Government Relations Director

About the Role

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.

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

• Develop and implement a comprehensive state advocacy strategy aligned with organizational priorities and in collaboration with the state and local campaign team.
• Build long‑term relationships and engage directly with state/local lawmakers, executive branch officials/regulators, and local officials.
• Lobby lawmakers/officials and draft policy briefs, testimony, and advocacy materials in collaboration with the state and local campaign teams.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to proposed legislation and regulations impacting patients and healthcare access, and cancer prevention.
• Support and align state and local legislative strategies with federal policy goals and ACS CAN’s mission.
• Track legislative activity and maintain accurate records of advocacy efforts and outcomes.

• Build strategic relationships with advocacy coalitions and health‑focused organizations.
• Manage external consultants and lobbying firms to support campaign execution.
• Ensure that organization policy positions are supported and maintained.
• Serve as a public‑facing leader for the organization’s state advocacy efforts.
• Support ACS and ACS CAN revenue‑development goals.

• Support grassroots mobilization efforts, including patient and volunteer engagement.
• Support state‑level grassroots campaigns, including action alerts, lobby days, and community engagement events.
• Partner with community organizations, patient groups, and stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts.
• Participate in state cancer action days.

• Serve as a spokesperson on state policy issues in media, public forums, and legislative hearings.
• Develop and deliver presentations to stakeholders, partners, and internal leadership.
• Contribute to advocacy communications including newsletters, social media, and policy updates.
• Communicate regularly with regional and national teams.

• Ensure compliance with all lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance laws.
• Oversee reporting and documentation for state‑level and federal advocacy activities.

• Minimum degree required:
  Bachelor’s degree.
• Preferred degree:
  Master’s degree.
• Advanced degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Law, or related field.
• Five or more years of experience in state government affairs, preferably with a focus on health or patient advocacy.
• Experience driving legislative campaigns.
• Experience working with volunteers, health and patient coalitions, communities, health coalitions, nonprofit advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders.

• Passion for improving cancer patient policy outcomes and advancing health equity through the legislative and regulatory process.
• Proven ability to drive and achieve legislative results/goals and demonstrate ability to be action‑oriented and to work on fast‑paced, time‑sensitive matters with internal and external constituents.
• Strong understanding of government relations and grassroots organizing.
• Ability to adapt to and manage the ambiguity of state and local political environments.
• Capacity to manage and work with others in a primarily virtual…