
Compensation - Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That's why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
Performance and Recognition - You are rewarded for achieving success by merit increases and incentive programs; based on @type of position
Benefits - We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
Professional Development - You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. HeartU is the Association's national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
Work-Life Harmonization - The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association's 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
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In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Hybrid
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Default: Location : Location US-IA-West Des Moines
Posted Date 2 hours ago (8/20/2025 3:18 PM)
Requisition ID 2025-16275
Job Category Advocacy
Position Type Full Time
