Public Policy and Grassroots Advocacy Manager

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA); McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plan (403(b))

Paid holidays

PTO

Flexible schedule

Job summary

HLAA's Public Policy and Grassroots Advocacy Manager leads advocacy efforts to shape federal, state, and local policy affecting people with hearing loss. You will translate complex policy and tech issues into clear messages for lawmakers, regulators, and industry partners.

You will grow HLAA’s grassroots network, build strategic partnerships, coordinate with the Executive Director, and guide volunteer networks to advance accessibility legislation and hearing health policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field.
• 5-7 years of advocacy or public policy experience.
• Experience in consumer advocacy, disability rights, or public health preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with grassroots campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a network of volunteers.
• Represent HLAA to lawmakers, regulators, coalition partners, corporate partners, and HLAA members.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships to advance policy, legislative, and regulatory improvements.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on HLAA’s public policy agenda, including Medicare hearing aid coverage and accessibility legislation.
• Monitor federal proceedings and contribute to comments on agency proposals.
• Support state-level advocacy networks through training and HLAA-owned technology.
• Educate members of Congress and staff through meetings, written communications, and phone calls.
• Serve on federal advisory committees and coalitions.
• Partner with HLAA’s communications team to develop advocacy content.
• Respond to inquiries from public officials and media.
• Translate complex policy and technology issues into plain-language communications.

Skills

Strong communication

Public policy advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Grassroots organizing

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft 365

Social media management tools

Hearing assistive technology

Job description

About HLAA

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization representing people with hearing loss. HLAA opens the world of communication through information, education, support, and advocacy. With more than 50 million Americans living with hearing loss, HLAA works nationally and locally to promote hearing health and provide vital resources that help people with hearing loss and their families live better lives.

Job Purpose

Guide HLAA’s public policy and advocacy program and strengthen HLAA’s impact on federal, state, and local policy affecting people with hearing loss. Leverage HLAA’s reputation as the leading consumer voice to ensure the needs of people with hearing loss are reflected in legislation, regulations, and technology development.

Job Summary

Advocacy is central to HLAA’s mission. Public policy determines whether people with hearing loss have access to effective communication and affordable hearing health care. HLAA educates lawmakers, regulatory bodies, and industry partners about the needs of people with hearing loss and works with technology companies to ensure accessibility is built into product design. The Public Policy and Grassroots Advocacy Manager represents HLAA to key decision makers while expanding HLAA’s grassroots network and strengthening communication access programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a strong network of volunteers with deep personal connections to HLAA’s mission.
• Represent HLAA to lawmakers, regulatory bodies, coalition partners, corporate partners, and HLAA members.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships to advance policy, legislative, and regulatory improvements.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on strategic planning for HLAA’s public policy agenda, including legislation such as Medicare hearing aid coverage and the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act.
• Monitor federal proceedings and prepare or contribute to written comments on agency proposals, coordinating with coalition partners as needed.
• Support state-level advocacy networks (HLAA Chapters, State Organizations, individual members) through training and HLAA-owned technology.
• Educate members of Congress and staff through virtual and in-person meetings, written communications, and phone calls.
• Serve on selected federal advisory committees (FACA), industry advisory boards, and consumer coalitions.
• Partner with HLAA’s communications team to develop clear, empowering advocacy content.
• Respond to inquiries from public officials and media regarding HLAA’s advocacy efforts.
• Translate complex policy and technology issues into plain-language communications, including topics such as ADA communication access and hearing aid compatibility requirements.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Health Education, Government Relations, International Relations, Communications, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in advocacy or public policy at the federal and/or state level.
• Experience in consumer advocacy, disability rights, public health, or communication access preferred.
• Experience with grassroots education or advocacy campaigns.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain complex legislative and technological concepts in plain language.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of hearing loss and the impact of communication access barriers.
• Understanding of hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, captioning, speech-to-text apps, and related technologies.
• Strong written communication skills for consumer audiences, government officials, and federal agencies.
• Familiarity with social media and modern communication strategies.
• Ability to use CRM systems and apply data to inform advocacy actions.
• Ability to serve as a subject matter expert for staff, grassroots advocates, and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of federal disability law, including the ADA and accessibility provisions of the Communications Act.
• Experience communicating with Congressional policymakers and staff.
• Ability to use data to shape policy messages and initiatives.
• Experience in coalition-building and teamwork.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly in writing and presentations.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Integrity, credibility, and professionalism.
• Proactive, strategic thinker able to develop policy plans with the Executive Director.
• Experience in nonprofit environments.
• Ability to produce high-quality materials under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• Comfortable as a self-starter and team collaborator.
• Ability to facilitate group meetings, presentations, and webinars.

Technical Skills

• Microsoft 365
• Digital advocacy and Constituent Relationship Management tools
• Research skills
• Working knowledge of social media
• Experience with hearing assistive technology

Work Environment

Office environment with required travel to HLAA’s annual convention, local meetings, and other events as needed.

Employment Details

Type:Full-Time

Status:Exempt

Terms of Employment:At-will

Location:McLean, Virginia (Hybrid)

Benefits

Comprehensive package including employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance; disability insurance; TIAA 403(b) retirement plan; paid holidays; PTO; and flexible work schedule.

Equal Opportunity Statement

HLAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse staff. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. HLAA does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parenthood, or any other category protected by law.

Annual salary range: $70,000-$90,000K