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 outreach and 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, strategic alliances and community partnerships and delivering programs and activities and outreach to AARP members.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Serves as a member of the state team and works with other state staff and lead volunteers to develop grassroots and community outreach strategies and tactics to advance priority issues in the state. Helps to organize and maintain effective coalitions and partnerships dealing with strategic issues.
- Leads the AARP local community initiative work in the Lehigh Valley.
- Engages members, volunteers, and community / nonprofit allies in grassroots, community outreach, and policy maker relationship activities in support of the AARP Pennsylvania state plan. Organizes and maintains visible and effective coalitions and partnerships dealing with volunteer engagement, social impact, legislative, and member value strategic activities, with a specific focus in the Lehigh Valley and the planning and execution of AARP events that occur therein.
- Works in close partnership with staff and volunteer leaders to recruit, match, orient, train, and support volunteers. Creates and implements volunteer recognition and communications plans. Provides technical assistance in the issue areas and processes related to federal and state campaigns and livable communities in the Lehigh Valley. Participates in training volunteers on priority issues, strategies, tactics, policies, relationship building, and state-specific political processes.
- Works in collaboration with state and national office colleagues to promote AARP’s strategic issues, priorities, programs, and activities in the Lehigh Valley.
- Contributes to the planning and execution of 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 local, 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 local, state and national level. Builds and maintains strong grassroots and key contacts, organization, and leadership for the purpose of impacting elected officials on behalf of AARP’s policy goals and objectives.
- Maintains a non-partisan stance with respect to candidates, incumbents, political parties and public events. Collaborates with regionally focused AARP volunteers to develop grassroots and key contact capacity to enable effective communication and impact on local, state and federal elected and appointed officials.
- On occasion, represents AARP before policy makers and those who promulgate rules and regulations. Focuses on active engagement and involvement of volunteers and members who are impacted by the issue at hand. Informs members and the public on issues of concern to AARP, including voter education and advocacy regarding local, state and federal legislative issues.
- Makes presentations at workshops and conferences, as appropriate. Works with volunteers on issues, community service, 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.
- 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). Manages and coordinates opportunities with public-speaking venues and other high profile venues, in collaboration with the Communications staff.
- Enhances AARP’s reputation among non-traditional partners, including community leaders, businesses and business leaders, educators, and policy makers. Initiates new relationships and sustains existing ones.
- As assigned, 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 data and communications channels, including Social Media. Comfortable working in a highly integrated high functioning innovative and collaborative team environment, and with a matrix team.
- In coordination with the AARP Pennsylvania team, helps develop and expand AARP’s Livable Communities and Age Friendly Community efforts.
- Demonstrates AARP Leadership Behaviors in all interactions and at all times.
Educational Background:
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy Administration, Law, Business, Social or human sciences, or a related discipline
Skills/Experience:
- 5+ 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., legislative leaders, government officials, community service leaders, partners, organizations, critical state-wide community service needs, major stakeholders, etc.). Strong written, oral and presentation skills. Ability to build and inspire volunteer teams. Naturally collaborative. Innovative. Technologically savvy. Quick learner.
- Previous grassroots organizing and/or government relations experience strongly encouraged.
- In-state travel (only occasional overnight) required at least 50% of work time.
Compensation/Benefits:
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.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Dec 16 2017
Active Until:
Jan 14 2018
Hiring Organization:
AARP
industry:
Nonprofit