Advocacy & Policy Project Manager

Milwaukee County Wisconsin • Milwaukee, WI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Carry out the Older Americans Act advocacy mandate by coordinating all public policy and advocacy activities for the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging and Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Support the Aging Advisory Council and coordinate the development of the Area Aging Plan and Area Agency on Aging policies. Provide opportunities for older adults to engage in public policy advocacy. Coordinate with DHHS and Milwaukee County on public policy efforts. Manage legal and advocacy related vendor contracts including support of the Elder Benefit Specialist program; coordinate MKE SHIP (Medicare) collaborative and volunteers; engage in community outreach and education.

Requirements

• Current residency within the State of Wisconsin required upon application
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License required upon application and must be maintained throughout employment
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Economics, Social Work, or closely related field required
• Three (3) years or more work experience in Community Engagement, Community Outreach, Policy Analysis, Public Policy, or Public Administration required
• WI SHIP Medicare Counselor certification required or must be obtained within six (6) months of hire
• Basic knowledge of all related computer and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams required
• Previous experience in public speaking and presenting at conferences, events, public meetings or department meetings required

Nice To Haves

• Previous work experience in a Supervisory or Management role preferred
• Advanced degree in Law, Public Policy, or Public Administration preferred
• Previous experience with public policy advocacy or lobbying preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage Advocacy & Public Policy Activities - Coordinate Commission on Aging/Advocacy Committee advocacy activities. Manage planning and execution of Senior Leadership program. Draft and monitor Commission's annual public policy priorities and Area Aging Plan advocacy goals; draft letters/testimony.
• Represent Aging Services in Advocacy Coalitions - Represent AAA in coalition settings including USAging and the Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network. Facilitate older adult involvement in advocacy events. Provide statewide leadership on aging policy. Represent AAA with relevant state agencies including the State Office on Aging on policy matters as requested.
• Development of Area Plan & Aging Advisory Council - Facilitate the Aging Advisory Council to the Commission on Aging and assist in its role to gather public input on the needs of older adults. Coordinate the development and submission of the Area Aging Plan. Monitor the accomplishment of Plan goals.
• Manage Grants & Vendor Contracts - Monitor AAA contracts related to legal services and advocacy activities including budgets, performance measures, and monthly reports. Manage Older Americans Act Legal Services and Elder Benefit Specialist program support and seek additional funding to enhance advocacy.
• Legislation Monitoring & Advocacy Plan Development - Monitor state and federal legislation/policy affecting older adults including advising and updating key stakeholders within DHHS and County leadership. Work with DHHS Policy and Budget Director to research and prepare analysis of policies impacting DHHS.
• Medicare Outreach Activities - Serve as local SHIP Coordinator; train as a Medicare Counselor; manage STARS SHIP encounter reporting; coordinate Milwaukee SHIP Collaborative meetings and Medicare outreach and counseling activities. Supervise the Medicare Outreach Specialist. Serve on the Wisconsin Medicare Task Force.
• Public Policy Outreach & Education - Coordinate all public policy education efforts through newsletters, public presentations, and outreach. Prepare briefs and position papers. Represent Aging Services with other Milwaukee County boards, councils, and committees. Facilitate older adult meetings with public officials and coordinate special events with public officials.
• Other DHHS Policy Research - As directed by DHHS leadership, coordinate research and policy projects intended to add value to the Aging and Disability Services networks. Advance equity through policy transformation. Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level