The American Heart Association (AHA) has an excellent opportunity for a Grassroots Manager in our Central Region . Location of the selected candidate is flexible within the region ( DE, IA, IL, IN, KY, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, PA, SD, WI, WV ) provided the location allows for effective and cost-efficient travel.
The Grassroots Manager is responsible for recruiting, mobilizing, retaining and recognizing volunteer advocates for the ‘You’re the Cure’ network in the assigned region. You will be responsible for identifying and executing influential grassroots strategies and tactics to advance the Association’s public policy priorities at the federal, state and community level. Additional responsibilities include contributing to issue advocacy campaign plans and ensuring effective volunteer engagement through regular communication, advocate training, as well as online and offline calls to action.
- Develops and implements a strategic plan around the recruitment, mobilization and retention of You’re the Cure members for assigned region.
- Maintains regular communication with You’re the Cure advocates in assigned region to keep them engaged and active throughout the year- including alerts, newsletters, email updates, social media messaging, etc.
- Activates and engages You’re the Cure advocates in offline tactics as appropriate to impact public policy campaigns. Examples include rallies, spokesperson opportunities, phone call campaigns, events, etc.
- Writes and launches action alerts to mobilize volunteers to send communications to lawmakers, regulators and industry leaders.
- Identifies opportunities for the recruitment of grassroots networkers and key contact volunteers through AHA-related activities and other community events or resources.
- Plans and implements grassroots training for AHA volunteers and staff as needed to educate on AHA mission and priorities and how they can make an impact through advocacy.
- Regularly evaluates You’re the Cure program metrics, including but not limited to: tracking performance of communications and analyzing network trends through web-based action and reporting systems.
- Fosters integration opportunities with AHA staff partners to further grow the You’re the Cure network and provide meaningful volunteer engagement opportunities through advocacy.
- Supports federal, state or local lobby day or public awareness events within assigned region designed to promote the AHA/ASA’s advocacy agenda. Oversees in-district meeting efforts.
- Provides strategic guidance, technical assistance and on-going support to metro-level Board, staff and volunteers as they pursue opportunities to advance the Association’s public policy priorities at the community level. Ensures the recruitment and integration of these local volunteer efforts within You’re the Cure and ensures that local grassroots activities adhere to applicable AHA policies and activity reporting requirements.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in community organizing and mobilization, volunteer management, public policy, public health, government relations, or political and/or issue campaigns.
- Ability to recruit, direct, coach, monitor, and supervise volunteers
- Working knowledge of grassroots advocacy principles
- Ability to implement programs and initiatives by engaging all key partners and constituents.
- Exceptional oral and written communications skills.
- Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time constraints.
- Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision; self-starter.
- Must be able to travel overnight approx. 10% of the time.
Here are some of the preferred skills we are looking for:
- Experience with supporting integrated campaign strategies- media advocacy, grassroots mobilization, coalition-building and lobbying- to advance public policy goals.
- Basic understanding and skills to support social media outreach.
- Use and management of web-based grassroots action sites for creating campaigns, sending alerts and managing volunteer and legislator information.
- Knowledge of capacity building in the community.
- Knowledge of the legislative process at the federal, state and local level.