Overview

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LOCATION- Remote: NE Region (ME, VT, NH, MA, RI, CT, NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD,)

About the Role

Under the direction of the Vice President of State Government Relations, the Director of State Government Relations leads the strategic planning, day-to-day management, and execution of multi-state advocacy, funding, and public policy initiatives for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This role provides leadership and support to State Alliances and Government Relations staff, strengthening their capacity to effectively influence state and federal policy, secure public funding, and advance organizational priorities. The Director fosters alignment and collaboration across Clubs and Alliances, enhancing their collective advocacy efforts and expanding the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs in communities nationwide.

Why This Role Matters

This role is critical to advancing BGCA’s mission by strengthening advocacy efforts, influencing public policy, and securing funding that supports Boys & Girls Clubs and the youth they serve. Through strategic leadership and collaboration with State Alliances, Clubs, and government relations teams, the Director helps expand organizational impact, elevate key priorities, and ensure communities nationwide have access to resources and opportunities that support positive youth outcomes.

Responsibilities

What You'll Be Doing

Serve as the primary State Government Relations lead, providing strategic guidance and technical assistance to up to 11 State Alliances to secure state funding and advance legislative priorities aligned with Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Provide leadership, coaching, and ongoing communication to local Clubs, Alliance Boards of Directors, and Area Councils to strengthen advocacy efforts and deepen engagement in state government relations
Develop and lead end-to-end, multi-state advocacy and legislative strategies in partnership with Alliance Boards, staff, and contract lobbyists—mobilizing stakeholders, aligning messaging, and driving coordinated action to influence youth policy and increase public funding
Build and sustain strategic relationships with legislators, state officials, agencies, and key stakeholders to advance policy and funding outcomes
Lead the planning and execution of high-impact advocacy events in collaboration with Alliance teams, including State Legislative Days, town halls, and Youth of the Year engagements, to elevate visibility and influence
Support State Alliances in the selection, oversight, and performance management of staff, lobbyists, and consultants across multiple states; guide Alliance Boards through hiring and contracting processes to ensure alignment with strategic priorities
Monitor, analyze, and interpret state and federal policy developments; proactively identify and communicate opportunities to advance youth development priorities while providing timely, actionable insights to State Alliances to inform advocacy strategies and decisions
Provide direction and support on public grant and funding management, including proposal development, agreements, compliance, and reporting, to ensure effective stewardship of funds
Strengthen Alliance capacity by reinforcing governance and compliance practices, engaging Boards and committees to ensure effective operations, active participation, and alignment with organizational goals
Ensure timely completion of all financial, compliance, and operational requirements, including audits, reporting, board documentation, and regulatory obligations
Maintain oversight to ensure State Alliances operate in alignment with BGCA’s mission, brand standards, and bylaws as subsidiary entities

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Work collaboratively with BGCA subject matter experts to provide guidance and technical assistance to Alliances in regard to Club operations, youth development, resource development or state legislative and government funding efforts.
Support Office of Government Relations initiatives as the Federal and Local levels including National Days of Advocacy, Summit for America’s Youth, Community Directed Spending consultation, local Club advocacy plans, policy issues, etc.
Support statewide 501(c)3’s or state-wide strategies as necessary.
Assist with other duties/projects as assigned by the Vice President, State Government Relations.
Adhere to organizational policies and procedures as described in BGCA’s Employee Handbook, Ethics Policy and elsewhere.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May supervise direct reports. May monitor and coordinate the work of temporary employees and student interns.
With Alliance Boards, coordinates the work of State Alliance Directors.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, success means:

Effectively leading and executing multi-state advocacy and public policy strategies that advance BGCA’s mission and organizational priorities
Building strong partnerships with State Alliances, Clubs, and government relations teams to create alignment and strengthen collective advocacy efforts
Helping secure and sustain public funding opportunities that expand resources and support for Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide
Providing strategic guidance and leadership that increases the capacity and effectiveness of State Alliances and Government Relations staff
Successfully navigating relationships with policymakers, government agencies, and external stakeholders to influence policy and drive positive outcomes for youth

Qualifications

EDUCATION & REQUIREMENTS

To thrive in this role, you should have:

Bachelor’s degree or education/experience equivalency.
Minimum of seven years leadership experience within the Boys & Girls Club Movement or a comparable youth-serving or membership-based organization
Demonstrated success collaborating with local Clubs or professional associations, including members, boards, and staff.
Experience engaging with state legislatures and government officials;
Strong understanding of state funding structures and policy environments and a proven ability to leverage public funding to strengthen programs and expand impact for youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs or similar organizations

SKILLS

Understanding of the inner workings of a State Alliance, local Boys & Girls Club or similar organization,
Strong working knowledge of legislative processes, state funding streams, and advocacy strategies, with the ability to effectively leverage these to advance policy priorities and strengthen local Boys & Girls Clubs and youth development
Demonstrated commitment to high standards of ethics and integrity
Proven ability to manage time effectively, prioritize competing demands, analyze complex issues, and handle multiple responsibilities across multiple states simultaneously
Experience supporting boards and implementing effective personnel management practices, with a clear understanding of the relationship between membership bodies, governance, and staff operations
Highly detail-oriented with strong task management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
Collaborative team player with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong personal working relationships

ABILITIES

High-energy, results-driven leader with a proven ability to manage complex, multi-state portfolios while aligning strategy and execution
Skilled at building and sustaining strong, trust-based relationships across diverse states, stakeholders, and partners
Effective player-coach who leads by example by coaching, mentoring, and motivating stakeholders while actively contributing to results
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines with focus, flexibility, and efficiency
Strong communicator with the ability to clearly and concisely convey ideas, data, and strategy in both verbal and written formats
Adept at fostering collaboration and alignment across geographically dispersed teams to drive outcomes

Travel Expectations

Approximately 45% of travel is required (can be up to two weeks or more in a month, depending upon scheduling requirements).

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this role is $135,000.00 to $145,000.00. BGCA takes into consideration a combination of a candidate’s education, training and experience, as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required for the role and other external and internal data when establishing a salary level. We are highly invested in every employee’s total well-being and offer a substantial and comprehensive total rewards package.

Click I*Care Values to find out about how team members demonstrate Boys & Girls Club of America’s mission driven values, and integrate these beliefs into their environment and ways of work.

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