Government Affairs Community Relations Director

Overview

Renew Health is seeking an experienced and driven Government Affairs & Community Relations Director to lead our advocacy and political outreach efforts. This role sits at the intersection of public health, criminal justice reform, and government relations, with a special focus on expanding access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in county corrections facilities across New Mexico. Following the passage of SB425 (2023), all county facilities are required to provide treatment, creating a unique statewide opportunity to advance healthcare equity, reduce recidivism, and improve community outcomes.

Renew Health is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction recovery services. Our mission is to foster innovative solutions that promote long-term health, dignity, and reintegration for individuals impacted by substance use. We are committed to evidence-based care, health equity, and strategic collaboration with community and government partners.

The Government Affairs & Community Relations Director will shape and execute Renew Health’s policy, advocacy, and community engagement strategy. The individual will engage elected officials, corrections administrators, community organizations, and advocacy coalitions to expand treatment access and influence policy change. This position carries both a hands-on advocacy role and strategic oversight, requiring political acumen, community trust-building, and leadership.

• Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal legislation and regulations affecting MAT and corrections health.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies, including lobbying, coalition-building, and grassroots campaigns.
• Prepare and deliver policy briefs, white papers, testimony, and public comments.
• Represent Renew Health at legislative hearings, committee meetings, and public forums.
• Track and report on risks, opportunities, and long-term policy trends.

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, legislative staff, regulatory agencies, and local officials.
• Serve as a liaison to community groups, corrections leadership, law enforcement, and healthcare providers.
• Facilitate stakeholder round tables to develop collaborative strategies for MAT implementation.
• Cultivate coalitions and partnerships to broaden support for corrections health reform.

• Support county corrections facilities in designing, launching, and evaluating MAT programs.
• Provide expertise on evidence-based practices, compliance, and operational standards.
• Advise on funding streams, grant opportunities, and budget planning for MAT initiatives.
• Oversee the development of staff training programs and resources for correctional facilities.
• Collect and analyze program data to measure impact and inform strategy.

• Serve as a spokesperson for Renew Health on MAT in corrections.
• Collaborate with internal teams on messaging, press releases, op-eds, and digital campaigns.
• Develop educational materials for policymakers, correctional staff, incarcerated individuals, and the public.
• Manage media inquiries and ensure consistent, credible communication.

• Coordinate internal efforts across communications, operations, and legal teams to align advocacy goals.
• Manage political outreach budgets and resources.
• Supervise external consultants, lobbyists, or a small team of advocacy staff, if applicable.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, public administration, public health, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in government relations, political advocacy, or public affairs.
• Proven success working with elected officials, government agencies, or legislative bodies.
• Deep knowledge of MAT, substance use disorder treatment, and corrections health systems.
• Strong understanding of the New Mexico political landscape and county corrections environment.
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy strategy, coalition-building, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media and public…