We're Hiring! Director of Advocacy

About AARP Montana:

From Sidney to Superior, AARP Montana has a local presence in communities across Big Sky Country. Whether through Driver Safety, Tax-Aide or community groups, AARP members, staff & volunteers are helping Montana’s 50-plus live their best lives. We’re working hard to help Montanans save for retirement, support the growing numbers of family caregivers and protect everyone from fraud.

As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political action committees, campaigns or candidates.

Current Position Available:

Director of Advocacy

Based in Helena, Montana the Director of Advocacy leads work on federal, state and local advocacy issues that impact Montanans 50 and older.  This position plans and executes advocacy and outreach campaigns that may include grassroots/grasstops mobilization, direct lobbying, policy expertise, and knowledge of government affairs in support of AARP’s priorities. It also recruits, trains, and manages advocacy volunteers.

Position Summary:

Responsible for budget oversight for assigned issue campaigns.  Provides direction and leadership to colleagues throughout the state office on federal advocacy and legislation.  Is one of the lead staff persons regarding legislative issues and in organizing, planning, and executing issue campaigns and engages in extensive collaboration with staff colleagues and interaction with volunteers, members, legislators and their staffs, state agencies, and the media.

 Responsibilities:

1. Serves as a member of the state team and works with other state staff and key and lead volunteers in the development of state legislative priorities that are consistent with AARP policy priorities and standards. Assists management in the development of strategic plans and campaigns, including grassroots outreach strategies. Helps to organize and maintain effective statewide coalitions and partnerships dealing with strategic issues.

2. Plans and executes integrated advocacy and community outreach campaigns that include grassroots and key contacts mobilization, direct lobbying, community resources and organization, policy expertise, and political knowledge in support of AARP legislative goals at the community, state and national levels.

3. Recruits, trains, evaluates, and manages advocacy volunteers and builds a volunteer network to develop a meaningful organization of involved and active volunteers that impacts public policy at the community, state and national level. Provides volunteers with coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, and skill-building. Provides or arranges for training on substantive issues requiring in-depth expertise and knowledge.

4. Builds and maintains strong grassroots and key contacts organization and leadership for the purpose of impacting public officials on behalf of AARP’s policy goals and objectives.

5. Builds and maintains strong, productive relationships with officials across Montana, including Members of Congress, state legislators, and local officials as necessary and maintains a strong non-partisan stance with respect to candidates, incumbents, political parties and public events.

6. Represents AARP before policy makers and those who promulgate rules and regulations in the state. Focuses on active engagement and involvement of volunteers and members who are impacted by the issue at hand.

7. In coordination with state Communications staff, informs members and the public on issues of concern to AARP, including voter education and advocacy regarding both state and federal legislative issues. Represents AARP in public communications primarily through digital media, as well as traditional media, as necessary.

8. Works in collaboration with state and national office colleagues to promote AARP’s strategic issues, priorities, programs, and activities.

9. Makes presentations at workshops and conferences, as appropriate. Ensures AARP is seen as a visible force in community service and public policy development by educating staff, volunteers, members, government and elected officials, and the public including the private sector.

10. Expands awareness of AARP and our priorities among community and public policy leaders. Identifies and positions AARP as a critical voice for age-eligible individuals, but also demonstrates relevance to all generations (i.e., decisions being made today can often most affect those 49 or younger).

11. Enhances AARP’s reputation among non-traditional partners, including community leaders, businesses, educators, and policy makers. Initiates new relationships and sustains existing ones.

12. Monitors, compiles, and tracks the positions of allies and opponents through research and outreach.

13. Demonstrates AARP values and Leadership Behaviors in all interactions.

Requirements:

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy Administration, Law, Business, Social or human sciences, or a related discipline and 5 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position.  Demonstrates a strong understanding of the state’s political and community service environment (e.g., community service leaders, partners, organizations, critical state-wide community service needs, legislative leaders, government officials, major stakeholders, etc.).  Previous grassroots organizing and/or government relations experience strongly encouraged.

Local travel required up to 50% of work.

Please submit applications by March 28, 2018.

Business Unit Description:

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

State & Community Engagement (SCE) is part of Community, State and National Affairs (CSN). The SCE team includes: 53 states and territories across 6 regions with regional management, the Office of Volunteer Engagement, the Office of Community Engagement (including the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA): AARP’s Educator Community), and the Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE).

SCE Vision:

-State & Community Engagement (SCE) enables AARP to be a nationwide organization, which strengthens our capacity to carry out our mission.

-SCE brings AARP closer to our members, people 50+, and their families, which allows us to listen - and respond - to their wants and needs that align with our mission.

-We drive an impact agenda, deepen relationships with key audiences & stakeholders, and build AARP's relevance at the community and state levels.

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.

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.

To Apply:

To learn more or to apply online please visit us at www.aarpjobs.com and search for job ID 12459444.