Grassroots Specialist

About Us

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, dedicated to protecting sight and empowering lives by advancing the profession of ophthalmology. Through education, advocacy, and innovation, the Academy supports ophthalmologists worldwide in delivering the highest-quality eye care.
 
 Our Annual Meeting is one of the largest medical gatherings in the United States, bringing together thousands of physicians, researchers, and industry leaders from around the globe. At AAO, employees contribute to meaningful work that directly impacts physician education and patient outcomes worldwide.

Position Summary

The Grassroots Specialist works with the Director of Congressional Affairs to plan and implement the Academy's federal grassroots advocacy program in support of legislative and regulatory priorities. This role engages Academy members in year-round advocacy, strengthens relationships with lawmakers and partner organizations, develops grassroots campaigns and communications, and coordinates key advocacy events that help maintain a strong Academy presence on Capitol Hill.

Key Responsibilities

Congressional Advocacy & Member Engagement

• Manage the Academy's federal grassroots advocacy program and develop tools that help Congressional Advocates build relationships with federal and state lawmakers.
• Engage advocates in year-round advocacy, encourage participation in the Mid-Year Forum, and support involvement with OPHTHPAC.
• Provide one-on-one assistance to Congressional Advocates and help leverage member relationships in support of the Academy's legislative goals.
• Support recruitment and retention of Congressional Advocates in partnership with OPHTHPAC Committee members.
• Identify local advocacy opportunities, including in-district meetings, town halls, and fundraisers.
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Grassroots Campaigns & Program Operations

• Develop short- and long-range grassroots campaigns that advance the Academy's legislative and regulatory agendas.
• Create strategies and tools that engage members of the ophthalmic community in advocacy action.
• Identify and manage technology solutions that improve grassroots program efficiency and effectiveness.
• Analyze engagement trends and data, maintain grassroots databases and spreadsheets, and target member segments to increase response rates.
• Oversee planning, logistics, and execution for Congressional Advocacy Day and other targeted fly-in events.

Advocacy Meetings, PAC Support & Communications

• Support the Ophthalmic Leadership Advocacy Group annual meeting, including agenda development, speaker invitations, attendance outreach, meeting materials, facility coordination, and post-meeting evaluations.
• Work with the OPHTHPAC Manager, Committee members, and federal advocacy coordinators to support fundraisers, political events, committee meetings, retreats, and coordinated PAC and grassroots activities.
• Partner with the communications team to develop advocacy emails, action alerts, social media, videos, website content, and articles for Academy publications.
• Maintain advocacy web content, including the online action center and legislative resource pages.

Coalition Building & External Partnerships

• Cultivate relationships with health, disease, patient, consumer, pediatric, state, and specialty organizations that align with Academy priorities.
• Support state governmental affairs staff with grassroots campaigns and advocacy outreach.
• Identify opportunities for state and subspecialty ophthalmic societies to engage in federal advocacy.
• Identify potential coalitions, help incorporate Academy priorities into partner advocacy efforts, and attend outside meetings as appropriate.

Qualifications, Skills, and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in political science or an equivalent field.
• Two to three years of related experience in grassroots advocacy or government affairs; Capitol Hill or association/government relations experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of the legislative process, Capitol Hill, and grassroots advocacy.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, organizational, and project management skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong database-management skills and experience with grassroots software programs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create advocacy materials for multiple formats and audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects, use sound judgment, solve problems creatively, and handle confidential information.

Work Environment and Travel

This position is based in Washington, D.C. and follows a hybrid schedule with 3 days work time in the office.

Travel is required for the Academy's Annual Meeting and other meetings, totaling approximately 7-10 days annually.

Additional Requirements

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $102,824 annually

This position includes a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, HSA/FSA options, commuter benefits, life and disability insurance, employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and additional employee perks.