The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Founded in 1980, the Association operates out of its main office in Watham, MA, with regional offices in Springfield, Worcester, and Raynham, MA, as well as Bedford, NH. The MA/NH Chapter is a founding chapter of the national Alzheimer’s Association.
Reporting to the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, the Advocacy Associate promotes the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association in MA and NH by helping to build and mobilize grassroots advocacy efforts, interacting with policy makers and coalitions, and communicating the Association’s issues and priorities in the community. These activities are dependent upon maintaining a keen understanding of the legislative priorities of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement ("AIM") while empowering and mobilizing volunteer advocates in the appropriate advancement of said priorities. Additionally, this role provides logistical support in the development and operation of the Chapter Public Policy ("AIM/Advocacy Committee"). This position works out of the main office in Waltham, MA and requires significant travel throughout the Chapter, as well as occasional availability during evenings and weekends.
- Manage the building and maintenance of the Federal Ambassador Program & Alzheimer’s Congressional Teams ("ACT") in Massachusetts, including:
- Appropriately and effectively conveying the legislative priorities of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement ("AIM") to volunteer advocates.
- Working with volunteers in overseeing logistics and preparation of ACT activities, including District Forum District Program ("DFD"), Coffee With Congress ("CWC"), and other events.
- Assisting in coordinating the implementation of the Annual Advocacy Forum activities, including:
- Overseeing activity logistics while working with the Public Policy Team on implementation.
- Aid in the implementation and execution of the Alzheimer’s Association and AIM’s state level policy mission, particularly in the organization of grassroots mobilization, for:
- State Advocacy Day
- State Legislative Breakfasts
- Provide logistical, technical, and administrative support to the Chapter Public Policy efforts, including:
- Implementing the Walk to End Alzheimer’s advocacy program
- Overseeing and maintaining the various reporting and tracking systems of the Public Policy Department (Federal Advocacy Database ("AART"), AIM State Level Reporting, AIM Lobbying Compliance)
- Researching relevant topics as required
- Three years’ experience working in an organizational setting supporting a senior professional
- At least two years’ experience working in public policy/political campaigns/public affairs/community organizing activities, preferably including working with volunteers
- Three years’ experience with Excel and PowerPoint applications
- Two to three years’ experience with relevant presentation software and technologies, as well as with social media and internet tools
Key Professional Attributes
- Proven ability to build effective relationship networks (inside and outside the Association, especially in political environments), including supporting others to work enthusiastically towards common objectives
- Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to plan, implement and assess a course of action and delivery of results
- Highly collaborative and team focused, as much of the delivery of results re-quires influencing others without "reporting -authority"
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, reflecting an understanding of the appropriate use of communication technologies and an appreciation that each audience requires its own approach
- Superior self-management skills, as independent initiative and ability to collaborate, are essential
- Appreciation of cultural and ethnic diversity, especially with respect to outreach to underserved communities