Director, State Public Policy and Government Relations

Position: Director, State Public Policy and Government Relations

Reports to: Associate Vice President of Advocacy and State Policy

Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Hybrid or Remote - Proximity or ability to travel to Washington DC required

DESCRIPTION

The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. For over half a century, we have made tangible progress in our three mission pillars: research, care, and education. Today, we continue to:

• Fund game-changing research on treatment and care.
• Support the delivery of high-quality care to people living with Parkinson’s.
• Serve as the trusted and go-to source for information and resources on Parkinson’s disease.
• Convene the best minds from every corner of the global Parkinson’s community to develop research and clinical approaches that enhance care and move us closer to a cure.
• Advance policy changes around research, care, education and prevention.
• As an evidence-based organization, everything we do is informed by facts, careful planning and involvement of our PD community members. We seek to build on our 2026-2029 Strategic Plan to achieve even greater results by 2030.

PRIMARY ROLE: The Parkinson’s Foundation is seeking a strategic and driven Director to expand the Foundation’s state public policy efforts at a pivotal moment of growth. As a key member of the growing Public Policy team and the second hire dedicated to state policy, this individual will play a central role in turning the Foundation’s state policy priorities — including advancing research funding, banning paraquat and improving access to quality care — into policy wins across the country. The Director will develop and execute state-by-state strategies, build and manage relationships with state legislators and their staff, work closely with coalition partners to move policy priorities forward, and help advocates engage in state policy efforts. The Director will also contribute to state policy development and research and travel regularly to support in-person advocacy and relationship-building in state capitols. This role requires a proactive and collaborative professional with deep experience in state policy and government relations and the ability to craft and execute multi-faceted strategies to advance meaningful policy change for people living with Parkinson’s.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Advocacy and Influence: Develop and execute strategies to influence state policy outcomes, including direct lobbying, coalition-building, public education, and other advocacy tactics.
• Policy Development and Research: Support development and advancement of state policy priorities that align with organizational goals. Analyze legislation, regulations, judicial rulings, and emerging issues to assess risks and opportunities. Conduct research to inform policy positions and strategic decisions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including state policymakers, other state government officials, industry associations, and advocacy groups, working with other members of policy team to leverage existing relationships and expand the Foundation’s network. Help recruit and support Parkinson’s Foundation advocates — including volunteers, donors, local chapter board members, and fundraisers — to engage in state policy efforts.
• Communication and Representation: Represent the Foundation in state policy settings, such as meetings with lawmakers, presentations to Foundation staff and advocates, and coalition meetings. Clearly communicate policy positions to internal and external audiences. Draft or review talking points, newsletters, testimony, public comments, calls-to-action and other policy communications.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED

• 4+ years of experience in policy, advocacy, or government relations. Experience working on healthcare policy or working in state government relations or state legislatures is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex policy issues and political landscapes and develop and execute effective policy and advocacy strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience building and managing relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, and/or advocates to influence policy outcomes.
• Deep understanding of state government and legislative processes.
• Track record of managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and drive projects forward on a small, collaborative team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel as needed for advocacy meetings, conferences, and legislative sessions. The amount of travel is flexible and varies throughout the year, reaching as much as 1-2 trips per month during the height of state legislative sessions (January-May).
• Demonstrated commitment to the organizational values of excellence, teamwork, collaboration, integrity, positivity, dedication and responsiveness.

COMPENSATION

Salary for this position is competitive and depends on prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included. The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $100,000. This salary range reflects current market data and is aligned with the responsibilities and qualifications required for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on a candidate’s skills, experience, and alignment with organizational needs.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirement to employment@parkinson.org. Please indicate, “Director, State Public Policy and Government Relations” in the subject line. Resumes without a cover letter and salary requirements will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; those submitted by May 4, 2026, will receive priority review. No phone calls please.

The Parkinson’s Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our culture and in our work on behalf of people with Parkinson's disease.