Grassroots Advocacy Manager

Grassroots Advocacy Manager
Job Description Title: Grassroots Advocacy Manager
Job Code: GAM
Reports To: Director, Congressional Affairs
Department: Advocacy
Division: Programs
Supervises: Not applicable

Position Summary
The Grassroots Advocacy Manager leads the planning and execution of the AAN’s grassroots and grasstops advocacy engagement efforts, driving member involvement and influencing policymakers. This role works closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure program success, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the AAN’s advocacy efforts.

Essential Accountabilities
Advocate Grassroots and Grasstops Engagement
Develop strategies in partnership with the Director, Congressional Affairs, for grassroots and grasstops engagement with policymakers.
Plan and execute established strategies for grassroots and grasstops engagement with policymakers.
Develop and present advocacy training and development content for members of the AAN’s grasstops network.
In coordination with members of the Advocacy team, manage grassroots content on the AAN’s advocacy platform.
In coordination with the Director, Congressional Affairs, create all external-facing content for grassroots advocacy.
Work with the Advocacy Engagement Subcommittee and provide input to continue the development of neurology advocacy leaders throughout the year and encourage continued involvement in AAN advocacy initiatives.
Advocacy Engagement Planning
In coordination with the Director, Congressional Affairs, develop external-facing content for policymakers.
Develop and implement all processes and programming to ensure the success and growth of the AAN’s fly-in events.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and advise on processes and curriculum for advocacy programs.
Identify and manage relationships with external consultants for all advocacy programming.
Responsible for budget preparation and tracking for associated projects, committees, and divisional categories.
Prepare business plans and actively seek funding to support advocacy activities where applicable.
Lead the onsite execution of fly-in events and assist in the onsite execution of advocacy leadership programs.
Collaboration and Advocacy
Work with the Director, Congressional Affairs, to ensure alignment of legislative strategy and grassroots goals.
Attend hearings, briefings, coalition meetings, and other congressional activities for assigned areas.
Represent the Academy in business meetings with members of Congress and congressional staff.
This job description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, activities, and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communications, Public Policy, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in advocacy program management.
Demonstrated ability to uphold the AAN’s values.
Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong organizational skills, including planning, delegating, and program development.
Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail.
Demonstrated advanced oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Relevant education and/or experience exceeding the required qualifications may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications
Association experience.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information.
Exhibits independent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to consistently provide exceptional customer service in person, by phone, and through written and electronic correspondence.
Additional Position Information
FLSA Classification: Exempt

Travel Requirements: Some travel required, up to 10%.

Location: Washington, DC. This position is designated as hybrid and requires working in the office while allowing remote work for part of the week.

Schedule: Occasional evening and weekend work required.

AI Utilization: The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) is assumed and expected to be conducted in a responsible, ethical, and transparent manner. Human judgment, critical thinking, and creativity remain essential to AAN’s operations and decision-making.

Physical Requirements: Standard office setting, with the ability to sit, stand, or utilize alternative seating arrangements for extended periods as needed. Occasional use of stairs or accessibility devices. Regular use of a computer and office equipment, with consideration for adaptive technologies as necessary. Lifting requirements of up to 10 lbs., with accommodations provided for individuals with varying physical capabilities.

The physical demands outlined above are essential to the successful performance of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to fulfill these essential functions.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a commitment of the AAN. The AAN is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

American Academy of Neurology
201 Chicago Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Learn more about the position here