Director Public Policy

Job Title and Location

Director Public Policy – Alzheimer's Association - Orange County Chapter, Des Moines, IA

The Director of Public Policy serves as the principal staff for state government affairs and chief lobbyist in Iowa, representing the Alzheimer’s Association before the Iowa legislature, governor, state agencies, community stakeholders and coalitions. The position leads grassroots engagement and volunteer recruitment in support of the Association’s state and federal public policy priorities. The role implements the AHA’s coordinated state policy priorities including Medicaid, long‑term care, training standards, aging, and workforce issues, and serves as a registered lobbyist with the state.

Location:

Des Moines, IA. Relocation assistance will be offered.

• Plan and execute a multi-year state legislative and regulatory agenda focusing on the Association’s state policy priorities.
• Draft bills and regulatory language, secure sponsors, and testify before state legislative committees on behalf of the Association.
• Train volunteer advocates and provide testimony support.
• Develop and grow relationships with elected officials, stakeholders, and coalitions and ensure representation on statewide task forces, work groups, committees and coalitions.
• Track legislation, monitor committee meetings, and report lobbying activities.
• Plan and execute the annual State Advocacy Day event at the state capitol.
• Identify and implement grassroots engagement opportunities and coordinate office visits, correspondence and other advocacy activities.
• Recruit, train, and facilitate year‑round volunteer Alzheimer’s Ambassadors and volunteer team members working with their assigned member of Congress in partnership with the D.C. Public Policy Office.
• Lead the federal policy priorities for the Association and provide leadership on policy positions for state policy implications.
• Manage year‑round state policy grassroots advocacy activities, including office visits, correspondence, and the volunteer Alzheimer’s State Champion program.
• Promote the Association’s federal and state policy priorities in earned and social media.
• Ensure volunteer advocates report activities and contacts with federal and state officials.
• Provide regular updates to Chapter staff, the board, volunteer advocates and staff in the National Public Policy Office.
• Collaborate with Chapter staff across Communications, Programs, Health Systems, and the Executive Director to advance mission priorities and provide policy expertise.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in state government affairs settings; 5 years preferred in Iowa legislative staff, governor’s office, or relevant state agency.
• Current contacts within the Iowa legislature, executive branch, and partners.
• Political or issue advocacy campaign experience desired.
• Understanding of the legislative, regulatory, and budget process in Iowa.

• Experience in volunteer management and community organizing.
• Familiarity with Medicaid, senior, aging, health, and long‑term care issues.
• Ability to anticipate, identify, organize, and analyze public policy opportunities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Detail‑oriented, adaptable, organized, and able to manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Proven self‑starter with excellent judgment and careful attention to detail.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations with a high level of integrity, diplomacy, and initiative.
• Attend the Association’s annual Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C.
• Willingness to travel across the state (up to 15%) and by car or air.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, reliable vehicle, and proof of automobile insurance.

Title: Director of Public Policy
Location: Des Moines, IA
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Position Grade: 108
Reports To: Executive Director

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving…