Vice President - Regional Advocacy
About the job
- A bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field is required.
- A minimum of 15+ years of experience in government relations, advocacy, or public affairs is required, including at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven success leading multi-state legislative campaigns and managing large, geographically distributed teams.
- Experience in volunteer engagement and donor relations within a mission-driven organization.
- Experience with high-level stakeholder engagement across advocacy and other organizations.
- Deep understanding of state legislative processes and healthcare policy, with strong experience collaborating with state health policymakers and advocacy leaders.
- Experience in grassroots organizing and community engagement.
- Experience with budget management and external vendor oversight.
- Ability to navigate politically sensitive environments with discretion and empathy.
- Ability to travel by car, train, or plane as needed.
- Develop and execute a multi-state advocacy strategy to achieve legislative wins, policy defense, and state and regulatory engagement.
- Align state teams with federal priorities and coordinate with federal, state, and local campaign teams to ensure cohesive national impact.
- Lead rapid response efforts to emerging legislative threats or opportunities.
- Provide timely and regular updates to executive leadership on regional advocacy impact.
- Ensure collaborative planning and execution of federal, state, and local campaigns.
- Oversee a regional advocacy team of more than 60 team members across approximately 25 states, including regional managing directors, state government relations directors, grassroots managers, and operations roles.
- Maintain overall responsibility and accountability for hiring within the region.
- Develop, plan, and remain accountable for regional and state budgets.
- Ensure state advocacy positions align with organizational policy.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, trust, accountability, inclusion, and innovation within the team.
- Provide coaching, professional development, and performance management to ensure excellence.
- Track legislative progress, campaign metrics, and team performance to meet goals.
- Ensure compliance with lobbying regulations and internal policies.
- Partner with grassroots teams to expand and activate volunteer networks in assigned states.
- Support the development of training programs, recognition initiatives, and storytelling platforms that elevate patient voices.
- Ensure volunteer engagement strategies are integrated into legislative campaigns.
- Drive successful volunteer fundraising.
- Work with the American Cancer Society and internal functions to ensure alignment on mission, policy trends, and political dynamics.
- Represent the organization in coalitions, conferences, and public forums.
- Collaborate with development teams to cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
- Represent advocacy priorities in donor meetings, events, and communications.
- Identify opportunities to align advocacy wins with fundraising strategies and impact reporting.
- Execute organizational responsibility and leadership on the Senior Leadership Team.
- Provide a broad perspective on organizational issues, surface and vet ideas, and align on how best to advance mission priorities.
- Engage in cross-functional planning for ACS CAN, the ACS CAN Board, and high-level organizational messaging.
- An advanced degree is preferred.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in advocacy and leadership.
About the company
ACS CAN is a nonprofit, nonpartisan lobbying affiliate of the American Cancer Society that works to influence public policy at federal, state, and local levels. It mobilizes a nationwide grassroots network of cancer patients, survivors, and families to advocate for evidence-based policies that increase funding for cancer research, expand access to affordable, quality healthcare, and promote cancer-control measures such as tobacco control. It funds its advocacy work through donations and fundraising. Unlike the 501(c)(3) American Cancer Society, ACS CAN operates as a 501(c)(4) and engages in lobbying and political activity. Its goal is to reduce the cancer burden and eliminate cancer as a major health problem by securing government funding for research and prevention, expanding patient access to care, and supporting public health initiatives.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
N/A
Founded
2001
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- ACS CAN secured Delaware biomarker coverage and preserved New York Medicaid access in 2026.
- It still drives a national agenda, urging Congress to fund tobacco control at $310 million.
- North Carolina, Ohio, and Florida 2026 fights keep ACS CAN visible in high-stakes policy.
What critics are saying
- A prolonged NIH and NCI funding collapse would erase ACS CAN's core value proposition.
- Republican Medicaid cuts or work rules would directly undercut ACS CAN's access agenda by 2027.
- Medical-necessary carveouts weaken biomarker wins and invite insurer denials in 2026 budgets.
What makes American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network unique
- ACS CAN turns patients, survivors, and caregivers into statehouse pressure, not passive donors.
- It wins state biomarker-testing laws, with Delaware signing coverage on September 9, 2026.
- Its nonprofit lobbying arm couples federal research-funding fights with local tobacco policy campaigns.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Vacation
401(k) Retirement Plan
Wellness Program
Professional Development Budget
Company News
Health experts on the major breakthroughs in fighting cancer. Leading experts in cancer research reflected on the significant strides made in tackling the disease, along with the work that remains to be done toward finding a cure, at the TIME100 Health Leadership Forum in New York on Thursday. Resources have been the key toward making important discoveries, said Shane Jacobson, the CEO of both the American Cancer Society, which sponsored the event, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Philanthropic investments and federal government funding, he continued, have allowed scientists and oncologists to make the progress Our Better Health see today in cancer prevention and treatment. Cancer is "omnipresent" Jacobson said. In the U.S., one in three men and women will receive a cancer diagnosis sometime during their lives, according to the American Cancer Society. "It has been, historically, such a devastating disease," he said. "We knew so little about it that it has garnered resources - and it takes resources to tackle most of the problems we face in healthcare." Developments in tackling cancer - such as the encouraging results of an mRNA cancer vaccine that were announced by Moderna and Merck last month - stem from "decades of progress, decades of new knowledge, decades of even failure, and learning from that failure to bring forth these kinds of results," Jacobson said. "It used to be maybe on an annual basis we would celebrate something significant, but the innovation is moving so rapidly that these celebrations, these big moments, are now almost on a monthly basis, and we should expect that speed to continue," he said. But, he added, just as important as these advances is ensuring that everyone is able to access the drugs and therapies they need - "otherwise," he said, "the innovation falls short of its potential." Vaccines and immunotherapy have emerged as powerful tools to fight cancer, said Dr. Andrea Cercek, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who was a 2025 TIME100 Health honoree. "The hope... between vaccines and immunotherapy as well is that they harness the immune system, which is really the most powerful drug we have," she said. "It can fight anything as long as it's equipped to do so and it recognizes something is foreign, and so it's really that combination that needs to happen for therapy to work." Cercek herself has been pioneering immunotherapy drugs to treat cancer. In 2024, she and her colleagues released the findings of their study of patients who had a specific type of rectal cancer, revealing that, after six months of being treated with an immunotherapy drug, none of the patients showed detectable tumors, meaning that none of them needed chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery afterwards. Cercek has expanded her research, and said during the panel that "we're very close" to seeing this kind of treatment being used successfully for other types of cancer so that patients don't have to undergo more invasive therapies. TIME senior health correspondent Alice Park, who moderated the panel, closed the discussion with a big question: Will Our Better Health cure cancer? And if so, what will that cure look like? "Absolutely we will," Cercek replied. "Probably it will be with early detection and prevention - I think that is going to be, ultimately, what cures cancer." "Yes," Jacobson said. "And I think it's 'cures,' plural. It's not one cure, and we're seeing that now." The TIME100 Health Leadership Forum was presented by the American Cancer Society, Kite - a Gilead Sciences company, Insulet, Musely, and NMDP. by Chantelle Lee Reporter Sep 10, 2026 Loading...
American Cancer Society appoints Art delaCruz as chief operating officer. Jun 10, 2026 Mission-driven leader and Navy veteran to help advance greater collaboration and impact across ACS ATLANTA, June 10, 2026 - The American Cancer Society (ACS) and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), today announced Art delaCruz as the chief operating officer (COO), effective June 17, 2026. In this newly created role, he will help connect strategy and execution across the enterprise as several organizational functions come together under the Office of the COO to support greater alignment, shared focus and coordinated leadership. "Art is exceptionally well-suited for this role and the vision we've set for the Office of the COO," said Shane Jacobson, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN. "He brings a rare combination of strategic insight, deep operational discipline, and mission-driven leadership in the nonprofit, corporate and military sectors. His experience leading complex organizations makes him the right leader to help us advance our mission with even greater impact." Throughout his career, delaCruz has been recognized for building high-performing teams, leading through challenges, and advancing service-driven missions. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, after previously serving as its president and chief operating officer. As a 22-year United States Navy veteran, delaCruz led high-stakes global operations and was a TOPGUN instructor and the first Asian American to serve in that role. "I've spent much of my career serving organizations with a clear mission and a direct impact on people's lives, and that is exactly what drew me to ACS," said delaCruz. "This is a moment of both urgency and possibility in the fight against cancer. Having seen this disease touch people I care about, the opportunity to help advance this mission and contribute to meaningful progress is incredibly personal and deeply motivating." delaCruz holds a M.S. in operations management from the University of Arkansas and a B.S. in physics from the United States Naval Academy and serves on multiple advisory and philanthropic boards. About the American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram. About ACS CAN The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation's capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org. For further information: Michele Money-Carson, [email protected]
AONN+ out and about at the 15th Annual National Policy Forum on the Future of Health Care. What's being done to improve access to cancer care in rural areas? It's a question that AONN+ Advisor Sharon Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CC, AOCN, helped to answer during the panel discussion, "Overcoming Barriers to Accessing Cancer Care in Rural Communities," at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's 15th Annual National Policy Forum on the Future of Health Care in May. Moderated by fellow AONN+ member Elizabeth Franklin, PhD, MSW, Head of U.S. Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy, Oncology and Neurology at Sanofi, the panel focused on the ways policymakers, health systems, and cancer care providers are working to overcome the challenges impacting cancer patients in rural areas. Panelists joining Sharon and Elizabeth included: * Luis Rojas, MD, Clinical Vice President of the Oncology Service Line at Avera Health and a practicing gynecologic oncologist * Brian Edwards, MBA, Senior Vice President for Health Services Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama * Carrie Cochran-McClain, MPA, Dr.PH, Chief Policy Officer at the National Rural Health Association * Liz Jurinka, MA, Operating Director for Healthcare Policy at the Vistria Group For her part, Sharon shared thoughts around shortages in the oncology workforce and the need to have people work to the top of their skill set/license - promoting oncology professional roles. She also touched upon some of the barriers that navigators in these areas must overcome, including geographic isolation, transportation hurdles, limited access to specialists and telehealth, financial constraints, lower literacy levels, and emotional distress, and cited examples of innovative solutions from programs across the country. Additionally, Sharon emphasized the importance of trust in the patient/provider relationship, saying, "The level of patient-provider trust influences how much rural patients are willing to believe their providers, to follow providers' health care recommendations, and to provide information that helps providers make appropriate health care decisions." Related Items AONN+ encourages oncology navigators to complete a brief Commission on Cancer survey that will help shape future navigation program development, identify emerging trends, and strengthen support for the oncology navigation community. AONN+ Midyear 2026 brought the oncology navigation community together for four days of connection, innovation, and practical insights that are shaping the future of patient care. Sharon Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, recently traveled to Philadelphia to represent AONN+ at the Access USA Conference, specifically for Patient Assistance & Access Programs. Here, she took part in the highly popular panel, "The Medicare Patient Experience: Affordability, Access, and the State of Healthcare Today," which focused on financial burdens that patients with chronic illnesses face and why the work to improve access is far from finished.
Courage in action: cancer survivors unite at State capitol to advocate for change. Cancer advocates gathered at the Statehouse today to say Ohio can and must do better to reduce the burden of cancer. May 12, 2026 COLUMBUS, OHIO - Today, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates from across the Buckeye State gathered at the Statehouse to meet with their elected officials during the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's Cancer Action Day. They let lawmakers know that Ohio can and must do better to reduce the cancer burden by improving access to care. Advocates met with lawmakers to ask them to support House Bill 8, which will improve access to biomarker testing. This legislation will help address the significant barrier of insurance coverage and bring the promise of precision medicine to more Ohioans, no matter their income or where they live. Biomarker testing opens the door to targeted therapies that can benefit patients by leading to better outcomes, improved quality of life, and, in some cases, reduced costs by bypassing ineffective therapies. "As a dad to two young children with stage four colon cancer that has spread to my liver and lungs, I want everyone to have access to the best possible treatments," said Luke Williams, an Ohio cancer patient. "Because biomarker testing plays a critical role in guiding my care, I want to share my story with lawmakers to help ensure that all Ohioans can access this game changing approach to cancer treatment." Advocates also asked lawmakers to provide better access to care by passing legislation to prohibit so-called copay accumulator adjustments. Passing this legislation will require that all prescription drug payments made by patients, directly or on their behalf, count toward their overall out-of-pocket maximum or deductible, making cancer treatment more affordable. An estimated 78,030 Ohioans will be diagnosed with cancer, and 24,590 are expected to die from the devastating disease this year. Those gathered at the Statehouse today are calling on Ohio lawmakers to change this by prioritizing the fight against cancer. Media contacts. Michelle Zimmerman Associate Director, Regional Media Advocacy Related press releases. April 8, 2026 Over 100 cancer advocates from across California gathered in Sacramento for Cancer Action Day. This year, ACS CAN volunteers urged action on three key bills aimed at increasing access to lifesaving care and reducing tobacco use, including among youth. May 18, 2026 Late Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP) for plan year 2027. May 18, 2026 ST. PAUL, Minn.
'Delaware Advocacy Day' brings patient advocates to Dover to discuss affordability of biomarker testing. Advocates connected with their lawmakers, asking them to extend biomarker testing access to Delaware patients who can benefit. March 11, 2026 Earlier today, cancer survivors, medical professionals and patient advocates from across Delaware convened in Dover at Legislative Hall as a part of 'Delaware Advocacy Day.' The main focus of Advocacy Day, which was hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ), was for volunteers to connect directly with legislators and ask for their support of Senate Bill 120, a bipartisan proposal to improve Delawareans' access to biomarker testing. Biomarker testing blows the door wide open for present and future treatment options for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's as well as ALS, preeclampsia, Parkinson's and many other conditions. By identifying the unique characteristics of a patient's disease, biomarker testing enables providers to tailor therapies to the individual's specific disease, crafting a treatment plan aimed at improving outcomes and quality of life. Earlier this year in his budget address, Governor Meyer identified biomarker testing access as a priority for his administration. He visited with advocates today to hear firsthand why removing barriers to this vital tool is essential to patients and the health care and equity landscape in Delaware. Advocates from both ACS CAN and ALZ are hopeful that state lawmakers join the governor in prioritizing expanded access to biomarker testing through SB 120. Among the advocates who are asking lawmakers to improve biomarker testing access was Darcy Burbage, an oncology clinical nurse specialist who helps maintain the Oncology Nursing Society Biomarker Database. She shares how biomarker testing changed the trajectory for one of her patients. "Because of biomarker testing, a patient that I cared for was able to access a targeted therapy specifically designed to treat the variant identified by testing. Within weeks, her symptoms improved and two years later, she is working, spending time with her family and continuing to receive treatment tailored to her," said Darcy. "Expanding insurance coverage of biomarker testing helps ensures more patients receive the individualized care they deserve." Lance Kilpatrick, government relations director for ACS CAN in Delaware, noted that state lawmakers were highly receptive to the advocates' points. "Ensuring that more Delawareans have access to proven biomarker testing means more patients facing cancer and other chronic diseases will have the information they need to identify the best treatments available," said Kilpatrick. "Many legislators signaled strong interest today, and we're optimistic about bipartisan support for SB 120." If Delaware passes SB 120, it will become the 23rd state to expand access to biomarker testing. Each of Delaware's neighboring states have taken this step. About ACS CAN The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. Cancer Action Network, Inc. engage its volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. Cancer Action Network, Inc. believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. Cancer Action Network, Inc. stand with its volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and its nation's capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org. Media contacts. Casey O'Neill Sr. Regional Media Advocacy Manager Related press releases. March 11, 2026 The one-house budget proposals revealed a clear divide in the Legislature's approach to the equitable treatment of disease. The New York State Senate flatly rejected the governor's proposal to roll back Medicaid coverage criteria for biomarker testing, heeding the calls of cancer survivors, patient advocates and public health organizations, like the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). The Assembly took a more mixed approach accepting parts of the Governor's proposed language while rejecting others. March 4, 2026 JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Senate passed "Jill's Law" House Bill 565 Wednesday, paving the way for increased access to biomarker testing for Mississippians with state-regulated he February 11, 2026 JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Senate passed Senate Bill 2694 Wednesday, February 11, paving the way for increased access to biomarker testing for patients across the Magnolia State.