Government Relations Director, Georgia

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 Government Relations Director plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission to improve cancer patient policy outcomes through legislative and regulatory advocacy. This position leads and drives strategic engagement in the assigned state or states 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, congressional offices, and donors, as well as representing ACS CAN in coalitions. The position leads the planning and implementation of mission critical issue campaigns in assigned state(s) to achieve progress towards policy and appropriations successes, working with grassroots staff to execute the state(s)’s advocacy program, as well as with contract lobbyists, where applicable.

***This is a remote position that can be home-based anywhere within the state of Georgia. Must be present at the state capital on a regular basis during session.***

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. 

• Builds long-term relationships and direct engagement with state/local lawmakers, executive branch officials/regulators and local officials.   

• Lobbies lawmakers/officials and drafts policy briefs, testimony, and advocacy materials in collaboration with the State and Local campaigns teams. 

• Monitors, analyzes, and responds to proposed legislation and regulations impacting patients and healthcare access, as well as cancer prevention. 

• Supports and aligns state and local legislative strategies with federal policy goals and ACS CAN’s mission.  

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

 

Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building & Development (20%) 

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

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

• Accountable in ensuring we support organization policy positions. 

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

• Supports ACS and ACS CAN 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 action days.