Responsible for a detailed knowledge of activities within the state legislative and executive branch which impact AARP priorities, as well as a basic knowledge of the issues that make up AARP’s strategic priorities and an ability to grasp and absorb details of these issues, when necessary. Assists in building and maintaining strong nonpartisan relationships with the state legislators, the state administration, and key state and local policymakers. Will be able to discuss strategies and recommend and initiate community and member outreach activities in consultation with State Director and colleagues at the national office. Recommends advocacy priorities to State Director for inclusion in the state plan and creates strategies and community outreach plans in order to achieve advocacy priorities.
In consultation with State Director, develops, implements, assesses, and adjusts strategy, tactics, and messages to achieve AARP’s advocacy objectives, while recognizing the diversity of AARP’s membership and the importance of maintaining membership satisfaction with AARP initiatives. Solicits input from national office staff and others, as needed. Advises national office staff on issues from the state’s perspective. In consultation with State Director, leverages AARP relationships with elected officials in an integrated, coordinated, and effective manner. Works directly with state and local agencies to implement policies that align with AARP priorities. Provides leadership to partners in order to develop coalitions to bring about legislative or policy change. Actively solicits key policy makers, community organizations, influencers for opportunities to showcase AARP experts, research, or other AARP presentations.
Works in collaboration with staff and volunteers to develop teams of involved and active volunteers that impact public policy at the local, state, and national levels. In collaboration with state colleagues, assists in building and organizing a strong grassroots and key contacts organization and leadership that has measurable and sustained impact on elected officials on behalf of AARP’s policy goals and objectives. Works with lead volunteers to manage campaigns. In collaboration with appropriate state staff, plans and executes AARP advocacy campaigns that include grassroots mobilization and leadership, lobbying, media, community resources and organization, policy expertise, and political knowledge in support of AARP legislative and policy goals at the local, state, and national level.
- Serves as a member of the state team and is responsible for effectively involving volunteers in all aspects of AARP’s social impact work with internal business units, external organizations, academia, business communities, and policy makers. Develops, implements and supports volunteer roles related to activities and campaigns that advance AARP’s strategic, outreach and advocacy priorities. Provides volunteer resource management expertise to the state team.
- Plans and executes integrated local and state advocacy campaigns that include grassroots and key contacts mobilization, lobbying, community resources and organizations, policy expertise, and political knowledge in support of AARP legislative goals at the community/local and state level. Fully leverages AARP grassroots tactics, systems and member engagement tools.
- Serves as a member of the state team and works with other state staff and key and lead volunteers in the development of state legislative and local advocacy priorities that are consistent with national policy standards and mandates.
- Helps to organize and maintain visible and effective local and statewide coalitions and partnerships that impact public policy at the local and state level. Consults with State Director to foster, build, and maintain strong and strategic grassroots volunteer leadership that have a sustained impact on elected officials and influencers on behalf of AARP’s policy goals and objectives.
- Helps guide and track budget development through goal setting, priority ranking, political and environmental scanning, and advocacy outcome measurement, in relation to AARP dashboard goals.
- Represents AARP before policy makers and those who promulgate rules and regulations locally and across the state. Focuses on active engagement and involvement of volunteers and members who are impacted by the issues at hand. In consultation with Communications, informs members and the public on issues of concern to AARP, including voter education and advocacy regarding both local and state advocacy issues.
- Supports federal advocacy campaigns in the state in support of AARP’s congressional agenda, as needed.
- Serves in consultation with State Director on national task forces and work groups, ensuring state relevance in the strategic planning and policy-making processes.
- Work in collaboration with the state office team on diverse outreach activities, events and projects to further the goals of the organization.
- Develops and makes presentations at workshops and conferences, as appropriate, and positions AARP as a locally relevant organization that fights for social change. Ensures AARP is seen as a visible force in community service and public policy development by educating staff, volunteers, members, influencers, government and elected officials, and the public.
- Enhances AARP’s reputation among non-traditional partners, including community leaders, businesses, educators, and policy makers. Initiates new relationships and sustains existing ones.
- In collaboration with state team, recruits, orients, trains, evaluates, and manages a diverse group of volunteers. Provides coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, and skill-building. Provides or arranges for training on substantive issues requiring in-depth expertise and knowledge.
- Demonstrates AARP values in all interactions.
- 5-7 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position.
- Demonstrated experience and understanding in the following areas is strongly preferred: the state’s political and community service environment (e.g., community service leaders, partners, organizations, critical state-wide community service needs, key local leaders, legislative leaders, municipal leaders, government officials, major stakeholders, etc.); state and local government relations and grassroots organizing/campaigns; state and local budget processes; nonpartisan voter engagement; data analytics and systems management; working in diverse teams made up of staff and volunteers; event management; multicultural outreach and engagement; social media and strategic communications.
- Spanish bilingual preferred.
- Travel required at least 25% of work time. Scheduling flexibility, including some nights and weekends, is required. Must register as a lobbyist in Connecticut.
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.