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Senior State Government Relations Manager (Southern Region)

Austin, Texas

 

Job Title: Senior State Government Relations Manager


Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Senior State Government Relations Manager in the Southern Region of the United States. Reporting to the Director of State Government Relations, this position assists in developing, communicating, and clarifying the Foundation’s stance on legislation, regulations, and other proposals to state lawmakers, regulators, and government officials. This role monitors legislative and regulatory activities, identifies relevant areas for the Foundation, and maintains strategic relationships with state elected officials and agency staff.

This individual’s legislative portfolio will cover the Southern Region of the United States. Preference will be given to candidates based in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WV.

Key Responsibilities:

Legislative Affairs:  

  • Develop, communicate, and explain the Foundation’s position on legislation, regulations, and other proposals to state lawmakers, regulators, and other government officials, with oversight and supervision from manager 
  • Manage a portfolio of states within assigned territory in the country 
  • Lead legislative and regulatory priorities and identify areas of importance to the Foundation 
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with state lawmakers, staff, and agencies 
  • Draft written testimony, talking points, briefings, and PowerPoint Presentations for various audiences. Provide in-person and remote legislative testimony before legislative committees and external stakeholder organizations including but not limited to, other Parkinson’s organizations and non-Parkinson’s organizations 
  • Issue Monitoring and Analysis: Stay informed about legislative and regulatory developments at the state level that may impact the Foundation’s community.  Conduct thorough analysis to assess potential implications and inform strategic advocacy efforts 

  • Develop subject matter expertise on a range of policy issues that impact the Parkinson’s community 

Advocacy Efforts:  

  • Work in a team environment in conjunction with the Foundation’s Advocacy team toward more “in-state” policy-oriented events such as Lobby Days and coordinated coalition efforts with the patient community 

  • Duties may include assistance with planning and logistics regarding policy-related events and webinars 

Coalition Engagement:  

  • Support creating and maintaining strong relationships with other research, healthcare, and patient organizations.  As assigned, serve as the Foundation’s representative in various coalitions and work groups 

  • Develop and build relationships for coalition engagement opportunities to support overall government relations priorities  

Team Administration/Operations:  

  • Attend staff meetings, internal and external coalition group meetings, support and/or manage other duties as they are assigned 

  • Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with relevant lobbying and disclosure requirements, and accurately report on advocacy activities, expenditures, and outcomes 

Qualifications and Skills: 

  • Relevant experience working in state government affairs, public policy, public relations, political campaigns, trade association, nonprofit organization or a related role
  • Relevant experience working directly with state lawmakers is preferred
  • Ability to register as a state lobbyist in multiple states
  • Strong organization and time management skills, acute attention to detail, and knowledge of MS Office (including Excel, PowerPoint and Word) are essential
  • Ability to synthesize large amounts of information into compelling, actionable insights, and an understanding of the political landscape
  • Demonstrated ability to research and grasp complex policy issues. History of effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills evidenced in part through successful presentations 
  • Resourceful, results oriented, team-player 
  • Working knowledge of SharePoint, Quorum, and Salesforce

  • Ability to collaborate with team members to accomplish project goals and also be able to operate independently and take on projects proactively

  • Approximately 20% day or overnight travel during peak legislative season to various states for legislative hearings, lobby days, press conferences, and other related events 

  • Occasional overnight or day travel to NYC office, Washington, D.C., local events, and events around the country. Minimal to occasional evening/weekend work

 

Compensation & Benefits
Individual compensation for this role is dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, skillsets, and applicable laws.  In addition to salary, the Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums) 
  • Competitive dental and vision plans 
  • 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution 
  • Flexible spending accounts 
  • Employer paid life and disability insurance  
  • 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4 
  • Flexible work environment.  We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.   

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.   

Salary Range

$110,000 - $130,000 USD

How to Apply: 
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted. 

 
About Us: 
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide. 

Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information. 

 
  Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply. 

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