Works with staff, volunteers, members, chapters, and other AARP divisions to create positive social change and deliver value to AARP members. Develops and provides strategic leadership for AARP local, state and federal advocacy activities in the state. Builds and fosters appropriate relationships with elected officials at all levels (local, state, federal). Implements national AARP advocacy efforts and campaigns in the state. Works with staff and volunteers to prioritize local, state and federal advocacy activity in alignment with state plan and national dashboard. Engages staff and volunteers in key relationship building, grassroots activities and related outreach activities. Recruits, develops, engages and leads the advocacy volunteers, providing training resources and support as needed. Works in close collaboration with the communications, outreach and volunteer engagement staff and volunteers for maximum integration and effectiveness.
- 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 priorities that are consistent with national policy standards and mandates. Assists management in the development of strategic plans and campaigns, including grassroots outreach strategies. Helps to organize and maintain effective statewide coalitions and partnerships dealing with strategic issues.
- Plans and executes integrated advocacy and community outreach 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.
- Recruits, trains, evaluates, and manages volunteers and builds a volunteer network to develop a meaningful organization of involved and active volunteers that impacts public policy at the community, state and national level. Provides volunteers with coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, and skill-building. Provides or arranges for training on substantive issues requiring in-depth expertise and knowledge.
- 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. Represents AARP in public communications primarily through digital media, as well as traditional media, as necessary.
- 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 officials across Tennessee, including Members of Congress, state legislators, and local officials 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.
- 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. 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.
- Demonstrates AARP values and Leadership Behaviors in all interactions.
- 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.
- Statewide travel required up to 25% 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.