Works with staff, volunteers, members and other AARP divisions to achieve AARP’s social impact and member value goals. Develops and provides strategic leadership for AARP advocacy activities, including the implementation of national AARP advocacy efforts and campaigns at the local and state level. Works to build greater grassroots and key contacts capacity as well as relationships with elected officials in an effort to advance AARP priorities issues. Develops a presence in communities through building and strengthening visibility, media presence, volunteer capacity, and community partnerships and delivering programs and activities and outreach to AARP members.
- Serves as a member of the state team and works with other state staff and lead volunteers to develop grassroots and grasstops community outreach strategies and tactics to advance priority issues in the state and community. Helps to organize and maintain effective coalitions and partnerships dealing with strategic issues.
- Plans and executes integrated advocacy campaigns that include grassroots and key contacts mobilization, lobbying, community resources and organization, policy expertise, and political knowledge in support of AARP legislative goals at the community, state and national level.
- Provides leadership to staff and volunteers to develop a meaningful organization of involved and active volunteers that impacts public policy at the community, state and national level. Builds and maintains strong grassroots and key contacts organization and leadership for the purpose of impacting public officials on behalf of AARP’s policy goals and objectives.
- Builds and maintains strong, productive relationships with local and state officials including Members of Congress, state and local legislators, and their district office staffs as necessary and maintains a non-partisan stance with respect to candidates, incumbents, political parties and public events.
- Represents AARP before policy makers and those who promulgate rules and regulations in the state. Focuses on active engagement and involvement of volunteers and members who are impacted by the issue at hand. In consultation with Communications, informs members and the public on issues of concern to AARP, including voter education and advocacy regarding both state and federal legislative issues.
- Engages members, volunteers, and community allies in grassroots, community outreach, and policy maker relationship activities in support of the AARP state plan. Organizes and maintains visible and effective coalitions and partnerships dealing with volunteer engagement, social impact, legislative, and member value strategic activities.
- Works in collaboration with state and national office colleagues to promote AARP’s strategic issues, priorities, programs, and activities.
- Makes presentations at workshops and conferences, as appropriate. Works with statewide volunteers on primary issues, community service, and legislative and regulatory efforts. Ensures AARP is seen as a visible force in community service and public policy development by educating staff, volunteers, members, government and elected officials, and the public including the private sector.
- Expands awareness of AARP and our priorities among community and public policy leaders. Identifies and positions AARP as a critical voice for age-eligible individuals, but also demonstrates relevance to all generations (i.e., decisions being made today can often most affect those 49 or younger).
- Enhances AARP’s reputation among non-traditional partners, including community leaders, businesses, educators, and policy makers. Initiates new relationships and sustains existing ones.
- Monitors, compiles, and tracks the positions of allies and opponents through research and outreach. Assists with monitoring the public dialogue about issues important to AARP through “issues” grids and other devices.
- Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the strategic use of grassroots advocacy systems, data and communications channels including Social Media.
- Demonstrates AARP values and Leadership Behaviors in all interactions.
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy Administration, Law, Business, Social or human sciences, or a related discipline and 5 – 7 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of the state’s political and community service environment (e.g., community service leaders, partners, organizations, critical state-wide community service needs, legislative leaders, government officials, major stakeholders, etc.).
- Previous grassroots organizing and/or government relations experience strongly encouraged.
- *Local travel required up to 50% of work.
AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.