Dir Government Relations

About the role

The Director of State Government Relations leads multi-state advocacy, funding, and public policy initiatives for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This role provides leadership and support to State Alliances and Government Relations staff, strengthening their capacity to influence state and federal policy, secure public funding, and advance organizational priorities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary State Government Relations lead, providing strategic guidance and technical assistance to up to 11 State Alliances to secure state funding and advance legislative priorities aligned with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and ongoing communication to local Clubs, Alliance Boards of Directors, and Area Councils to strengthen advocacy efforts and deepen engagement in state government relations.
• Develop and lead end-to-end, multi-state advocacy and legislative strategies in partnership with Alliance Boards, staff, and contract lobbyists—mobilizing stakeholders, aligning messaging, and driving coordinated action to influence youth policy and increase public funding.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with legislators, state officials, agencies, and key stakeholders to advance policy and funding outcomes.
• Lead the planning and execution of high-impact advocacy events in collaboration with Alliance teams, including State Legislative Days, town halls, and Youth of the Year engagements, to elevate visibility and influence.
• Support State Alliances in the selection, oversight, and performance management of staff, lobbyists, and consultants across multiple states; guide Alliance Boards through hiring and contracting processes to ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
• Maintain oversight to ensure State Alliances operate in alignment with BGCA’s mission, brand standards, and bylaws as subsidiary entities.
• Work collaboratively with BGCA subject matter experts to provide guidance and technical assistance to Alliances in regard to Club operations, youth development, resource development or state legislative and government funding efforts.
• Support Office of Government Relations initiatives as the Federal and Local levels including National Days of Advocacy, Summit for America’s Youth, Community Directed Spending consultation, local Club advocacy plans, policy issues, etc.
• Assist with other duties/projects as assigned by the Vice President, State Government Relations.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures as described in BGCA’s Employee Handbook, Ethics Policy and elsewhere.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or education/experience equivalency.
• Minimum of seven years leadership experience within the Boys & Girls Club Movement or a comparable youth-serving or membership-based organization.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with local Clubs or professional associations, including members, boards, and staff.
• Experience engaging with state legislatures and government officials; Strong understanding of state funding structures and policy environments and a proven ability to leverage public funding to strengthen programs and expand impact for youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs or similar organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to high standards of ethics and integrity.
• Pioneered ability to manage time effectively, prioritize competing demands, analyze complex issues, and handle multiple responsibilities across multiple states simultaneously.
• Experience supporting boards and implementing effective personnel management practices, with a clear understanding of the relationship between membership bodies, governance, and staff operations.
• Highest level of detail-oriented with strong task management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Collaborative team player with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong personal working relationships.