State Advocacy Manager

Are you looking to make a difference in the world?

Looking to take the next step in your career with an impactful organization helping people?

Join AFTD, the leading organization dedicated to ending the most common dementia under 60, known as FTD. We help families affected today, and drive research to bring hope for the future. Our work to bring about a world without dementia is only missing your passion and your expertise. AFTD is growing rapidly, with a greater ability to offer help for those affected than ever before. Join us today to make a difference for families affected by FTD, across the United States and beyond. 

Job Purpose 

The State Advocacy Manager is responsible for assisting in the development and execution of AFTD’s state-level advocacy strategy to promote policies that improve care, access, and quality of life for individuals living with FTD and their care partners. This position plays a vital role in building relationships with state policymakers and partners, mobilizing grassroots advocates, and ensuring that FTD is represented in key state legislative and regulatory conversations. The State Advocacy Manager helps raise awareness and influence public opinion through policy engagement, proclamation efforts, and community action.

Job Summary
The State Advocacy Manager will play a key role in advancing AFTD’s public policy efforts by monitoring and analyzing state-level legislation and policy trends that impact individuals affected by FTD. This position will lead the organization’s response to emerging issues, helping to identify and prioritize advocacy opportunities. Working closely with staff across AFTD’s research, support and education, and administrative teams, the State Advocacy Manager will help shape policy strategies that align with AFTD’s mission. They will strengthen our presence in state legislatures and executive agencies, guide grassroots advocacy efforts, and promote resolutions and proclamations that elevate public awareness.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Job Functions

• Manage State Policy Strategy & Engagement: Monitor state legislative and regulatory developments relevant to FTD, dementia, caregiving, Medicaid, and disability policy, and other relevant issues. Develop and implement targeted strategies to influence policy outcomes across key states in accordance with AFTD’s approved policy priorities. Collaborate with coalition partners, advocacy networks, and dementia-specific organizations to build support and amplify impact. Work in partnership with AFTD staff across departments to identify policy needs and opportunities that advance the organization’s mission. Maintain and expand AFTD’s state advocacy agenda with a focused and scalable approach— prioritizing key opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and activating AFTD’s growing network of volunteers to extend the reach and impact of our advocacy efforts.
• Expand Grassroots Advocate Support in the states: Recruit, train, and empower AFTD volunteers and Ambassadors to participate in state-level advocacy, with a focus on storytelling, meetings with policymakers, and community engagement. Create accessible toolkits and resources to guide advocates through local and state processes.
• Effectively Collaborate and Communicate with AFTD staff: Work closely with Director of Advocacy and Volunteer Engagement, a small Federal advocacy team, passionate Volunteer Services team, as well as AFTD’s Communications team, to elevate advocacy messages, engage volunteer advocates, and align with broader policy priorities. Track, measure, and report on state advocacy outcomes, including legislative wins and engagement metrics.

 Other Job Functions

• Represent AFTD at state coalition meetings and other events
• Conscientiously follow company policies and practices and take care of Company property
• Occasional evening or weekend availability as needed
• Travel for organizational meetings and events as needed
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position is an individual contributor and does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this role:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public health, or a related field (master’s preferred).

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in state-level advocacy, legislative affairs, or public policy, preferably within a nonprofit or health-related context.
• Strong knowledge of state legislative and regulatory processes, and familiarity with aging, disability, or dementia policy issues.
• Demonstrated success in organizing advocacy campaigns or leading volunteer-driven initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to relate with all aspects of the FTD community including staff, volunteers, caregivers, persons diagnosed, clinicians and researchers required.
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across different time zones.
• Willingness to travel for advocacy events, conferences, or in-person meetings (approx. 20-30% travel).

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Existing relationships with policy leaders or coalitions in dementia, disability, or rare disease spaces
• Experience with state resolutions/proclamations and awareness campaigns
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills; ability to collaborate on multiple concurrent projects with a range of stakeholders
• Comfort with public speaking
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience with database management, report generation, and grassroots advocacy platforms
• Ability to approach work with a pleasant and professional demeanor
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to work on a wide variety of projects; lending support where needed

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Interview Process

• Submit an application, including cover letter and resume
• Phone screen with a member of AFTD’s HR department
• Interview with Hiring Manager
• Team interview with department staff
• Offer made to final candidate (contingent on reference and background checks)
• Additional interviews or assessments may be required dependent on position             

AFTD Awards

• Platinum Seal of Transparency 2025 from GuideStar, an organization that collects and publishes IRS-verified data about charitable organizations, issuing Seals of Transparency based on how much information each charity provides
• 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, an organization that assesses nonprofits’ organizational effectiveness through IRS filings and metrics such as, Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability

Benefits and Perks

AFTD offers a competitive salary and is committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and their families, including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance for eligible employees regularly working 30 hours or more per week – presently AFTD covers 100% of employee individual medical coverage
• Basic Life Insurance/AD&D
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Identity Protection
• Voluntary Term Life/AD&D
• Hospital Indemnity, Accident, and Critical Illness insurance
• Pet discount program
• Employee Assistance Program
• SIMPLE IRA with company match
• Generous paid vacation and sick time
• 10 paid holidays
• 4 weeks paid parental leave
• A company culture that encourages work/life balance
• Ongoing team building opportunities, including staff retreats and days of service
• Ongoing professional development training and opportunities
• Hybrid working environment, with the opportunity to work remotely up to 3 days per week
• Business casual dress code

AFTD is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) guidelines. 

AFTD participates in E-Verify. Learn more about applicant rights under Federal Employment Laws.