Foundation For Government Accountability - State Government Affairs Director at Foundation For Government Accountability

The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is hiring a State Government Affairs Director to lead our efforts in Democrat-controlled states and serve as FGA’s primary point of contact for legislative and outreach activities across this multi-state portfolio.

This is not a role for someone who wants to sit on the sidelines—in this position, you’ll be in the front seat of advancing reforms in some of the toughest, deep-blue political environments in the country. You’ll build trusted relationships with lawmakers and staff, and craft innovative strategies to break through political roadblocks to turn FGA policy ideas into law. You’ll be expected to quarterback multiple campaigns simultaneously, rapidly adapt to shifting circumstances, and provide intelligence that positions FGA as the go-to resource in these states. 

This is a travel-heavy role, requiring frequent in-person presence in portfolio states throughout the year. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator and savvy operator who can build trust, manage a fast-paced workload, and build and maintain a pipeline of strategic engagements that position the organization for long-term success.

CULTURE AND FIT 

The people who consistently succeed at FGA are those whose actions and behavior reflect our five Core Values. If you adhere to these values and answer “yes” to each of these questions, you may be a fit.

1) Candid to Solve: Being willing to have tough conversations in order to solve issues and build trust.

• Do you seek out constructive feedback—and provide it to others—to solve issues and build trust with coworkers? 

2) Grow or Die: We don’t have a neutral gear; we must consistently challenge ourselves and each other to grow in our talents and skills.

• Are you aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and do you seek out complementary skills and growth in order to mitigate your weaknesses? 

3) Politically Savvy: Policy doesn’t change in a vacuum, but in a political reality that we must understand and account for.

• Do you agree that embracing the realities of politics is necessary to change public policy? 

4) Partnership-Oriented: Internal and external relationships are not transactional. That starts with our team members and the perspective that we need the rest of the team to succeed in order to win personally.

• Are you comfortable creating your own structure for work, such as setting work hours, your own priorities, and creating clarity and a workplan from a broad goal? 

5) Bought in to Win: We’re at FGA because we want to change policy. No one is counting hours or widgets, we are here to get results, and sometimes that will require going the extra mile or doing a job that isn’t technically ours.

• Do you fully support FGA’s mission and believe that lives are improved through work, not welfare, and that free markets create more freedom and opportunity than government control?

The vast majority of those who don’t get hired (or don’t last) at FGA are due to a lack of fit with these values. Be prepared to have very candid conversations about them in our interview process.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Outreach Strategy in Democrat-Controlled States

• Prioritize opportunities across Democrat-controlled states.
• Build trusted relationships with lawmakers, staff, and in-state allies.
• Advance reforms from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) using FGA resources and strategy.

Drive Internal Alignment

• Run monthly task force meetings to keep Outreach, Communications, and Policy and Research teams aligned.
• Serve as the point person for all Democrat-controlled state engagement.
• Ensure priorities and messaging are consistent across teams.

Partner with Federal Affairs 

• Share state-level intelligence to guide federal engagement.
• Highlight non-compliance with OBBB to generate media and federal action.
• Translate state insights into federal accountability. 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in state government affairs, policy advocacy, or similar roles.
• Strong knowledge of state policymaking and political dynamics, with a track record of building strategic relationships.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to build trust quickly. Unafraid to engage in political environments where the conservative worldview is often overwhelmingly in the minority. 
• Comfortable using technology to track data, manage projects, and collaborate.
• Willing and able to travel regularly, up to 50 percent of the time, with heavier travel during legislative sessions.
• Proximity to a major airport will make travel easier, though it is not required.
• Match FGA’s Core Values (described above).

TIMING, LOCATION, AND COMPENSATION

FGA is seeking to fill this position as soon as possible. FGA’s headquarters are in Naples, FL, but nearly all of FGA’s staff work remotely. FGA has built a highly successful remote work culture over the past decade with systems and structures designed for clarity, flexibility, and great communication. Key elements of the environment include:

• Quarterly in-person team meetings at which you’ll build deeper relationships, set clear goals aligned with FGA’s big vision, and brainstorm how to seize new opportunities.
• An intensive 90-day orientation to familiarize you with the FGA team, our policies, and how we operate.
• Home office setup, including equipment and communication tools you need to hit the ground running.

FGA offers a competitive salary of between $100,000 to $130,000 for this position, depending on experience and qualifications, along with a benefits package, including a six percent retirement match, health benefit, and generous paid leave plan.