Associate Director of State Engagement

Description

The Associate Director of State Engagement strengthens ASHA’s advocacy and public policy agenda by building strong partnerships with state speech-language-hearing associations. This role supports state-level initiatives that align with ASHA’s priorities, ensuring consistent, strategic engagement across states to advance the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.

Responsibilities

1. Serve as the primary point of contact for state speech-language-hearing associations, fostering strong, collaborative relationships with association leaders and staff.
2. Support the operational effectiveness and governance capacity of state associations by providing tools, guidance, and consultative support tailored to their evolving needs.
3. Develop and implement strategies that advance ASHA’s goals at the state level, adapting approaches to reflect each state’s policy environment and professional landscape.
4. Facilitate two-way communication between state associations and ASHA, ensuring timely updates, strategic alignment, and the exchange of effective practices.
5. Coordinate ASHA’s involvement in state association events, connecting appropriate national staff and resources to support conferences, meetings, and initiatives.
6. Maintain accurate records of key contacts and engagement activities to ensure continuity and support relationship management over time.

Qualifications

Knowledge Typically Acquired Through

• 5 years of relevant professional experience, ideally in association management, state-level advocacy, stakeholder engagement, or nonprofit capacity building
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field

Skills

• Relationship Management: Proven ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with state-based associations, volunteer leaders, and cross-functional staff.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and facilitate productive discussions.
• Strategic Thinking and Execution: Skilled at prioritizing and managing multiple initiatives, solving problems creatively, and adapting to shifting needs and deadlines.
• Facilitation and Consensus Building: Comfortable navigating differing perspectives, leading group discussions, and fostering alignment among diverse stakeholders.
• Technology and Outreach: Familiar with digital engagement strategies, including social media and membership recruitment best practices.
• Professional Knowledge: General understanding of healthcare, education, and/or science as they relate to ASHA’s mission is a plus.