The Alzheimer’s Association has been a catalyst for a generation of advancements in Alzheimer’s policy, research and care on behalf of an estimated 5.8 million people with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. Headquartered in Chicago, the Alzheimer’s Association is the leading advocate for Alzheimer policies that will improve the lives of these millions of Americans and their families.
To enhance and strengthen this work, the Alzheimer’s Association seeks a Senior Associate Director of Advocacy to lead the Association’s grassroots training program within the Public Policy Division’s Department of Advocacy. This person’s primary responsibility will be to increase the strength of the Association’s grassroots capabilities. To design and implement grassroots campaigns to complement and enhance the Association’s federal and state lobbying efforts.
This position will be based at the Association’s Public Policy office in Washington, D.C. and will report to the Senior Director of Advocacy.
- Designs and implements all training programs to assist both the Association chapter staff and grassroots leaders in volunteer management.
- Develops grassroots campaigns to advocate, executive and achieve public policy priorities and create opportunities for advocate engagement to advance the Association’s mission.
- Communicates advocacy initiatives to both internal and external audiences working in coordination with the Association’s Communications staff.
- Provides advocacy best practice guidance to the Association’s nationwide network of policy staff, as well as key stakeholder partners, and develops tools regarding effective advocate grassroots training to support the successful implementation of federal and state policy campaigns.
- Leads the Association’s premier federal and state grassroots programs - Alzheimer’s Ambassadors, Alzheimer’s Congressional Teams and State Champions.
- Leads Association advocate training programs for preparation and mobilization of volunteers to create positive engagement with members of Congress and state elected officials.
- Keeps abreast of and continuously integrates best grassroots practices from other national advocacy campaigns.
- Assists Association chapters in planning and implementing annual state advocacy days, including advocate training and mobilization.
- Provides expert planning and implementation in support of the Association’s annual Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C.
- Assists in the management and political activities of the Association’s 501(c)4 organization and advocacy arm, the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement.
- Minimum 7-10 years’ progressive professional experience in political, issue advocacy, or grassroots campaign-related work
- Successful experience in advocacy/community organizing/mobilization, and grassroots campaigns
- Detailed knowledge of state and federal government activities and structures
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with volunteers, staff, and the public as part of a team
- Experience in volunteer recruitment, management, and coalition building
- Strong work ethic, high integrity, and a value of advocate volunteers
- Adept at simultaneously managing multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time constraints
- Knowledge of voluntary health organizations or affiliate-based organizations a plus.
- Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, as required
- Ability and willingness to travel occasionally (up to 25%) by air and ground transportation, with some overnight travel