State Government Relations Manager

Make a difference with us! At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose—to stand for truth and defend the God-given right to live and speak it. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Review our Statement of Faith to ensure we’re a fit for you.

Locations: Dallas, TX

Team Overview

As State Government Relations Manager, you are a vital part of the Strategic Initiatives team at ADF. In this role, you will promote ADF's strategic objectives via education and advocacy efforts involving direct government action. As an alliance builder, the State Government Relations Manager will manage contact with members and/or staff of state legislators in Texas and Oklahoma and help plan and facilitate outreach and coordination with allies focused on government, legislative, and policy issues at the state and local levels. In this position, you'll report to our Sr. State Government Relations Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Advocate and coordinate support for the positions of ADF on governmental policies and legislation.
• Promote and support strategies and approaches for effective advocacy.
• Travel to meet with policy groups, legislative staff, and other stakeholders to discuss policy, strategy, and how to effectively advocate to government officials and the public.
• Build and manage a network of relationships within Texas and Oklahoma, including direct relationships with legislators and staff within governmental offices.
• Track, research, analyze, and evaluate legislation and translate it to possible plans of action.
• Assist in the development of testimony, legislation, position papers, and reports.
• Encourage and facilitate effective working relationships with policy allies and coalition groups in Texas and Oklahoma.
• Speak publicly to the media and before crowds as permitted and requested by management.
• Work collaboratively within the ADF team and with external allies.
• You will be asked to perform related duties or special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be obtained.
• 3+ years of professional experience involving government relations at the state level. Experience in public policy advocacy at the state level or experience in legislative or executive branch work at the state level.
• Knowledge of current political environment and ongoing strategic implications that affect the legislative activities of ADF.
• Ability to speak about religious freedom and constitutional issues related to the ADF mission, persuading and inspiring others to act.
• Proficient in research, analysis, and evaluation of state governmental issues, rules, regulations, and legislation.
• Strong networking skills to bolster relationships with key state legislative staff for both Democrats and Republicans, as well as other mission-related advocacy organizations.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective broad-range working relationships, as well as the proven ability to work independently and collaboratively on internal and external teams.
• Ability to navigate the complexities of the legislative structure and political environment to produce desired results.
• Flexibility to rapidly change priorities in order to respond to recent and changing legislative developments.
• Ability to leverage grassroots networks to advance a policy agenda.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Professionally handle confidential information.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Word and Outlook.
• Must be able to travel 40% of the time, especially during legislative sessions.

Pay & Benefits

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and growth. While we do not disclose specific salary ranges, our compensation is competitive with top non-profit law firms. Our benefits include 100% covered medical and dental insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. We prioritize work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year.

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