Deputy Director of State Government Affairs

As the Deputy Director of State Government Affairs team, you will support and help execute the organization’s legislative strategy and policy outreach efforts across a portfolio of states. This position blends hands-on lobbying, policy expertise, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, while serving as a key strategic partner and thought leader within the Government Affairs department. 

You will work closely with the State Government Affairs Director to advance AFP’s mission by driving policy outcomes, strengthening relationships with policymakers and partners (both internal and external), and supporting the development and effectiveness of the government affairs team. 

How You Will Contribute:

• Advance state-level legislative and policy priorities by building strong relationships with internal teams, policymakers, and external partners.  
• Develop and execute lobbying strategies, prepare policy briefs, and represent AFP in hearings, meetings with elected officials, and other events.  
• Conduct research and policy analysis, providing strategic insights that inform messaging, stakeholder education, and advocacy strategy.  
• Manage relationships with key external organizations, coalitions, and influential partners in the public policy ecosystem.  
• Evaluate advocacy campaign effectiveness and identify emerging opportunities to expand collaborative policy efforts.  
• Coordinate closely with state operations, communications, policy, and the federal affairs teams to ensure alignment and maximize impact.  
• Support multistate initiatives and serve as a continuity lead when the Director is representing AFP externally. 

What You Will Bring:

• 5–8 years of experience in government affairs, legislative work, lobbying, political advocacy, or public policy.  
• Strong leadership experience with a proven ability to coach teams, drive performance, and maintain high accountability standards.  
• Demonstrated success building relationships with elected officials, policymakers, coalition partners, grassroots leaders, and aligned organizations.  
• Deep knowledge of public policy and the legislative process, with experience advancing free-market and limited-government policy priorities.  
• Strategic planning and execution skills, including experience managing multistate legislative campaigns.  
• An exceptional relationship-building ability, with a talent for creating buy in among internal stakeholders and external partners.  
• A self-starter mindset, strong organizational skills, and a track record of thriving in a dynamic government affairs environment. 
• An ability to travel approximately 40% of the time.  

For this position we anticipate paying between $120,000 - $140,000 per year and this position may be eligible for additional bonus compensation. Actual amount may be higher or lower based on various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. Employees may be eligible to participate in our benefits programs which include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts, life insurance, AD&D, disability, retirement, paid vacation, paid parental leave and educational assistance. Specific eligibility criteria are defined by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy, or guideline.