American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Associate Director, State Engagement
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Rockville, Maryland, us, 20849
I. Purpose
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.
II. Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary point of contact for state speech-language-hearing associations, fostering strong, collaborative relationships with association leaders and staff. Support the operational effectiveness and governance capacity of state associations by providing tools, guidance, and consultative support tailored to their evolving needs. 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. Facilitate two-way communication between state associations and ASHA, ensuring timely updates, strategic alignment, and the exchange of effective practices. Coordinate ASHA's involvement in state association events, connecting appropriate national staff and resources to support conferences, meetings, and initiatives. Maintain accurate records of key contacts and engagement activities to ensure continuity and support relationship management over time.
IV. Autonomy & Decision Making:
The Associate Director of State Engagement is a member of the State Affairs Team within the Government Affairs and Public Policy Cluster (GAPP). The Associate Director has the freedom to propose innovative and creative approaches and methodologies that ensure success in carrying out the position's major duties in conjunction with the Senior Director, State Affairs, as well as the programs and procedures of the GAPP Cluster, other clusters, the State Affairs Team, and other teams officewide. The Associate Director is guided by ASHA's policies and priorities established by the Board of Directors and Facilitating Team.
V. Qualifications & Skills
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.
VI. Universal Expectations of ASHA Staff
At ASHA, we believe in working together to make well-informed decisions that will advance the association and the discipline of human communication sciences and disorders; teamwork is vital to achieving our mission, vision, and maximizing impact. As committed stewards of the organization, we care deeply about our professions, members, and staff, and build a strong and welcoming community. We strive to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued. We are dedicated to helping each other grow and innovate by encouraging open communication and continual learning. Our focus is on delivering excellent service and value to members, advancing equity, and promoting diversity, inclusion, and the power of science and research.
VII. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
ASHA is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is ASHA's policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard for race, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation or LGBT status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ASHA's Bylaws. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation and benefits, upward mobility, training and development, access to facilities, termination, and other personnel actions.
VIII. Disclaimer
This job description reflects the primary responsibilities of the job but is not a detailed description of all duties which may be required of someone in the position. All ASHA staff are expected to take on additional responsibilities from time to time and to help their colleagues.
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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.
II. Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary point of contact for state speech-language-hearing associations, fostering strong, collaborative relationships with association leaders and staff. Support the operational effectiveness and governance capacity of state associations by providing tools, guidance, and consultative support tailored to their evolving needs. 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. Facilitate two-way communication between state associations and ASHA, ensuring timely updates, strategic alignment, and the exchange of effective practices. Coordinate ASHA's involvement in state association events, connecting appropriate national staff and resources to support conferences, meetings, and initiatives. Maintain accurate records of key contacts and engagement activities to ensure continuity and support relationship management over time.
IV. Autonomy & Decision Making:
The Associate Director of State Engagement is a member of the State Affairs Team within the Government Affairs and Public Policy Cluster (GAPP). The Associate Director has the freedom to propose innovative and creative approaches and methodologies that ensure success in carrying out the position's major duties in conjunction with the Senior Director, State Affairs, as well as the programs and procedures of the GAPP Cluster, other clusters, the State Affairs Team, and other teams officewide. The Associate Director is guided by ASHA's policies and priorities established by the Board of Directors and Facilitating Team.
V. Qualifications & Skills
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.
VI. Universal Expectations of ASHA Staff
At ASHA, we believe in working together to make well-informed decisions that will advance the association and the discipline of human communication sciences and disorders; teamwork is vital to achieving our mission, vision, and maximizing impact. As committed stewards of the organization, we care deeply about our professions, members, and staff, and build a strong and welcoming community. We strive to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued. We are dedicated to helping each other grow and innovate by encouraging open communication and continual learning. Our focus is on delivering excellent service and value to members, advancing equity, and promoting diversity, inclusion, and the power of science and research.
VII. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
ASHA is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is ASHA's policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard for race, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation or LGBT status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ASHA's Bylaws. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation and benefits, upward mobility, training and development, access to facilities, termination, and other personnel actions.
VIII. Disclaimer
This job description reflects the primary responsibilities of the job but is not a detailed description of all duties which may be required of someone in the position. All ASHA staff are expected to take on additional responsibilities from time to time and to help their colleagues.
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.