Vision Plan and State Advocacy Manager

The American Optometric Association; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Optometric Association in Old Alexandria, VA seeks a Vision Plan & State Advocacy Manager. This full-time role offers remote-to-hybrid work, with three days in the office once the new location opens late 2026/early 2027.

You will analyze legislation, coordinate with SGRC, TPC, and other stakeholders to advance payer-related policies affecting eye health. Ideal candidates have a political science degree and at least five years in advocacy, excellent MS Office skills, and the ability

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of political, campaign, grassroots, state legislative, or advocacy experience.
• Experience presenting to diverse audiences and communicating with decision-makers.
• Proficiency in MS Office 365.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains relationships with state associations staff, volunteers, and lobbyists to support advocacy priorities.
• Monitors and analyzes legislation/regulations related to vision plans and payer issues and coordinates actions.
• Serves as a primary resource to members and state affiliates on vision plan and payer questions.
• Creates advocacy resources like white papers and talking points for legislators and volunteers.
• Leads implementation of advocacy projects coordinating with SGRC, TPC, and other staff.
• Provides on-site support for meetings and events as needed.
• Collaborates to improve team efficiency, outreach, and innovation.

Skills

Public advocacy experience

Stakeholder engagement

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science or related field

Job description

Do you have experience in Public Advocacy?

We are currently in search of a Vision Plan & State Advocacy Manager for an Association located in Old Alexandria, VA. This is a Full-Time, Fully Remote/Hybrid, Direct-Hire opportunity.

POSITION TITLE: Vision Plan & State Advocacy Manager

LOCATION: Old Alexandria, VA (office will open in late 2026, early 2027)

SCHEDULE: Fully Remote to start while they close a new lease on their new location; then becomes Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

DURATION: Direct-Hire

SALARY: $95,000-110,000/yr. plus excellent benefits

Is This Your Dream Job: The Vision Plan & State Advocacy Manager researches and analyzes legislative updates and supports legislative implementation of payer-related law and regulation. Working collaboratively with the State Government Relations Center (SGRC), Third Party Center (TPC), Chief Strategy Officer, and other internal and external stakeholders, the Vision Plan & State Advocacy Manager executes activities, projects, and programs that support the Association's broader vision plan advocacy strategy and efforts to address eye health and vision care delivery challenges.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science or related field highly preferred
• 5+ years of political, campaign, grassroots, state legislative, or advocacy experience required
• Experience working with key decision-makers and presenting to diverse audiences is also required
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 required
• This position requires travel to approximately four to five meetings per year, or as needed

How You Will Spend Your Day:

• Develops and maintains relationships with state association(s) staff, volunteers, and lobbyists, serving as a resource and partner on vision plan and payer-related issues and supporting state advocacy efforts consistent with the Association's priorities
• Monitors and analyzes legislative and regulatory developments related to vision plans and payer issues, assesses potential impact, recommends actions, and coordinates timely communication and implementation efforts with the Association's staff, state affiliates, and other stakeholders, collaborating with the Association's communications and marketing staff as needed
• Serves as a primary resource to members and state affiliates regarding vision plan and payer-related issues, researching and analyzing inquiries and coordinating with appropriate staff to provide accurate information, resources, and support
• Develops and coordinates advocacy resources, including white papers, talking points, and other supplemental materials tosupport state associations, legislators, and other key volunteers on payer legislative priorities
• Leads the implementation of activities, projects, and programs that support the Association's broader vision plan advocacy strategy, coordinating with the Chief Strategy Officer, SGRC, TPC, and other AOA staff to advance established priorities and recommending adjustments based on emerging needs and developments
• Provides professional support to the SGRC and TPC committees, members, and state affiliates by responding to requests for information and supporting meetings, events, and other related activities, including on-site support as needed
• Collaborates with SGRC, TPC, and other AOA staff to develop and recommend strategies and implement changes within the department to increase team efficiency, outreach, and innovation

COMPETENCIES

• Project Management - Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget; manages project team activities
• Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods
• Technical Aptitude - Ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information specific to program or activity
• Self-Direction - Ability to work independently, possessing a high degree of accountability
• Teamwork - Accountable to team, works to meet established deliverables, appreciates the views of team members, respectful
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans

Is this position not a great fit?

For more information about Careers in Nonprofits and our other available opportunities and workshops, please visit our website at www.careersinnonprofits.com.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regretfully can only respond to those candidates who best meet the requirements of a specific position or whose backgrounds are generally applicable to our client base. Please rest assured that we retain all candidate information for possible future matches, even if you do not hear from us in regard to your application in response to this ad.