State Director, State Affairs

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Iowa.

📋 Description

• Promotes public policy initiatives through direct advocacy efforts. Cultivates and strengthens relationships with agency officials, lawmakers, executives, and their teams to support the organization's objectives.

• Oversees and directs policy reform throughout all phases of the process.

• Constructs and mobilizes a diverse coalition of stakeholders to support the organization's strategic plan and public policy objectives within the assigned state.

• Develops a state-specific strategy in collaboration with program teams and other internal stakeholders, executing the plan in the designated state, which includes enacting public policy, defending against measures that could undermine animal protection laws, and addressing priority issues.

• Acts as a spokesperson for the organization, engaging with government officials, key stakeholders, and the media. Actively seeks media opportunities to promote public policy objectives and enhance public awareness of priority issues.

• Adheres to internal, local, and statewide lobbying regulations, manages the state budget, and updates and maintains social media platforms with information regarding organizational priorities.

• In partnership with organizational experts, provides guidance, training, and support to local investigators and enforcement officials, offering hands-on assistance as needed.

• Occasionally collaborates with the Humane World Action Fund to conduct State PAC activities or political initiatives.

• Executes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Government/Public Affairs, Communications/Media, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience is required;

• At least five (5) years of progressive experience in animal protection/advocacy or related fields is essential;

• Legislative/lobbying experience is highly preferred;

• Experience in volunteer management is preferred;

• Background in grassroots advocacy and political campaigning is advantageous;

• Strong knowledge of and commitment to the animal welfare movement is preferred;

• Comprehensive understanding of the legislative and political processes, particularly at the state level;

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities;

• Capability to prioritize and manage multiple projects concurrently while being adaptable to workload and assignments;

• Ability to collaborate with a wide array of stakeholders across various political, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds while upholding the organization’s values related to diversity, equity, and inclusion;

• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with frequent deadlines; must be energetic, self-motivated, and proactive;

• Outstanding organizational skills, with the capability to analyze and address problems in advancing legislative strategies and effectively provide solutions;

• Strong interpersonal skills;

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable learning new technological platforms introduced by the organization;

• Keen attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, evidenced by the delivery of high-quality and timely results;

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as an effective team member in a team-oriented environment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.

• Professional development opportunities and training programs.

• A supportive and inclusive work environment.