The American Lung Association has an excellent opportunity for a Director, Advocacy to join our incredible team in the California region. Working as a member of the Advocacy and Public Policy department, you will join an outstanding group of professionals dedicated to our mission: to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education, and advocacy.

In this role, you will be responsible for planning, development, and implementation of the local and state public policy initiatives for the American Lung Association in California, as well as assisting our Washington, DC staff with our Federal priorities. This position directly supervises Manager, Advocacy and in-directly their staff which work on the Department of Public Health- funded Tobacco Law and Policy Center project. This is a grant-funded position.

Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers within the American Lung Association in California, as well as with external partners to implement the organization’s policy agenda. Work collaboratively with Senior Director, Advocacy, Clean Air who works on healthy air advocacy in California.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key government officials on ongoing basis; enhance understanding of Lung Association mission and activities.
• Lobby local, state and federal elected officials to pass Lung Association endorsed lung health-related policies or to stop measures opposed by the Lung Association.
• Engage constituents and volunteers into advocacy activities, such as meeting with elected officials, offering testimony, writing letters, and writing op-eds.
• Oversee Lung Association staff working on California Department of Public Health- funded Tobacco Law and Policy Center and ensure that all grant-deliverables are met on time.
• Supervise grant management including budgets, reports, renewal applications and other grant administration responsibilities
• Build advocacy networks (such as LUNG FORCE Hero advocates, lung health and health professional champions, e-advocates) through recruitment and ongoing engagement as part of a larger Association effort to build a robust constituent base.
• Represent Lung Association on relevant local and regional coalitions (tobacco control, asthma, healthcare).
• Comply with all lobbying reporting requirements.
• Support the local development team by improving alignment and coordination of Lung Association mission, advocacy and community engagement into fundraising initiatives.
• Identify policy success stories, personal stories and potential spokespeople for communications and development teams to highlight internally and externally.
• Serve as policy spokesperson for the annual State of Tobacco Control, State of Lung Cancer and other priority reports and maximize media coverage through strategic media outreach.
• Collaborate on budget development and implementation for Advocacy and Public Policy Division activities.
• Serve on work teams as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or B.A. degree in public health, health policy, political science or government related area with 5-7 years’ experience in the public or private sectors, preferably at the state level with a focus on grassroots advocacy, media/public relations and direct lobbying.
• Understanding of state, local and federal government and legislative processes.
• Experience in public health, tobacco control, environmental advocacy, or health policy is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, problem solve, thrive under pressure, perform multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Organized with attention to detail, accuracy and quality.
• Team Player with a positive attitude; comfortable working with all levels of staff.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license and your own reliable transportation with the ability to travel within assigned area 10% of the time for meetings and conferences, as well as the flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends with some overnights required.
• Ability to life and carry 25 lbs. (event supplies).
• Consistent with its mission, the American Lung Association maintains a smoke-free workplace; all employees must abstain from tobacco use in any form. Also, all employees are required to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless approved for medical or religious exemption.

Application Procedure

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to (include the job title and the job number in the subject of the email):

Human Resources Department
American Lung Association
Email: alahr@lung.org

• Note: Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. The target hiring range for this position is between $78,000 and $88,000 per annum.

• The Lung Association provides staff a generous paid leave package including Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees. Additionally, we offer medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits as well as a telecommuting option for staff.

• The Lung Association is a qualifying Nonprofit employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The American Lung Association is dedicated to a diverse workforce.
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Questions?

For more details about this role please reach out to alahr@lung.org.