Government Affairs

Overview

RenewHealth is seeking an experienced and driven Government Affairs & Community Relations Director to lead our advocacy and political outreach efforts. This role sits at the intersection of public health, criminal justice reform, and government relations, with a special focus on expanding access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in county corrections facilities across New Mexico. Following the passage of SB , all county facilities are required to provide treatment—creating a unique statewide opportunity to advance healthcare equity, reduce recidivism, and improve community outcomes.

About RenewHealth

RenewHealth is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction recovery services. Our mission is to foster innovative solutions that promote long-term health, dignity, and reintegration for individuals impacted by substance use. We are committed to evidence-based care, health equity, and strategic collaboration with community and government partners.

Position Summary

The Government Affairs & Community Relations Director will shape and execute RenewHealth's policy, advocacy, and community engagement strategy. The individual will engage elected officials, corrections administrators, community organizations, and advocacy coalitions to expand treatment access and influence policy change. This position carries both a hands-on advocacy role and strategic oversight, requiring political acumen, community trust-building, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Advocacy & Strategy

• Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal legislation and regulations affecting MAT and corrections health.
  Develop and implement advocacy strategies, including lobbying, coalition-building, and grassroots campaigns.
  
  Prepare and deliver policy briefs, white papers, testimony, and public comments.
  
  Represent RenewHealth at legislative hearings, committee meetings, and public forums.
  
  Track and report on risks, opportunities, and long-term policy trends.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, legislative staff, regulatory agencies, and local officials.
  Serve as a liaison to community groups, corrections leadership, law enforcement, and healthcare providers.
  
  Facilitate stakeholder roundtables to develop collaborative strategies for MAT implementation.
  
  Cultivate coalitions and partnerships to broaden support for corrections health reform.

Program Development & Support

• Support county corrections facilities in designing, launching, and evaluating MAT programs.
  Provide expertise on evidence-based practices, compliance, and operational standards.
  
  Advise on funding streams, grant opportunities, and budget planning for MAT initiatives.
  
  Oversee the development of staff training programs and resources for correctional facilities.
  
  Collect and analyze program data to measure impact and inform strategy.

Communications & Public Affairs

• Serve as a spokesperson for RenewHealth on MAT in corrections.
  Collaborate with internal teams on messaging, press releases, op-eds, and digital campaigns.
  
  Develop educational materials for policymakers, correctional staff, incarcerated individuals, and the public.
  
  Manage media inquiries and ensure consistent, credible communication.

Leadership & Oversight

• Coordinate internal efforts across communications, operations, and legal teams to align advocacy goals.
  Manage political outreach budgets and resources.
  
  Supervise external consultants, lobbyists, or a small team of advocacy staff, if applicable.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, public administration, public health, or related field.
  Minimum 5–7 years of experience in government relations, political advocacy, or public affairs.
  
  Proven success working with elected officials, government agencies, or legislative bodies.
  
  Deep knowledge of MAT, substance use disorder treatment, and corrections health systems.
  
  Strong understanding of the New Mexico political landscape and county corrections environment.
  
  Demonstrated experience in advocacy strategy, coalition-building, and stakeholder engagement.
  
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media and public speaking.
  
  Project management skills, with experience handling budgets, grants, and reporting.

Preferred:

Prior public service, campaign, or legislative staff experience.

Established relationships with New Mexico policymakers, corrections leaders, or community groups.

Familiarity with public finance, government budgeting, and healthcare policy.

Experience in media relations and communications campaigns.

Personal Attributes

• Credible, trustworthy, and professional in high-stakes environments.
  Persuasive yet diplomatic; skilled at building consensus.
  
  Adaptable to shifting political and policy environments.
  
  Strong listener with the ability to synthesize diverse viewpoints.
  
  Ethical, discreet, and resilient.

Working Conditions

Based in New Mexico, with regular travel to correctional facilities, legislative offices, and community sites.

Hybrid work environment with flexibility for administrative tasks.

Evening or weekend work may be required during legislative sessions or advocacy events.

Impact & Opportunities

This role represents a transformative opportunity to expand healthcare access for some of New Mexico's most vulnerable populations. By bridging the worlds of public health, criminal justice, and political advocacy, the Government Affairs & Community Relations Director will help shape lasting reform. RenewHealth offers a collaborative environment, professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead change with statewide impact.