Director of State Affairs

The Director of State Affairs will collaborate closely with the Executive Director and Chief State Action Officer to develop and implement strategies to pass legislation and promote the America First Agenda at the state and local government level. This role requires a proactive, self-directed worker with experience developing relationships with state officials, overseeing legislative strategies, and ensuring the alignment of legislation with the organization’s agenda.

Reports to: Chief State Action Officer and Executive Director

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop strategic plans to ensure the successful passage of legislation in target states utilizing all tools in the advocacy toolkit, including, but not limited to:
  • Working with the chief state action officer to identify target policy priorities and target states for each upcoming year of legislative sessions
  • Laying the groundwork for bill introduction related to our target policy priorities in the states by sharing model policies and AFPI research with state legislators, legislative staff, and other state partners
  • Monitoring the introduction and progression of legislation aligned with the America First Agenda in the states
  • Identifying and executing on engagement opportunities to advance America First legislation forward, through committee testimony, media, policy lunch and learns, grassroots activation, letters of support, and any and all other methods to ensure advancement
• Develop strong relationships with AFPI’s team of policy experts, understand the basics of all their policy issues, and strategically leverage experts throughout the legislative process
• Work closely with AFW’s external government affairs consultants to identify and execute on opportunities to advance America First policies in the states
• Work closely with AFPI’s state action team, including state chapters and governor’s council members, to identify opportunities for collaboration with AFW
• Proactively identify opportunities to recognize and applaud governors, legislators, and other policymakers for their achievements in passing America First policies, including drafting social media posts, press statements, and other tools for external recognition
• Report regularly to chief state action officer and executive director on state legislative progress and wins, including drafting weekly and monthly board reports
• Travel roughly 25% of the time, including to state capitals for legislative sessions, to attend and support AFW events in the states, to attend high-profile conferences frequented by state officials, and other opportunities identified in conjunction with the chief state action officer and executive director

Qualifications:

• At least 5-7 years of experience in policy advocacy, political affairs, campaigns, or other political or policy-adjacent work
• At least two years of experience directly engaging in a state legislative session, either as an external lobbyist, state legislative staffer, governor’s office staffer, or other individual directly responsible for the introduction and passage of legislation in a state
• Deep understanding of the state legislative process, including bill tracking, lobbying, committee monitoring, and advocacy opportunities
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans that align with organizational priorities and achieve policy goals
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with state legislators, legislative staff, partner organizations, and other state policy stakeholders
• Preference given to candidates based in Washington, D.C.; applicants outside of Washington, D.C., encouraged to apply with the expectation of at least one trip to the D.C. headquarters each month, in addition to other travel

Salary commensurate with experience.