Associate State Director, Advocacy

Responsibilities

Develops and implements advocacy strategies and campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels while collaborating with cross functional teams as well as internal and external partners to achieve the organization’s legislative goals. Represents the organization and its interests to federal, state, or local government agencies. Builds and maintains relationships with governmental representatives, with the goal of advancing and promoting the organization's goals. Develops and manages relationships with elected officials at all levels. Collaborates with internal/external partners on advocacy campaign communication strategy development. Utilizes direct action organizing tactics and implements grassroots advocacy tools to build constituent support for the organization’s legislative priorities. Identifies issues of public policy and organizational importance and implements strategies, such as drafting and distributing memos or releases, to generate government and public support. Advocates for organizational interests in front of legislative bodies. Analyzes legislation for alignment with organizational priorities. Monitors and comments on pending legislation that may impact organizational priorities. Serves as a deep subject-matter-expert on the state office’s advocacy issues. Uses data and input for diverse stakeholders. Produces written reports or convenes public meetings to disseminate findings, share best practices, and advance solutions through relevant communication channels. Recruits, trains, develops, and deploys volunteers in accordance with organizational goals. Aligns volunteers’ interests with organizational priorities. Supports volunteer needs and designs opportunities to maximize volunteer engagement. Ensures inclusion of volunteer perspectives in strategic planning. Qualifications Bachelor of Political Science Degree or related discipline. Minimum 5 years of experience lobbying on state advocacy issues or working in the legislature. Must be familiar with the Delaware legislative process. Proven ability to build relationships with legislators and staff members on both sides of the aisle. Ability to analyze legislation and draft issue briefs. Experience with community outreach and ability to connect with and engage volunteers in advocacy. Skilled in public speaking, giving presentations, and comfortable testifying in front of the legislature; ability to communicate complex policy issues effectively to the public. Experience building and connecting with coalitions. Experience recruiting and managing volunteers is preferred. Requires travel in and out of state 50% of the time. Additional Requirements Regular and reliable job attendance, Effective verbal and written communication skills. Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions. In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time. Hybrid Work Environment AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories. Compensation and Benefits AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition and tuition reimbursement. Equal Employment Opportunity 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.Develops and implements advocacy strategies and campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels while collaborating with cross functional teams as well as internal and external partners to achieve the organization’s legislative goals. Represents the organization and its interests to federal, state, or local government agencies. Builds and maintains relationships with governmental representatives, with the goal of advancing and promoting the organization's goals. Develops and manages relationships with elected officials at all levels. Collaborates with internal/external partners on advocacy campaign communication strategy development. Utilizes direct action organizing tactics and implements grassroots advocacy tools to build constituent support for the organization’s legislative priorities. Identifies issues of public policy and organizational importance and implements strategies, such as drafting and distributing memos or releases, to generate government and public support. Advocates for organizational interests in front of legislative bodies. Analyzes legislation for alignment with organizational priorities. Monitors and comments on pending legislation that may impact organizational priorities. Serves as a deep subject-matter-expert on the state office’s advocacy issues. Uses data and input for diverse stakeholders. Produces written reports or convenes public meetings to disseminate findings, share best practices, and advance solutions through relevant communication channels. Recruits, trains, develops, and deploys volunteers in accordance with organizational goals. Aligns volunteers’ interests with organizational priorities. Supports volunteer needs and designs opportunities to maximize volunteer engagement. Ensures inclusion of volunteer perspectives in strategic planning. Bachelor of Political Science Degree or related discipline. Minimum 5 years of experience lobbying on state advocacy issues or working in the legislature. Must be familiar with the Delaware legislative process. Proven ability to build relationships with legislators and staff members on both sides of the aisle. Ability to analyze legislation and draft issue briefs. Experience with community outreach and ability to connect with and engage volunteers in advocacy. Skilled in public speaking, giving presentations, and comfortable testifying in front of the legislature; ability to communicate complex policy issues effectively to the public. Experience building and connecting with coalitions. Experience recruiting and managing volunteers is preferred. Requires travel in and out of state 50% of the time. Additional Requirements Regular and reliable job attendance, Effective verbal and written communication skills. Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions. In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time. Hybrid Work Environment AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories. Compensation and Benefits AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition and tuition reimbursement. Equal Employment Opportunity 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.