Grassroots Manager, Texas

## The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization. Together with our charitable partner, the American Cancer Society, we work in Congress, state legislatures, and local jurisdictions to support evidence‑based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

The Grassroots Manager plans and executes a comprehensive grassroots advocacy program across an assigned geography. This includes attracting volunteers and developing, maintaining, and implementing a volunteer leadership program. The position is responsible for developing and implementing grassroots strategies and campaign plans for local, state, and federal legislative priorities, and facilitating the achievement of ACS CAN volunteer fundraising goals primarily through supporting volunteers in their fundraising. The position embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of the role, particularly through volunteer attraction, development, and engagement. The position models the organization’s values and cultural beliefs and complies with all relevant lobbying protocols for each state and executes all assigned administrative duties.

***This is a remote position that is preferred to be home‑based within the Central/South Texas area. Candidates can be located in commutable distance and must be able to regularly travel and work in the Austin and San Antonio communities. The role will have some limited travel to other parts of Texas to support volunteers and events, including at least bi‑annual travel to the Rio Grande Valley.***

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## ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

### Grassroots Strategy, Volunteer Attraction and Engagement, and Organizing (50%)

– **Develops grassroots strategies** — Develops and implements comprehensive local and state grassroots strategies and advocacy campaigns demonstrating volunteer constituent support for cancer‑related policy initiatives in conjunction with the state Government Relations Director.
– **Supports federal campaigns** — Supports federal campaigns and congressional champion building for the organization’s issues, working collaboratively to execute a grassroots strategy. Organizes volunteers to complete federal activities in collaboration with national teams.
– **Communicates strategically** — Communicates using tailored messages attuned to the rapid pace of legislative activities. Writes and disseminates emails to volunteers, legislative alerts, issue talking points, and training curriculum.
– **Plans lobby days** — Plans and manages Cancer Action lobby days or similar events, including virtual events, to drive engagement and policy wins.
– **Manages digital platforms** — Maintains ACS CAN web pages, Facebook pages, and other social media accounts according to organizational guidelines.
– **Identifies volunteer storytellers** — Identifies and develops volunteers with personal stories related to ACS CAN policy campaigns, engaging in story collection where applicable.
– **Manages volunteer structure** — Serves as staff manager of the volunteer structure, coordinating with leadership volunteers, filling vacancies, and ensuring sufficient capacity.
– **Implements Direct‑Action Organizing** — Implements fundamental principles of Direct‑Action Organizing to manage state legislative campaigns.
– **Coordinates campaigns** — Coordinates campaign activities with grassroots/patient coalition partners and regional/national ACS CAN teams.
– **Represents ACS CAN** — Accurately and effectively represents ACS CAN and its mission in a manner consistent with the organization’s brand.
– **Builds partnerships** — Establishes and maintains strategic collaborations and partnerships with other organizations.
– **Ensures compliance** — Ensures electoral activity through Cancer Votes adheres to all IRS and ACS CAN legal and reporting requirements.
– **Follows policies** — Follows all ACS CAN policies and guidelines.

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### Integration and Capacity Building (30%)

– **Attracts and trains volunteers** — Attracts, trains, and develops volunteers through internal and external channels, implementing development, communication, training, and recognition programs.
– **Strengthens grassroots capacity** — Strengthens grassroots capacity through ACS CAN’s volunteer structure, maintaining excellent relationships with grasstops and grassroots volunteers.
– **Facilitates advocacy** — Facilitates local, state, and federal grassroots advocacy by volunteers, including building and maintaining relationships with elected officials and staff.
– **Supports cross‑functional collaboration** — Supports collaboration with American Cancer Society regional staff, coalitions, and partners to align and amplify grassroots campaigns.
– **Conducts training** — Conducts training for volunteers and ACS staff, equipping them for interactions with elected officials.
– **Maintains databases** — Consistently inputs and maintains ACS CAN volunteer information in databases such as Salesforce.
– **Aligns campaigns** — Works closely with ACS regional staff, coalitions, and partners to align and amplify grassroots campaigns.

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### Volunteer Fundraising (20%)

– **Drives volunteer fundraising** — Drives volunteer fundraising in assigned state(s).
– **Encourages volunteer‑led fundraising** — Encourages volunteer‑led fundraising aligned with organizational guidelines, including volunteer‑led events and participation in Lights of Hope or other national programs.
– **Participates in fundraising** — Participates in ACS CAN fundraising activities toward organizational and personal goals.
– **Supports policy forums** — Supports policy forums or other fundraising events, if applicable.

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## EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of relevant work experience.

Political issues or campaign organizing experience strongly preferred.

Experience attracting, developing, and engaging volunteers preferred.

Fundraising experience is a plus.

Experience using Salesforce, Every Action, or similar tools is a plus.

Experience or familiarity with fundamentals of Direct‑Action Organizing is a plus.

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## KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY

Strong written, oral, interpersonal, computer, and social media skills required.

Highly organized orientation and time‑management skills required.

Proven ability to handle multiple projects, work independently with minimal direction, and work as a team member or leader.

Demonstrated ability to work on fast‑paced, time‑sensitive matters with internal and external constituents.

Ability to establish, hold meetings, and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal legislative officials.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and communities.

Ability to complete work in multiple venues and state political environments in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring accuracy.

Ability to utilize available technology to perform position responsibilities.

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## TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position may require travel up to 20%, including overnight and occasional weekend travel.

Travel will primarily be within assigned state(s) to support legislative campaigns, attend strategic meetings, and engage with stakeholders.

Occasional travel to national conferences or headquarters may also be required.

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## PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel by car, train, or plane as needed.

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## COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting rate is $64,000 to $70,000 annually. The final candidate’s relevant experience and skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non‑discriminatory factors including geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

ACS CAN provides staff a generous paid time‑off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits; wellness programs; and professional development programs. Further details can be found at jobs.cancer.org/benefits.

ACS CAN is a proud equal opportunity employer.

Apply here