Grassroots Specialist

American Academy of Ophthalmology; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Academy of Ophthalmology seeks a Grassroots Specialist to strengthen federal advocacy efforts and mobilize the ophthalmic community around key priorities. You will work with the Director of Congressional Affairs to manage year-round advocacy, support member-lawmakers relationships, and plan high-impact events such as Congressional Advocacy Day and targeted fly-ins.

You will develop advocacy communications, analyze engagement trends, support coalitions, and connect members with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science or an equivalent field.
• 2–3 years of related experience in grassroots advocacy or government affairs.
• Knowledge of the legislative process, Capitol Hill, and grassroots advocacy strategies.
• Strong relationship-building, organizational, written communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with databases, grassroots software, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and online research.

Responsibilities

• Help strengthen federal advocacy efforts and mobilize the ophthalmic community around priorities.
• Manage year-round grassroots advocacy and support relationships between members and lawmakers.
• Help plan advocacy events, including Congressional Advocacy Day and fly-ins.
• Develop advocacy communications and analyze engagement trends.
• Support coalition building and connect members with policy opportunities.

Skills

Grassroots advocacy

Relationship-building

Organizational skills

Written communication

Creative problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science or an equivalent field

Tools

Database management

Grassroots software

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Online research

Job description

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is seeking a Grassroots Specialist to help strengthen the Academy's federal advocacy efforts and mobilize the ophthalmic community around key legislative and regulatory priorities. Working closely with the Director of Congressional Affairs, this role manages year-round grassroots advocacy, supports relationships between Academy members and lawmakers, and helps plan high-impact advocacy events, including Congressional Advocacy Day and other targeted fly-ins. The position also develops advocacy communications, analyzes engagement trends, supports coalition building, and helps connect members with meaningful opportunities to influence public policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science or an equivalent field.
• Two to three years of related experience in grassroots advocacy or government affairs, preferably on Capitol Hill or within an association or government relations environment.
• Knowledge of the legislative process, Capitol Hill, and grassroots advocacy strategies.
• Strong relationship-building, organizational, written communication, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Experience with database management, grassroots software, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and online research.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects, handle confidential information, and travel for the Academy's Annual Meeting and other meetings as needed.