Government Affairs Director jobs in Massachusetts

About the role:

The Director of Government Affairs (GA) leads the advocacy efforts at the Massachusetts State House. This individual will advance The Arc’s mission by:

• Empowering The Arc constituents, including families, self-advocates and professionals to engage with the legislature, through advocacy trainings and webinars on the state budget and the legislative process.
• Developing strong and trusted relationships with members of the legislature and their staff.
• Leading the GA team to successful state budget and legislative outcomes
• Collaborating with the GA committee, Steering Committee, and other groups to ensure The Arc’s platform reflects the legislative and policy priorities of the organization.

Requirements:

The GA Director must have expertise in advocacy related to individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as the service system that supports them. This individual will have:

• Strong and effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience working with the MA legislature or have other legislative or policy background.
• Supervisory experience
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills

Duties:

• Develop strong relationships with MA legislators and staff at MA State House
• Meet (year-round) with legislators and leadership at MA State House
• Provide education and updates to the GA team and GA committee, related committees, and Chapters of The Arc
• Provide monthly webinars related to the legislative advocacy process and timelines, including topics such as connecting with lawmakers, storytelling, providing testimony and understanding the budget process
• Provide in person or virtual trainings and empowerment across the broad community of stakeholders
• Participate with GA team and Arc stakeholders to develop annual advocacy priorities
• Participate in annual legislative reception planning, autism advocacy day and other State House advocacy events
• Incorporate ongoing work with related grants and reporting requirements
• Maintain relationships with key constituents and collaborating organizations
• Develop and present testimony as well as coach volunteers and staff in the presentation of testimony
• Represent agency interests on key legislative issues, task forces, committees
• Draft legislation, elicit sponsors, propose amendments, etc.
• Support and participates in other activities of The Arc as needed.

Education, Skills, and Experience:

Minimum of 6-8 years of related experience with some experience directly in the areas of public policy and disability. Graduate degree in a related field is a plus; Strong analytical skills; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Familiarity with database management, data analysis and Microsoft Office Products; ability to work under the pressure of tight deadlines; Ability to manage and organize own workload; leadership and team building skills.

About us:

The Arc of Massachusetts is the leading advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism and their families. Through our efforts over 200,000 residents with disabilities have more opportunities to lead full lives in the community than ever before. 

Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism and their families. We accomplish this through advocacy and programs that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society.

The Arc of Massachusetts is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity at our organization and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Please send your cover letter and resume to The Arc by emailing to KAmundson@arcmass.org