Summary:           The individual serving in this position will lead the continued development and training of a robust and thriving network of grassroots and grasstops advocates, volunteers, patients and organizational partners in the Southeast Region.  The Regional Manager will contribute to the advancement of LLS’ policy agenda in the region by identifying, cultivating and mobilizing volunteers to participate in state and federal level advocacy calls to action in an effort to reduce barriers that delay the discovery of cures and those that prevent patients from accessing treatment.  These calls to action include both on-line and off-line advocacy activities in key states and congressional districts.  To conduct this work, the Regional Manager partners closely with other field-based colleagues also serving in LLS’s Office of Public Policy (OPP), primarily members of OPP’s government affairs team.                                    

Reports to:            Senior Director, Advocacy

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Recruit and implement volunteer-based advocacy structures in the Southeast region including the development and management of state-based advocacy committees/strike forces, state and chapter-based volunteer advocacy captains, and issue-based coalitions.
• Identify, train and manage high-level volunteers to serve in leadership roles within state advocacy structures.
• Oversee recruitment, engagement and retention of volunteers for continued involvement in local, state and federal field and mission activities, media opportunities and other LLS activities.
• Identify and cultivate grassroots volunteers with potential/interest to move from on-line to off-line actions.
• Identify and build relationships with individuals willing to share their experiences with key decision makers and the media in support of LLS advocacy initiatives. Work with advocates to craft personal stories for maximum impact.
• Develop state based action alerts and digital engagement campaigns, in consultation with the region’s Government Affairs Director and national e-Advocacy staff.
• Develop state-specific advocacy strategies in support of LLS’s policy agenda in the region and work closely with colleagues on OPP’s government affairs team to implement and refine as needed
• Build strong partnerships with community patient advocacy organizations, professional healthcare associations, healthcare professional leaders and industry partners to identify potential coalition partners and areas for collaborations.
• Lead/develop/participate in coalitions with organizations with similar missions to enhance effectiveness of advocacy campaigns.
• Cultivate relationships with LLS’ chapter-based campaign staff and partner to appropriately infuse advocacy into LLS campaign events, including pre-campaign communication and follow up.
• Communicate LLS advocacy priorities, updates and engagement strategies to both internal and external stakeholders via multiple venues (email, blood cancer conferences, campaign events, presentations/trainings, etc.).
• Provide timely and concise OPP updates to all chapter executive directors and mission staff.
• Maintain a strong understanding of LLS’s patient access programs and revenue-generating campaigns, to help promote the organization and its initiatives as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.  Advanced degrees in health, advocacy, social, or policy disciplines strongly preferred (e.g. MBA, MSW, MPA, MPH, MPP).
• Minimum of five years of experience in community/political organizing, electoral campaigns, other grassroots organization functions, and/or lobbying, with the ability to develop digital and in person advocate mobilization strategies.  
• Previous political, policy or advocacy experience and advanced knowledge of state and federal legislative process required.
• Proven ability to identify, recruit, and develop strong working relationships with patients and volunteers.
• Experience working across multiple functions within an organization to achieve goals with enterprise-level impact

Position Requirements:

• Ability to develop collaborative relationships with community organizations and other advocacy groups.
• Knowledge, experience, and skills in management with emphasis on relationship and network building, organizational and volunteer development.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.Experience writing advocacy alerts or social media posts are a plus.
• Ability to conceptualize and articulate policy goals and advocacy opportunities.
• Ability to work independently, thrive under pressure, and simultaneously move multiple tasks forward at high level.
• Skilled in public speaking, particularly conveying complex policy issues in plain language.
• Strong problem-solving, priority-setting, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to travel within assigned multi-state territory and work flexible hours.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Approximately 35% travel, with significant time spent in key state capitols, LLS chapter locations and quarterly visits to the LLS Office of Public Policy in Washington, D.C.
• Physical demands are minimal and typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations
• Work environment is representative and typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations