Voter Education Initiative Manager

~ Research!America is committed to advancing human health by making biomedical and health research a higher national priority. ~

We advocate for a federal policy climate that helps empower our nation's biomedical and health research sectors as they work to accelerate medical progress.

Position Overview

Research!America has an opening for temporary (10 month) full-time position in our Alexandria, Virginia office. The Ask Your Candidates! manager will assist the organization in advancing its mission and objectives through implementation and management of the annual voter education initiative.

The initiatives objectives include educating candidates about the importance of maximizing federal support for research, both financially and in terms of policies that promote, rather than impede, research and innovation; Educating voters about their candidates' views on medical and health research, as well as their position on sequestration; Optimizing opportunities for candidates to talk about research in a safe environment; keeping in mind candidates' wariness of going on record; and elevating research in the national conversation.

Responsibilities

Implementation of national voter education initiative

• Under the supervision of the Manager of Policy and Advocacy and in partnership with R!A staff, implement a two-pronged national campaign, involving national outreach and grassroots events in key congressional districts, to engage and educate voters on medical research, and to solicit position statements from candidates indicating whether and how they would advance medical research and innovation should they be elected into office. Serve as key point of contact for organizations partnering with Research!America, as well as all Research!America members on topics related to the campaign.
• Participate in the development of messaging and outreach strategies aimed at involving advocates in urging their policymakers to make statements about the priority of advancing medical research, and in encouraging candidates directly to participate in the initiative.
• Work with Policy and Advocacy and Communications staff to develop a campaign website.
• Plan and organize several events in key districts to facilitate direct communication between advocates and candidates on the priority of advancing medical research.
• Coordinate with national partners on these local initiatives to engage and expand existing grassroots networks and deploy advocates to participate in events and attend town halls, visit campaign offices, etc.
• Liaise with the campaigns of candidates for House and Senate seats across the country, with a special emphasis on selected races.
• Develop strategies for engaging high-profile stakeholders and building grassroots networks.
• Regularly report on the progress of the campaign to organization leadership and campaign partners.

Managing strategic use of the media and social media

• In coordination with R!A staff, implement a widespread, national social media campaign.
• Provide guidance to grassroots partners on the most strategic use of the media to achieve campaign goals.
• Communicate with media outlets across the country to raise awareness of the campaign and of biomedical and health research broadly, speaking as spokesperson when appropriate.

Qualifications 

• Experience on one or more national or state campaigns, with particular emphasis on experience coordinating volunteer activities, developing and executing events, and developing campaign strategies.
• Practiced in utilizing new technology and grassroots tools in national or regional campaigns.
• A proven track record in health-related advocacy preferred.
• Strong background interacting with grassroots, grasstops, and policymakers.
• Ability to analyze political issues, identify advocacy opportunities and define sophisticated strategies for achieving specified policy and educational goals.
• Experience effectively managing interns.
• Familiarity with communicating to media.
• Highly honed interpersonal and communication skills, including exceptionally strong writing skills, creativity and analytical ability.
• Ability to travel (25% or more).
• Demonstrated capability as a self-starter.
• Calm under pressure, well-honed sense of humor.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to send your resume and cover letter, including availability; a brief writing sample; and contact information for three references to Caitlin Leach, Manager of Policy and Advocacy.