Assistant Director, Advocacy Engagement

Job Description

Full Job Description

Job Overview

The Assistant Director, Grassroots Advocacy is responsible for developing and implementing an organizational grassroots strategy and program to engage ASM members on public policy issues that affect the microbial sciences. This position supports the goals of the department and the mission of ASM. This position is responsible for supervising the Advocacy Specialist.

Accountabilities (are the critical activities and results the position is held accountable to produce)

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Program Management
  • Project Management
  • Communication
  • Member Engagement

Essential Functions (defines the critical end results expected of the jobholder related to the accountabilities above)

  • Leads and directs the development and implementation of an organization-wide multi-year grassroots advocacy strategy that advances ASM’s policy objectives and framework. This includes efforts to grow ASM’s cohort of engaged advocates by developing trainings, establishing an early career advocate program, and ensuring successful events such as an annual Capitol Hill Day.
  • Leads and directs development and expansion of online and offline advocacy capabilities to achieve a creative and innovative strategy that leverages ASM communications channels to engage member/advocates more effectively.
  • Evaluates advocacy efforts and effectiveness for reporting and adjustments in alignment with policy and organizational goals.
  • This position description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned.

Technical Competencies (are applied or practical knowledge and skills needed for effective technical performance)

  • Excellent implementation and project management skills
  • Ability to understand the function of the job within the overall strategic objectives of the department
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong understanding of organizational functions and ability to work across teams as needed to achieve departmental goals
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to think critically
  • Demonstrated ability to understand the impact of science policy issues on ASM members and the field in general
  • Use of professional judgment in high profile situations
  • Ability to work with required technology, software, or web-based platforms
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Behavioral Competencies (are observable behaviors and skills that matter most for success)

  • Instills Trust (Respect/Honor) – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
  • Communicates Effectively – Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
  • Drives Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
  • Optimizes Work Processes – Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement
  • Ensures Accountability – Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
  • Self-Development – Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels
  • Values Differences – Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
  • Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward
  • Courage - Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said
  • Ensures Accountability – Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
  • Build Effective Teams - Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals
  • Business Insight - Applying knowledge of the industry and the marketplace to advance the organization's mission

Supervisory Responsibility

  • All facets of this position are self-directed within the policies and procedures approved by ASM.
  • In partnership with the Chief Advocacy Officer (CAO), this position is responsible for departmental decision-making regarding personnel actions, the acquisition and utilization of resources, procedures, and control systems.
  • The incumbent is responsible for making hiring decisions, managing employee performance, coaching, mentoring, and providing approval for payroll and leave requests.
  • This position may be responsible for program or functional specific fiscal management and, in this capacity, may rule and advise on the allocation of expenditures.
  • This position supports the CAO in overseeing the development of budgets for all existing programs or functions and new proposals, and may provide signatory approval for expenditures, contracts, subcontracts, and service agreements.

Physical Demands
This is largely a sedentary role and may sit or use PC for long periods of time. Bending, reaching, or stooping may be necessary for use of filing cabinets or other office cabinets or office machines. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computer, phones, copiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Preferred

Team Player : Works well as a member of a group
Leader : Inspires teammates to follow them
Innovative : Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Functional Expert : Considered a thought leader on a subject
Enthusiastic : Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Detail Oriented : Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Dedicated : Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Preferred

Self-Starter : Inspired to perform without outside help
Goal Completion : Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
Flexibility : Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
Ability to Make an Impact : Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education

Required

Masters or better in Policy Studies or related field.

Experience

Required

Experience working within health or scientific disciplines, knowledge of the federal appropriations process, and time spent with a professional society or other non-profit organization are strong pluses
Familiarity/experience with federal science policy and/or the grassroots advocacy work of a non-profit or association
8 years: Policy or grassroots advocacy setting

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