Overview 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. As Associate State Director, Advocacy & Community Engagement you will help us bring our mission to life in Topeka, KS and the surrounding region. In this role, you will be at the forefront of our local advocacy and community engagement efforts. Imagine yourself building relationships with community leaders, academic institutions, businesses, policymakers, and volunteers, all while championing initiatives that address critical issues. You’ll serve as a voice of AARP in the region, representing our interests to elected officials, government agencies, and partner organizations. In addition, you’ll become a community builder. You’ll lead the implementation of local, state, and national campaigns focused on the surrounding areas within the Topeka, KS region ensuring they resonate with the unique needs of the community. You’ll recruit, train, and empower volunteer teams, fostering a sense of purpose and collaboration to achieve ambitious goals. By establishing strategic partnerships and leveraging resources, you’ll amplify our impact and help create a stronger, more connected community. If you’re someone who thrives on building connections, leading impactful initiatives, and making a tangible difference, this role is for you. Responsibilities Identifies issues of public policy and organizational importance, and develops and implements advocacy strategies at the local, state, and federal levels, collaborating with cross-functional teams, as well as internal and external partners to achieve the organization’s legislative goals. 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. Works with staff, volunteers, members, and other cross-organization teams to achieve the organization’s community engagement goals at the state and local levels. Establishes a presence for the organization in targeted communities by engaging multicultural audiences, developing community partnerships, building volunteer capacity, and designing and executing engaging community programs and events. Represents the organization and its interests to federal, state, local government agencies and media outlets. 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. Establishes strategic community partnerships and leverages internal/external resources to raise the visibility of the organization within communities. Develops and communicates persuasive narratives aligned with the organization’s priorities to diverse audiences. Confidently represents the organization in public facing settings to the media, the public, and members. Serves as a subject-matter-expert on the state office’s advocacy issues, utilizing data and input from diverse stakeholders. Produces written reports and/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. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 5 years of related experience including lobbying, coalition and relationship building, and using grassroots techniques to influence legislation at the federal and state levels, preferably with the Kansas legislature. Commitment to nonpartisanship. Experience with developing and executing campaign tactics to promote issues related to AARP’s social mission. Experience with recruiting, training, engaging, and managing volunteer activists. Ability to lead and manage multiple issues and/or projects at the same time including developing both short- and long-term strategies and tactical plans to achieve success in both legislative advocacy and grassroots campaigns. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written. Must be comfortable using data, data analytics, electronic systems, and all facets of technology, whether existing or emergent. Work is remote, but the person must reside within the Topeka, Kansas area. Ability to travel up to 50%. Night and weekend hours as required to meet state office needs. Preferred: Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) 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. Home office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate home environment noise. 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.