POSITION SUMMARYThe Manager, Advocacy Network will lead the coordination and expansion of ASH's national Advocacy Network focused on strengthening relationships with Congress and advancing ASH's strategic public policy priorities on Capitol Hill and in congressional districts. This role is responsible for cultivating and mobilizing advocates, deepening engagement in key target districts and states, and building durable relationships between advocates and Members of Congress, congressional staff, and coalition partners. This role will focus on advocacy to advance ASH's policy priorities (research, funding, access to care, sickle cell disease, and physician payment issues), with immediate focus on ASH's Fight4Hematology initiative, which includes protecting funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and access to care under Medicaid.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Advocacy Network Development & ExpansionRecruit, expand, and retain a diverse and active network of advocates across priority congressional districts and states.
- Develop strategies to grow the advocacy footprint and increase engagement among hematology researchers and clinicians.
- Identify and cultivate advocates in strategic target areas to support federal advocacy priorities by leveraging ASH's governance structure and participants from ASH programs.
- Build tracking system for advocate onboarding (training), engagement, retention, and development of leaders in advocacy.
- Manage contract with digital advocacy platform.
- Maintain Advocacy Network membership list.
Advocate Engagement & Leadership Development - Train and empower advocates to effectively engage with Members of Congress and congressional staff.
- Develop advocacy tools, educational materials, action alerts, and engagement opportunities that support coordinated efforts, and ensure that all advocacy materials are up-to-date in ASH online advocacy center.
- Create leadership pathways for highly engaged advocates to serve as regional leaders, spokespersons, and peer mentors.
- Oversee and advise on congressional meetings and outreach.
Congressional Relationship Building- Develop and strengthen relationships between advocates and federal policymakers to support long-term congressional engagement.
- Collaborate closely with government affairs staff to align advocacy strategies with legislative and policy priorities.
Strategic Coordination & Communications- Ensure advocates receive timely, accurate, and actionable communications related to advocacy priorities.
- Coordinate closely with internal teams, ASH's policy consultants, coalition partners, and external stakeholders to maintain unified messaging.
- Develop an understanding of relevant ASH policy priorities in order to communicate effective advocacy messages with ASH advocates.
- Track and report on advocacy engagement metrics, advocate participation, and relationship-building outcomes.
- Contribute to strategic planning efforts focused on expanding advocacy influence and strengthening congressional support.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL REQUIRED - Bachelor's degree and professional experience in public policy, political science, communications, nonprofit management, or related field.
- 5 years of experience with advocacy networks and government relations.
- Demonstrated experience building and mobilizing advocacy networks.
- Strong understanding of the federal legislative process and Capitol Hill engagement.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Experience with advocacy platforms and engagement tools preferred.
- Experience with public health and research issues preferred.
- Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project management skills.
- Highly collaborative and mission driven.
- Comfortable engaging with advocates, policymakers, and senior stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced advocacy environment.
- Passion for civic engagement, public policy, and organizing networks.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple and competing priorities simultaneously.
PHYSICAL REQUREMENTS - Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to use computers, telephones, and other office equipment.
- Requires some periodic travel for advocacy events, conferences and congressional meetings.
