Associate Director, State Partnerships

The American Cancer Society is working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers raise the bar every day, fostering a culture of diverse backgrounds and experiences to better serve our communities. This role is a calling for those who find fulfillment in applying their talents to our lifesaving mission.

About the role

The Associate Director serves as a strategic connector and catalyst for advancing the American Cancer Society’s mission through high-impact partnerships across the cancer care continuum. This role engages with payors, government agencies, and state associations to influence policy and provider practices while driving KPIs and ACS pillar priorities. Through collaboration with Medicaid, Medicare, health plans, health departments, and cancer coalitions, the Associate Director integrates pillar priorities, mobilizes partners, and aligns local efforts with national goals to deliver coordinated, patient-centered cancer care.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage high-impact relationships with state-level partners—including health plans, Medicaid agencies, health departments, and cancer coalitions—to strengthen collaboration and advance ACS priorities across the cancer care continuum. (30%)
• Align ACS pillar priorities through strategic account management, partner engagement, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure coordinated, patient-centered cancer care that improves access and outcomes. (20%)
• Convene and engage diverse stakeholders to implement evidence-based strategies, influence policy, and accelerate system-level improvements that enhance access, quality, and equity in care. (20%)
• Provide technical assistance and share resources to support the implementation of evidence-based interventions and best practices. (15%)
• Cultivate and support health care and community champions to drive system-level policies and practices that increase access to care and improve outcomes. (15%)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, health administration, healthcare, nonprofit management, or a related field required; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Over five years of progressive experience in healthcare-related management, administration, and account oversight, with a strong track record in executive relationship development and strategic stakeholder engagement, including volunteer coordination.

Skills

• Deep understanding of Medicaid and Medicare practices and policies to influence coverage, reimbursement, and cost strategies.
• Extensive experience in cultivating relationships with health systems, community organizations, and volunteers to create urgency around cancer awareness, motivate action across the cancer continuum, and guide strategic initiatives.
• Skilled in designing outcome-based interventions, educational processes, and conducting evaluations to ensure measurable impact.
• Strong ability to represent the American Cancer Society effectively and professionally to health systems, cancer programs, administrative, agency, and community leaders, including working with disparate populations and diverse constituents.
• Ability to use health center data, chronic disease trends, and interpret cancer statistics to inform strategic decisions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health care markets, insurance structures, managed care systems, primary care infrastructures, and government policies including Medicaid, Medicare, and oncology payment models.
• Maintains current knowledge of scientific research and best practices through continuous learning, training participation, and engagement in enterprise and regional initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience with state and community-based program planning and implementation.

Pay

The starting rate is $80,000 to $85,000. The final candidate's relevant experience and skills will be considered before an offer is extended.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off policy.
• Medical and dental benefits.
• Retirement benefits.
• Wellness programs.
• Professional development programs to enhance staff skills.

Schedule

Travel, including evening and weekend work, is required.