Senior Director, Advocacy and Outreach

We believe every person deserves to age well. That’s why we’re on a path to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Come join an awesome team and learn about the work we do, the people we serve, and why equitable aging matters now more than ever. At NCOA, we represent the interests of the aging population across the nation, while striving to live out our core values of equity, excellence, and innovation. This is meaningful work where we put “people first” and our employees can learn and grow, where work/life balance is prioritized, and have a flexible hybrid work schedule while being part of a dynamic, collaborative team.

We are interested in growing our team with passionate, committed, and innovative individuals. The Senior Director, Advocacy and Outreach will join NCOA at a time of dynamic growth.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Chief Development & Marketing Officer, the Senior Director, Advocacy and Outreach develops advocacy strategy for NCOA on behalf of older adults and those who serve them on issues including, but not limited to federal appropriations, Older Americans Act, older workers, civic engagement, healthcare, economic security, and other community services. Responsibilities also include coordinating with the policy development and integration team. This position requires an energetic, flexible, analytical team player with excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills.

Positions at this level typically report to the Chief and require advanced knowledge and experience as well as strong management capabilities. Incumbents are required to exercise latitude and independent judgement within their scope of work and require minimal oversight. Incumbents generally have eight or more years of experience in their discipline and a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent, as well as substantive experience at this level.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively work to strengthen and grow our presence on Capitol Hill with policymakers and other key stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a legislative and federal agency outreach and engagement strategy in support of NCOA public policy priorities.
• Collaborate with NCOA partners and various other organizations, coalitions, and networks on NCOA advocacy priorities.
• Work with the Policy Development & Integration and Marketing/Communications team to develop and implement strategies for increasing NCOA’s capacity for advocacy; collaborate with impact area leaders to assist in securing additional resources.
• Prepare documents and make presentations for various audiences in support of NCOA advocacy goals.
• Lead and coordinate advocacy for annual appropriations for federal programs for older adults.
• Lead and coordinate advocacy for federal authorizing legislation and regulatory activity related to services for older adults.
• Develop the strategy to organize grassroots activity to support federal advocacy goals.
• Co-manage video advocacy campaigns, directing advocacy strategies activities.
• Track and disseminate advocacy updates and opportunities. Collaborate with the Marcom team to prepare action alerts and weekly news items and contribute to the content of the advocacy area of NCOA’s web site.
• Participate in national coalitions which advocate for policies affecting vulnerable adults and assume leadership roles when applicable.
• Work closely with the team on division communications, meetings, and projects.
• Participate in various team projects such as helping with annual conference advocacy activities.
• Direct and manage a team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with a preference for a master’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of ten years of government relations or Capitol Hill experience, preferably working within policy areas that align with NCOA’s strategic priorities, populations served, and program areas.
• Substantive and significant public policy and grassroots engagement experience.
• Knowledge of the federal legislative and budget appropriations process.
• Experience with building an organization’s advocacy capacity.
• Experience convening and leveraging national coalitions.
• Expert oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills to communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders, including being politically and strategically astute in dealing with Congress and the Administration.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy in reporting legislative details and updates to networks.
• Strong computer technology skills for research and communications.
• Willingness to be flexible as new issues and tasks arise.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities while still meeting deadlines.
• Staff management experience.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequently required to sit or use a standing desk.
• Frequently required to walk.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to talk or listen.
• Occasionally required to bend, lift, or climb stairs.
• Occasionally required to lift light weights (less than 25 pounds).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selected candidate must reside in the Washington, DC – Maryland – Virginia (DMV) area within 30 calendar days of their start date.

We only accept applications that follow the electronic process. No phone calls please. This position is subject to background screening. Qualified applicants submit a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to: PN-111 Senior Director, Advocacy and Outreach to:

https://www.ncoa.org/page/careers

NCOA offers generous benefits including:

• medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD insurances
• paid vacation, sick, and other types of leave
• 403(b) retirement plan
• hybrid remote work options
• and more!

NCOA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion.