Business Unit Description

As part of the Community, State and National Affairs (CSN) group, Government Affairs advances AARP's goals through legislative and regulatory advocacy with policymakers and elected officials at the federal, state and local levels, as well as judicial advocacy in the courts.
Summary

The Senior Legislative Representative advocates for policies that support Americans 50 and older to achieve their financial goals, especially as they relate to policies in the workplace, including paid sick and caregiving leave, job security, unemployment insurance and age discrimination. Supports AARP state offices in every state with issue leadership, coordination, technical resources, legislative drafting and analysis, drafting statements and testimony, and strategy development. Leverages Association relationships and directly lobbies Congress and the Executive Branch, and negotiates on behalf of AARP regarding the content of legislation and regulations. In all interactions, works collaboratively with colleagues across the Association, including in AARP state offices, national office leadership, communications, campaigns, and programs.
Responsibilities

1. Supports AARP state office advocacy and drives AARP federal advocacy on issues related to financial security, especially as it relates to workplace and labor issues such as paid leave, job security, age discrimination, and unemployment insurance.

2. Prepares written materials, legislation, testimony, legislative correspondence, regulatory comments, AARP-branded model legislation and amendments, fact sheets, and public statements to advance AARP policy goals.

3. Analyzes legislative and regulatory proposals and contributes to advocacy products such as legislative alerts, campaign collateral, and issue messages.

4. Works closely with AARP colleagues in States, Campaigns, Policy Development, Programs, Multicultural Leadership, and other CSN leaders to drive robust and proactive advocacy to protect the jobs and financial security of Americans 50 and older.

5. Develops, fosters, and leverages AARP's relationships with federal, state, and local policymakers in collaboration with, and in support of, state colleagues.

6. Serves as a spokesperson with local, state and national press and with legislative and non-legislative audiences on issues related to older adults in the workplace to position AARP as a credible source of information on legislative and regulatory issues.

7. Communicates regularly with Congressional staff and Members regarding AARP policy goals and strategizes and executes a successful lobbying plan to enact legislation to protect older workers.

8. Maintains and applies technical expertise that is widely recognized, including extensive knowledge of public policy issues, the legislative process, the status of older Americans, and the implications of AARP policies for older Americans. Maximizes all personal and professional relationships to be able to respond at any time, often on short notice, to legislative developments critical to achieving the Association's policy outcomes.

9. Develops, implements, and reassesses advocacy strategies to achieve Association objectives, while recognizing the diversity of our members and the importance of maintaining high membership satisfaction with AARP initiatives.

10. Builds and strengthens AARP's reputation and relationships with other key organizations and stakeholders and promotes AARP's public policy agenda to those audiences. Positions the Association as the primary source of knowledge and information on the issues related to older Americans in the workplace.

11. Reviews AARP communications, including litigation proposals, for accuracy and consistency with AARP policy.

12. Alerts AARP's leadership to emerging policy issues and questions that may affect or conflict with AARP's membership and/or business practices. Educates and motivates staff, volunteer leaders, and members regarding the Association's legislative priorities, legislative processes, and political environment.

13. Briefs and coaches AARP colleagues, volunteer leaders, including members of the Board of Directors, for testimony and participation in high-level national commissions and forums.

14. Identifying, supervising and working with consultants and issue experts to advance AARP's advocacy agenda.
Requirements

1. Completion of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Political Science, Public Policy, or Law and 8 years relevant and progressively responsible substantive legislative and regulatory experience in government, the private sector, or a non-profit organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of this position.

2. Extensive state-level advocacy expertise in state governmental agency, state legislative or state or intergovernmental advocacy organizations environment, and a proven passion and commitment to state advocacy.

3. Extensive issue expertise in labor, unemployment insurance, age discrimination, or other workplace issues.

4. Extensive experience in the preparation and presentation of policy positions (issues briefs, testimony, etc.) particularly involving workplace economic issues.

5. Ability to analyze legislation and regulations thoroughly and effectively and to apply research results to justify or support Association policies and positions.

6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, including building strategic and solid partnerships with colleagues in our state offices to advance AARP's state advocacy goals. Must have extensive issue knowledge of relevant advocacy issues and demonstrate same through strong written and verbal communications.

7. Demonstrated ability to adhere to specific guidelines for developing and implementing integrated issue campaigns to achieve organizational goals, emphasizing teamwork throughout.

8. Must be able to work in a rapidly changing environment, depending on prioritization of AARP issue campaigns, staffing assignments, and/or other resources.

9. Excellent analytical, interpersonal, presentation, and relationship development skills.
Benefits Offered

AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.

At AARP, the health and well-being of our candidates, employees, and members is a top priority. As a result of the COVID pandemic, all interviews will be held virtually and all non-essential employees will continue to work remotely until further notice. AARP has established social distancing policies to ensure the safety of our essential employees.
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.