State Government Affairs Director (Southeast Region)

Job Description

Overview

State Government Affairs Director (Southeast Region) for the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA). Fully Remote; candidates must reside in AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, TN, or SC.

The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is hiring a State Government Affairs Director to lead our efforts to shape policy and build legislative relationships in a portfolio of southeastern states (AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, TN, SC). This role involves driving FGA’s policy agenda, crafting strategy, and building relationships with policymakers to advance reforms from policy idea to law. The role requires travel and in-person presence in the portfolio states during the legislative session and beyond.

Core responsibilities

• Create and execute a sales strategy for each state in the portfolio: develop and implement strategies to engage key stakeholders, evaluate political environments, build relationships, manage collateral needs, and shepherd initiatives through the legislative process; quarterback multiple issue reform campaigns across states; track and report state visit details to the organization.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with legislative, executive, agency, and allied third-party organizations in portfolio states: represent FGA in statehouses, communicate effectively, and respond quickly to legislator requests; spend extensive time in portfolio states.
• Manage contractors in states: oversee contract lobbyists, provide candid feedback, and lead internal and external teams to achieve state-specific priorities and goals.
• Serve as the internal point person for portfolio states: coordinate with federal, development, policy and research, and communications teams to achieve policy wins.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience. Substantial work experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• Must reside in one of the following states and be willing to travel: AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, TN, SC.
• Heavy weekly travel is expected during the legislative season (typically January–May, up to 75% travel); June–August travel around 25%.
• Knowledge of the state policymaking process and political dynamics; ability to identify key decision-makers and influencers in state governments.
• Comfort with using multiple technology platforms to organize data, manage projects, and communicate, including while traveling.
• Match FGA’s Core Values and demonstrate alignment with our mission.

Timing, location, and compensation

FGA seeks to fill this position as soon as possible. FGA’s headquarters are in Naples, FL, but nearly all staff work remotely. The candidate must reside in AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, TN, or SC. FGA offers a remote-friendly culture with:

• Quarterly in-person team meetings to align goals and opportunities.
• A 90-day orientation to onboard you to the team and operations.
• Home office setup and necessary tools.

Salary between $100,000 and $130,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include a 6% retirement match, health benefits, and paid leave.

Salary Description $100,000 - $130,000