Advocacy Manager Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

I. MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

Under the strategic direction of the Executive Director, the Policy and Advocacy Manager role is pivotal in supporting the advocacy, legislative, and policy goals for both NASW Florida and NASW Georgia. This role involves active participation in developing and implementing policy initiatives, conducting research and analysis, and coordinating efforts to advance the chapters' policy agenda. This role works closely with the Executive Director and paid lobbyists to ensure a coordinated, effective approach to advocacy across both Florida and Georgia.

The Policy and Advocacy Manager role collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to create practical efforts to advocate for and help shape public policies that significantly impact the social work profession and the populations social workers serve in Florida and Georgia.

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages and implements advocacy initiatives for both the Florida and Georgia chapters, ensuring alignment with NASW's mission and legislative priorities in each state.
• Creates and coordinates policy analysis and recommendations on key issues affecting social work practice and social systems in Florida and Georgia.
• Facilitates advocacy campaigns and communication with internal and external stakeholders to promote NASW's legislative and policy priorities across both chapters.
• Creates advocacy materials for distribution to members, the public, and legislators, including policy briefs, reports, testimony, and action alerts for both states.
• Prepares and executes grassroots advocacy efforts, including organizing member participation in lobbying campaigns, public hearings, and outreach initiatives in Florida and Georgia.
• Develops and implements strategies for educating and mobilizing NASW members across both chapters. This includes working with the Executive Director, Membership, and Communication staff to plan the chapter's legislative advocacy days.
• Collaborates closely with the Executive Director and chapters' lobbyists to ensure alignment of advocacy strategies, coordinate on legislative priorities, and divide responsibilities effectively across the two states.
• Works collaboratively with the other team members (Membership & Communications Director) to ensure coordination and strategic alignment across advocacy efforts, enhancing the effectiveness of the chapters' work and fostering a sense of shared purpose among the team.
• Tracks and monitors legislation and regulatory proposals in Florida and Georgia, providing regular updates to the Executive Director, Advisory Boards, and membership.
• Represents NASW in licensing board meetings, coalitions, and with external partners as assigned.

III. MINIMUM WORK REQUIREMENTS:

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present to diverse audiences, including legislators, members, and the public.
• Strong leadership and collaborative skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced, bi-state environment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities across two chapters.
• Capacity to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including policymakers, members, and external organizations in both Florida and Georgia.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to generate creative solutions based on sound analysis and judgment.
• Attention to detail and critical thinking capabilities.

Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field required. Master’s degree in social work (MSW) is preferred. Registered Clinical Intern, LMSW, or LCSW licensure is preferred.
• Knowledge of social work practice, policies, and ethical standards, including the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Familiarity with Florida and Georgia state legislation, regulatory processes, and social welfare systems.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in policy advocacy, legislative work, or related fields, preferably within a professional association or nonprofit setting.
• Proven experience conducting policy analysis, drafting legislation or regulatory comments, and supporting state-level advocacy efforts.
• Some experience working on issues relevant to the social work profession (e.g., mental health, child welfare, healthcare, licensure) is highly desirable.

IV. ATTRIBUTES

• Results Driven: The Policy Manager will be focused on achieving tangible advocacy results through strategic planning and execution.
• Strong Business Acumen: Ability to recognize and act on emerging trends, understanding member-driven, not-for-profit organizations' unique needs.
• Firm and Fair Leadership: Works collaboratively with various stakeholders, demonstrating fairness, flexibility, and a firm commitment to NASW's mission.
• Partnership-Oriented: Able to build trust with internal and external stakeholders and maintain professionalism and accountability.
• Organizational Agility: Fosters an open and communicative environment that encourages collaboration and thought-provoking discussions.
• Perceptive: Creative and intuitive in identifying opportunities and taking the necessary actions to move initiatives forward.