Program Manager Government Affairs

The Program Manager of Government Affairs is responsible for advancing LifeSource's government relations strategy and cultivating key external partnerships across its Designated Service Area (DSA), which includes Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. This role leads state and local government engagement, monitors legislative and regulatory developments, and directs advocacy efforts that support organizational priorities.

Working closely with the Director of Government Affairs at Donor Alliance and the Chief People and Culture Officer at LifeSource and organizational leadership, the Program Manager develops and maintains relationships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, community partners, and industry stakeholders. The Program Manager is responsible for executing state and local government relations strategies and coordinating with partner lobbying firms to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and messaging.

As a member of the leadership team, the Program Manager is expected to uphold and advance the organization's mission, values, and strategic objectives.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities

• Serve as LifeSource's primary representative to elected officials, policymakers, and key external stakeholders throughout the service area.
• Develop and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, executive branch officials, regulatory agencies, community partners, and other governmental stakeholders.
• Develop and implement annual government affairs plans for the DSA in partnership with the Director, and in support of organizational goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison to state lobbying firms, coordinating legislative meetings, facility tours, briefings, testimony, advocacy events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and political developments and identify emerging risks, opportunities, and advocacy priorities.
• Collaborate with internal leaders and subject matter experts to develop advocacy positions, talking points and stakeholder communications.
• Prepare policy briefs, position papers, fact sheets, reports, and other materials for internal and external audiences.
• Represent and advocate for LifeSource in legislative and regulatory proceedings, including hearings, work groups, and advisory committees.
• Develop state specific messaging and communication materials that advance organizational policy objectives, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and support system-level positions and government relations initiatives.
• Provide regular updates to the Director, Government Affairs regarding legislative activity, stakeholder engagement, lobbying efforts, and emerging issues in the service area.
• Track and report advocacy and engagement metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategic decision-making within the service area.
• Collaborate with industry associations, coalitions, and donor and transplant organizations to advance shared policy objectives within the service area.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational needs.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of the government relations plan for the service area, including identifying objectives, budget recommendations, resource needs, and implementation timelines.
• Manage required administrative documentation, including activity reports, expense reporting, and time-off requests.
• Manage resources responsibly and in accordance with approved budgets and organizational guidelines.
• Foster collaborative, respectful, and productive working relationships across the organization.
• Actively contribute as a member of the leadership team.
• Participate in performance excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.

STANDARD RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform work while demonstrating a commitment to excellence and performance improvement.
• Update appropriate clinical and administrative documentation, including electronic systems, with accurate, real-time, appropriate information according to established practices and procedures.
• Represent LifeSource in a professional manner with both internal and external customers, ensuring professional appearance and communication.
• Participate in all appropriate meetings, in-person, on-site, or remote, as defined by leader.
• Routinely share feedback, solutions, and ideas to leadership, including identification of training needs.
• Exhibit outstanding clinical, customer service and collaboration skills as required by position.
• Maintain confidentiality and respect of information obtained within purview of position, as defined by policy and procedure expectations and in accordance with HIPAA.
• Demonstrate LifeSource Values in work behaviors and actions.
• Actively participate on assigned committees, work groups and project teams.
• Execute job responsibilities in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Policies (POL), and practices as trained.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned by leader.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs, Public Policy, Communications, Political Science, or a related field required; equivalent experience considered. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of government relations experience is required, with progressive experience managing relationships with government and community stakeholders.
• A valid driver’s license is required for this position. A REAL ID–compliant license is highly preferred due to travel requirements. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of an acceptable driving record.
• Demonstrated ability to speak persuasively and lead through influence.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams and functions.
• Ability to self-direct, prioritize initiatives and organize workload.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.