Exercises a significant amount of autonomy and independent judgment. Must have an ability to analyze the political landscape and determine opportunities for success in advancing AARP’s strategic priorities. Requires significant consultation and collaboration with both in-state colleagues and colleagues in the AARP national office. 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 relationships with the state’s congressional delegations, state legislators, and the state administration and will be able to discuss strategies and recommend and initiate outreach activities in consultation with colleagues at the national office. Recommends advocacy priorities to management for inclusion in the state plan, for planning strategies and outreach in order to achieve advocacy priorities, for assisting in the development of the budget and monitoring its use, and for working with state AARP volunteers on legislative contact 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 national as well as community and state level.
- Provides leadership to staff and volunteers to develop a meaningful organization of involved and active volunteers that impacts public policy at the national as well as the community and state level. Recruits, orients trains, evaluates and manages volunteers. Provides coaching mentoring, technical assistance, and skill-building. Provides or arranges for training on substantive issues requiring in-depth expertise and knowledge.
- 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 Members of Congress and their district office staffs and with local and state officials including, state and local legislators, as necessary and maintains a noon-partisan stance with respect to candidates, incumbents, political parties and public events.
- Represents AARP before policy makers. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Models AARP’s organizational values.
- or a related discipline and 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., 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. Strong computer and social media skills necessary.
- *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.