Associate State Director-Advocacy

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, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.

AARP’s Community, State and National Affairs (CSN) Group includes Government Relations, Programs, Volunteer Engagement, Community Outreach and Advocacy at the federal, state and local levels. It delivers on AARP’s social mission by educating and engaging people 50-plus and their families, strengthening communities, and championing issues that help give people financial and health security.

The Associate State Director, 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 creative advocacy campaigns and to build constituent support for the organization’s legislative priorities. Develops and executes advocacy volunteer recruitment strategies and tactics, as well as training and mentoring of culturally diverse volunteers. Collaborates with management to identify opportunities to streamline processes and to develop new procedures that support the business unit/department.

This position requires a presence in the Topeka, Kansas geographical area.

• 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.

• Bachelor’s Degree required, along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in lobbying, coalition building, and relationship management, particularly at the state level with a focus on the Kansas legislature.
• Demonstrated ability in developing legislative policy and introducing new legislative bills.
• Experience in creating and developing testimony for legislative sessions.
• Strong commitment to nonpartisanship and experience in executing campaign tactics that align with AARP’s social mission.
• Skilled in recruiting, engaging, and managing volunteer activists, with a focus on empowering volunteers.
• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects or issues simultaneously.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% throughout the state with occasional overnight, evening, and weekend hours. Additional travel to regional and national meetings will be required. 
• Proficient in developing both short- and long-term strategies for success in legislative advocacy and grassroots campaigns.
• comfort in using Microsoft Office suite and internal reporting systems.

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

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 .

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work 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 and tuition reimbursement.

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.