Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

The Associate State Director of Advocacy develops and implements federal, state, and local-level advocacy goals and objectives within business unit plans and the overall enterprise strategy. Executes state, federal, and local advocacy activities and represents the organization and its interests to elected officials and public policy leaders. Partners with internal and external partners to develop and execute advocacy campaigns and to build constituent support for the organization's legislative priorities. Develops and executes advocacy volunteer recruitment strategies and tactics. Collaborates with management to identify opportunities to streamline processes and to develop new procedures that support the business unit/department

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's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, and/or Non-Profit Management, Marketing and Public Relations, or a related discipline and a minimum of 5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position.
• Strong understanding of the Tennessee General Assembly.
• Understanding of community organizing, communications, legislative advocacy, marketing and public relations.
• Social media and writing skills and the ability to tell a cohesive story with the support of AARP Tennessee's Communications Team, through visual elements and familiarity with new media platforms.
• Must be comfortable with (and using) data, data analytics, electronic systems and all facets of technology, whether existing or emergent.

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

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting 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; tuition reimbursement; among others.

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.