Director, State Government Affairs

Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers.

API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families. More information about our benefits may be found at api.org/about/careers/benefits.

Job Summary

The Director, State Government Affairs is a leadership role within API's integrated advocacy team, acting as the deputy to the Vice President of State Government Affairs.

This role is responsible for providing strategic direction and operational management to advance API's advocacy objectives across the country. The Director helps drive the development and execution of integrated issue advocacy campaigns, oversees state lobbying activities, and ensures the development and delivery of high-quality materials, presentations, weekly reports and executive updates that support organizational goals. In this role, the Director supports a team of eight dotted-line reports while fostering collaboration, professionalism, and accountability across the team.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Helps develop and implement innovative lobbying strategies and advocacy campaigns that align with API's overarching goals. Build synergy across internal teams, the State Relations Committee, and coalition partners to drive measurable impact and policy outcomes.
• Provides direct support to and prepare all necessary presentations and agendas for Vice President of State Government Affairs. Oversee the preparation, quality assurance, and timely dissemination of critical materials, including weekly reports and executive updates, to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and executive decision-making needs.
• Cultivates and strengthens relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, and allied organizations. Serve as a trusted advocate for API's priorities, conveying clear and compelling messages to advance the organization's state-level goals.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal API teams, member company representatives, external consultants, and coalition partners. Act as a central point of coordination and a resource for key internal and external stakeholders.
• Develops a thorough understanding of API's policy priorities, advocacy strategies, and initiatives. Respond to member and public inquiries with authoritative, accurate information, or coordinate responses with subject matter experts as needed.
• Leads and contributes to special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned, demonstrating adaptability, innovation, and results-oriented leadership

Qualifications

• Requires 10+ years of demonstrated success in government affairs, state-level lobbying, or public policy advocacy, with a proven ability to lead teams and deliver results.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant area, or other related field equivalent work experience.
• Requires knowledge of key programmatic, operational, and financial issues and priorities.
• Degree in political science or relevant discipline required or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of state legislative protocols and processes.
• Ability to use independent judgment in evaluating situations/issues.
• Working knowledge of Quorum and Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as experience working with Internet applications.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a talent for engaging diverse stakeholders and building consensus.
• Experience managing high-quality reporting processes and preparing executive-level updates.
• A track record of cultivating relationships with policymakers, government officials, and allied organizations.
• Willingness to travel domestically to support advocacy efforts and stakeholder engagement.

Physical Requirements

• Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer
• Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion
• Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines
• Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25%

Percentage of travel time expected for the position, where the travel occurs, such as locally or in specific countries or states, and whether the travel is overnight.

This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.

EEO Statement

API is an equal opportunity employer and diversity is a core value. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.

API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email at HumanResources@api.org.