Director of State Advocacy – Overdose Prevention Initiative

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Director of State Advocacy for Overdose Prevention, leading advocacy efforts in seven states. Collaborating with stakeholders to improve addiction treatment systems and reduce disparities.

Posted 7/8/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $118,450 - $152,749 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee the development and execution of the organization’s state and local advocacy agenda.
Direct GHAI’s strategy on state overdose prevention policy.
Manage the day-to-day work and long-term strategy for state advocacy on overdose prevention; represent the department with state-based stakeholders.
Oversee the work of Regional Campaign Managers.
Direct and coordinate the work of the overdose prevention state advocacy team with other departments to integrate strategies and activities.
Lead coordination with partner organizations on state issues, including public health groups and others interested in substance use and overdose prevention.
Assist in building grassroots support for priority federal issues.
Represent the Overdose Prevention Initiative at national conferences, and accomplish other duties as assigned by the AVP, Overdose Prevention.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree, Master's preferably in a related field.
10+ years of post-secondary experience; including 3+ years' experience in a lead or management capacity.
State legislative and/or issue advocacy experience required.
Experience managing advocates/lobbyists.
Extensive knowledge of state legislative processes.
Ability to think innovatively about strategy, tactics, deploying resources and building teams.
Knowledge of state legislative issues; familiarity with state overdose prevention policy preferred.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Established presence required in GHAI’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., and travel is required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

A comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan for employees and dependents.
403b plan participation (with 9% company contribution).
12 paid company holidays, 15 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 5 personal days (on an accrual basis each calendar year).

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

State Legislative ProcessesAdvocacy Strategy DevelopmentResource DeploymentGrassroots Support BuildingPolicy Analysis

Soft Skills

InitiativeIndependent WorkCollaboration

Certifications

Bachelor's DegreeMaster's Degree Preferred