Advocacy Director

UsAgainstAlzheimer's; Washington (District of Columbia, MD); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 vacation days (first year)

12 paid holidays

Sick leave

401k with 5% employer match

Medical plans

Job summary

UsAgainstAlzheimer's in Washington, DC is seeking an Advocacy Director to lead the organization's federal policy agenda, build coalitions with allied groups, and mobilize a nationwide grassroots network. This role centers health equity and requires hands-on advocacy, collaboration with Communications, program staff, and coalition partners, reporting to the Chief Advocacy Officer.

The position oversees day-to-day advocacy campaigns, tracks legislation and appropriations, and represents

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6-8 years of experience in healthcare policy, government relations, and/or advocacy.
• At least 3 years of experience managing staff or consultants, with a track record of leading results‑oriented advocacy campaigns.
• Demonstrated experience in coalition‑building and grassroots advocacy.
• Demonstrated track record of work in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory process; experience on Capitol Hill or at a health advocacy organization a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute the organization’s federal policy agenda, translating priorities into campaign plans, timelines and measurable goals.
• Develop and manage grassroots campaigns that activate supporters nationwide, including through coalition partners.
• Build and maintain relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, executive branch officials, and key agencies.
• Identify and cultivate coalition partners and coordinate allied organizations toward shared policy goals.
• Collaborate with outside legislative and policy consultants while contributing as a hands-on contributor.
• Track and analyze legislation, regulations, and appropriations affecting Alzheimer’s and dementia; prepare policy memos and advocate materials.
• Coordinate with Communications to align messaging and draft advocacy-related posts; leverage programs and Board members to advance policy goals.
• Monitor and report on campaign progress; develop understanding of the biology and social science of Alzheimer’s.

Skills

Advocacy strategy

Coalition building

Grassroots campaigns

Policy communication

Project management

Staff management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

About UsAgainstAlzheimer's and UsAgainstAlzheimer's Action

UsAgainstAlzheimer's, a 501(c)(3) organization, and its sister 501(c)(4) organization UsAgainstAlzheimer's Action, are engaged in a relentless pursuit to end Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading killer in America. Our work centers on prevention and risk reduction, early detection and diagnosis, and access to treatments regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. To achieve our mission, we give voice to patients and caregivers while partnering with government, scientists, the private sector, and allied organizations—the people who put the "Us" in UsAgainstAlzheimer's.

About the Role of the Advocacy Director

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic and collaborative individual in the Washington, D.C., area dedicated to advancing policies that will help end Alzheimer’s and ensure equitable access to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. As the Advocacy Director, you will play a pivotal role in carrying out the organization’s federal policy agenda, strengthening coalitions with allied organizations, and activating grassroots supporters nationwide. Because Alzheimer’s disproportionately affects women, Black, and Latino Americans, our advocacy centers health equity. You will oversee day-to-day advocacy campaigns, including legislative outreach, coalition engagement, and grassroots mobilization, and work closely with the Communications team, program staff, and coalition partners. You will also have responsibilities for United for Cures, a coalition dedicated to protecting life-saving biomedical research, which is administered by UsAgainstAlzheimer's. This position reports to the Chief Advocacy Officer.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute the organization’s federal policy agenda, working with the Chief Advocacy Officer to translate strategic priorities into campaign plans, timelines, and measurable goals.
• Develop and manage grassroots campaigns, including e-advocacy alerts, that activate supporters nationwide, including through coalition partners representing women and minoritized communities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, executive branch officials, and key agencies, and represent UsAgainstAlzheimer's in policy meetings and briefings.
• Identify and cultivate coalition partners, find common ground, and coordinate allied organizations toward shared policy goals.
• Work with outside legislative and policy consultants while also contributing directly as a hands-on individual contributor.
• Track and analyze legislation, regulations, and appropriations affecting Alzheimer’s and dementia, and prepare policy memos, comment letters, fact sheets, and advocate materials.
• Work closely with the Communications team to align messaging and narrative, draft advocacy-related social media posts, and leverage UsAgainstAlzheimer's programs, partners, and Board members to advance policy goals.
• Monitor and report on campaign progress, and develop a working understanding of the biological and social science surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Qualifications

• Location: The Washington, D.C., metro area
• Education: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6-8 years of experience in healthcare policy, government relations, and/or advocacy
• At least 3 years of experience managing staff or consultants, with a track record of leading results‑oriented advocacy campaigns
• Demonstrated experience in coalition‑building and grassroots advocacy
• Demonstrated track record of work in diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strong knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory process; experience on Capitol Hill or at a health advocacy organization a plus

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and productively with policymakers and leaders across the political spectrum
• Ability to convene groups and individuals of diverse backgrounds and align them toward a common goal
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including translating complex policy into clear, compelling materials for diverse audiences
• Strong project management skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• Drive, energy, and a sense of urgency, along with the ability to engender teamwork and respect from coworkers and partners
• Passion for the mission of UsAgainstAlzheimer's and willingness to respond to timely issues outside normal work hours

Location and Compensation

This is a full-time, salaried position based in the Washington, D.C., area. The UsAgainstAlzheimer's team currently works remotely, but this position requires regular availability for in-person meetings in Washington, D.C., and occasional travel. The starting annual salary for this position is within the range of $125,000 to $140,000. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including the candidate's qualifications, specific skills, and experience. In addition, the benefits package includes 15 vacation days the first year (with subsequent increases), 12 paid holidays, sick leave, a 401k retirement plan with 5% employer match, and a choice of medical plans covering all or a portion of health, vision, and dental insurance.

UsAgainstAlzheimer's promotes a culture of inclusion and seeks talented staff from diverse backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected factor.