Summary

CALPHO is seeking a Director of Governmental Affairs—a proactive and strategic leader who can translate complex ideas into compelling messages, influence diverse groups, and build trusted relationships across sectors. In this role, you’ll help guide CALPHO’s engagement with state leaders, gubernatorial candidates, and cross-sector partners to shape the future of public health in Colorado.

Description

o Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to hiring@calpho.org with the subject line: CALPHO Director of Governmental Affairs. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting immediately until the position is filled. Please describe any preferred employment arrangements in your email. No phone calls, please.

CALPHO is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusivity and the strengths of individuals from a variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials (CALPHO) is the professional association representing the leadership, staff, and partners of Colorado’s local public health agencies (LPHAs). CALPHO is an essential, non-profit partner coordinating LPHAs and other public health partners to create a constructive and collegial environment that fosters an effective and efficient public health system. Learn more at calpho.org.

Make a real impact at a critical moment for public health.
Public health in Colorado—and across the nation—is at a turning point: navigating major federal policy shifts, managing state budget shortfalls, and preparing for a new gubernatorial administration. In this role, you’ll take on consequential, hands-on work with a small but highly effective CALPHO team and an influential statewide network of local public health leaders. This is an outstanding opportunity for a professional looking to expand their network and skill set while making a meaningful impact at a critical time.

What You’ll Do

Elevate local public health leadership. Increase the visibility and influence of local public health agency (LPHA) leaders, CALPHO, and key partners.
Protect and advance priorities. Strengthen public health through nonpartisan education and collaboration.
Position LPHAs as trusted resources. Ensure state leadership and partners turn to LPHAs for practical insight and solutions.
Build cross-sector coalitions. Cultivate partnerships across healthcare, business, nonprofit, and civic sectors.

You’ll work closely with CALPHO’s Executive Director and Policy Director (who manages internal policy processes and member mobilization). This is a high-trust role that requires independence, initiative, and tight coordination with CALPHO’s leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Candidate & State Leader Education

Develop briefing packets, one-pagers, and issue briefs that communicate the role, challenges, and impact of local public health.
Organize roundtables and small-group discussions with LPHA directors and partners; ensure equal opportunity to engage for all campaigns and leaders.
Provide fact-based information to candidates, policy staff, and state leaders.
Serve as a nonpartisan resource to transition teams on public health operations and leadership principles.

Coalition Building & Cross-Sector Partnerships

Convene aligned organizations (e.g., hospitals, behavioral health, rural health, advocacy groups).
Identify and cultivate new partnerships with business, healthcare, chambers of commerce, and civic leaders.
Support LPHA directors in elevating community voices and sharing local examples statewide.

Narrative Strategy, Messaging & Earned Media

Advance a clear, nonpartisan narrative about local public health.
Promote key talking points and drive uptake among partners, decision-makers, and influencers.
Translate complex policy and funding concepts into accessible, persuasive messages.
Engage with media to elevate local public health stories (e.g., op-eds, letters, and social posts).

Organizational Leadership & Facilitation

Facilitate meetings with partners, campaign staff, LPHA directors, and coalition convenings; drive toward consensus and action.
Represent CALPHO with credibility, tact, and professionalism.
Align external engagement with CALPHO’s goals in collaboration with the Executive Director and Policy Director.

Qualifications

This job might be for you if you:

Are proactive and self-directed—able to independently design and drive strategy while coordinating with leadership.
Are trustworthy and tactful—comfortable navigating sensitive conversations with credibility.
Communicate persuasively—turn complex issues into actionable messages.
Excel at facilitation and coalition-building—guiding diverse stakeholders toward shared action.
Understand policy and systems—familiar with public health, healthcare policy, or government operations.
Build relationships strategically—experienced in cross-sector partnership development and stewardship.

Minimum Qualifications

5+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, coalition-building, or related work.
Demonstrated success influencing policy or organizational priorities (preferably in a nonpartisan, educational capacity).
Experience working with government officials, policy staff, or campaign representatives.
Strong record of cross-sector partnership development.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public health, public policy, political science, or a related field preferred.

Organization

The Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials (CALPHO) represents the leadership, staff, and partners of Colorado’s Local Public Health Agencies. We coordinate LPHAs and public health partners to foster a constructive, collegial environment that supports an effective and efficient public health system. Learn more at calpho.org.

Position Details

This role is funded through September 2027 (limited-term funding). Employment beyond that date is contingent on future funding.

Employment Type: Preferred as a full-time, exempt position. Open to alternative structures, including a contracted arrangement or reduced schedule (e.g., 30–35 hours/week) for highly qualified candidates. Please describe your preferred arrangement in the application email.
Salary Range: $90,000–$120,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits (for employees over 30 hours per week): Health, dental, life, 401(k), PTO, flexible schedule, and more.
Location: Denver, CO (downtown office) with flexibility for remote/hybrid work. Frequent in-person meetings with partners in Denver metro area and some statewide travel required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 – $120,000.00 per year

Benefits: