State Government Relations Director - Texas

Position Summary

The Texas Government Relations Director serves as the principal staff for state government affairs and chief lobbyist in Texas, representing the Alzheimer’s Association before the Texas legislature, governor, relevant state agencies, coalitions, community partners, and on statewide task forces and work groups. This position is a registered lobbyist responsible for developing and executing a strategy to implement the Alzheimer’s Association’s coordinated nationwide state policy priorities, including insurance coverage, Medicaid, long‑term care, training standards, workforce issues, aging policy, and related issues. The Texas State Government Relations Director reports to the Territory Government Relations Director.

Location: Austin, Texas · Full‑time

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a multi‑year state legislative and regulatory agenda focused on the Association’s state policy priorities, in collaboration with the National Public Policy Office.
• Draft bills and regulatory language and secure bill sponsors.
• Testify regularly before state legislative committees and train volunteer advocates and staff to provide testimony on behalf of the Association.
• Develop and grow relationships with legislators, state government officials, and community stakeholders; ensure representation on relevant statewide task forces, workgroups, committees, and coalitions.
• Track state legislation using the Association’s approved tracking system and monitor committee meetings and legislative action.
• Report lobbying activities as required and ensure compliance with the Association’s lobbying compliance vendor and internal tracking system.
• Collaborate with the local Grassroots Advocacy Manager to plan and execute the annual State Advocacy Day event at the state capitol.
• Identify opportunities for grassroots engagement on state issues and assist with state‑level advocacy activities, including coordinating office visits and correspondence.
• Provide regular updates to the state Chapter Executive and other functional leaders; prepare reports and presentations for Chapter Board meetings and community events as requested.
• Collaborate regularly with Association staff across the state chapter to advance mission priorities and provide policy expertise.
• Participate in major state Chapter events, including walks, galas, and other activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 5 years of experience in state government affairs, legislative staff work, or policy roles in the governor’s office or relevant state agency, preferably in Texas.
• Current contacts within the Texas legislature and executive branch, and with potential partners and collaborators.
• Understanding of, and experience with, the legislative, regulatory, and budget processes in Texas.
• Familiarity with Medicaid, aging, health, drug coverage, 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 high integrity, diplomacy, and initiative.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, reliable vehicle, and proof of automobile insurance.

Compensation

Grade 209; salary range $100,000 – $105,000.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• Life insurance and long‑term care insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off
• 12 annual holidays
• Paid Family Leave
• Annual Cultural & Heritage Day and Volunteer Day of choice
• Gold‑standard 401(k) retirement plan
• For full‑time employees (37.5 hours/week): additional School Visitation Day and Elder Care Facility Day of choice

About the Organization

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementias by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Association employs more than 1,900 staff nationwide and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work for twelve consecutive years. It is committed to health equity, engaging underrepresented and underserved communities, and providing resources and education to address the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia.