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.

The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Sr. Lead, State Government Relations. The location of the selected candidate is flexible, with a preference for DC/VA.

(This is a fixed-term position with funding through 6/30/2027. Funding likely to extend)

In this role, you will be responsible for advancing school nutrition policy in targeted states by leading the planning and execution of comprehensive state-level advocacy campaigns. This includes assessing opportunities, setting priorities, planning issue advocacy campaigns, and implementing strategies that drive policy change. Success will depend on building and leveraging organizational, volunteer, and coalition capacity to maximize reach and influence. You will work closely with colleagues across the state advocacy team to ensure campaigns are well-coordinated, and you will be expected to develop approaches in the targeted states that can be adapted and scaled to strengthen advocacy efforts across other states.

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.

• Lead the planning and execution of state-level nutrition policy in schools, including Healthy School Meals for All advocacy campaigns in targeted states, including assessing opportunities and developing strategies that drive measurable policy progress.
• Build and leverage organizational, volunteer, and coalition capacity in targeted states to advance nutrition policy in schools, including Healthy School Meals for All, aligning relationships and assets to maximize campaign success.
• Partner with the VPs of Field Advocacy and State Government Relations Directors to ensure consistent implementation of campaign priorities, alignment with broader advocacy strategies, and strong performance outcomes, while cultivating relationships that can be leveraged for future advocacy efforts.
• Meet one-on-one with members of the state legislature, their staff, and other state government officials to build relationships and secure support for nutrition policy in schools, including Healthy School Meals for All.
• Monitor, assess, and engage on state-level legislative and regulatory issues impacting nutrition policy in schools, including Healthy School Meals for All, keeping staff and volunteers apprised of emerging opportunities and challenges.
• Develop campaign-specific materials, resources, and tactics needed to advance nutrition policy in schools, including Healthy School Meals for All in targeted states, with the expectation that successful strategies can be adapted and applied in other states.
• Participate in coalition-building and partnerships that strengthen advocacy opportunities and advance nutrition policy in schools, including Healthy School Meals for All campaigns.
• Provide advocacy presentations and training opportunities to volunteers and staff to deepen engagement and strengthen campaign capacity.
• Engage key internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for advancing nutrition policy in schools, including Healthy School Meals for All, within the Association’s broader public policy agenda.
• Attend and participate in meetings throughout the year, including national and regional staff trainings, state-level strategy meetings, and local board or coalition gatherings.

Want to help get your resume to the top? Consider the experience we require:

• Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government Relations or related area.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience and demonstrated success:
  • In legislative and regulatory lobbying at the state level.
  • Managing issue advocacy and creating coalitions of public and volunteer groups.
• Experience managing staff, remote teams, and volunteers.
• Policy analysis skills and technical legislative or regulatory documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple and concurrent complex projects under deadlines and varying time constraints.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to travel overnight, approximately. 25% of the time.

Here are some of the preferred skills/experiences we are looking for:

• Knowledge of voluntary health organizations or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience working in school food/health care policy.
• Experience in volunteer management.
• Understanding and appreciation for the use of technology and information systems.

The expected pay range will be $100,000 - $110,000.  Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

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 through annual salary planning and incentive programs; based on the 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.  Heart U 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.

This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

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