Senior Specialist, State Affiliate Relations

Job Title: Senior Specialist, State Affiliate Relations (Contract)

Industry: Nonprofit / Professional Association (Healthcare)

Location (city, state): Alexandria, VA (Remote or Hybrid, 1 day/week onsite for local candidates)

Assignment Type: Contract (immediate start through late December 2026)

Pay: $30 - $40/hour

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm (37.5 hours/week)

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About The Company:

Our client is a nationally recognized, member-driven professional society in the healthcare space. They support their members through education, research, quality programs, and policy and advocacy work, and maintain strong partnerships with a network of state and regional affiliate organizations across the country.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Senior Specialist to support a busy State Affiliate Relations team on a contract basis. In this role, you will be the main point of contact for a network of state and regional affiliate organizations, working directly with a Senior Director. You’ll manage affiliate relationships and online communities, support an affiliate advisory council, coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts, and turn survey data into useful resources. This is a great fit for someone with association, chapter relations, or grassroots advocacy experience who can hit the ground running.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with state and regional affiliates, identifying their needs and recommending solutions
• Manage affiliate-focused online communities, grow engagement through new sub-groups, and share quarterly engagement updates with leadership
• Contribute to a weekly newsletter by sourcing topics, drafting copy, and compiling content
• Highlight affiliate accomplishments across internal and external publications
• Partner with policy and advocacy staff to engage affiliates in sign-on letters, in-district meetings, outreach to newly elected members of Congress, and Hill visits
• Support affiliate council and subcommittee meetings, including agendas, minutes, materials, elections, logistics, and expense reports
• Move council-driven initiatives from concept to completion
• Run the annual affiliate survey from question development through data analysis, reporting, and benchmarking
• Use survey findings to expand toolkits, resources, and leadership training for affiliates
• Handle affiliate membership list requests and coordinate with marketing and membership teams on promotions and events
• Keep affiliate contact data accurate across the CRM, online community, Outlook, and council rosters
• Onboard new council members with welcome materials and introductory calls
• Create and update affiliate web content and support affiliates using the Wild Apricot website platform

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public or Health Policy, Business, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5 to 6 years of project management experience in policy, congressional affairs, association management, or member relations
• Experience managing relationships with chapters, affiliates, or member groups, including committee or council support
• Exposure to grassroots advocacy coordination; health policy knowledge is a strong plus
• Working understanding of health policy, regulatory issues, and the healthcare system
• Experience building surveys and translating data into reports and engagement strategies
• Proficiency with CRM/AMS systems, online community platforms (Higher Logic or similar), website CMS tools, survey tools, Microsoft Office, and Excel
• Smartsheet experience strongly preferred
• Excellent written communication, organization, and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while working well within a team

Additional Details:

• Contract assignment covering a team member’s leave, with a target start of early November
• Hybrid schedule available for local candidates (1 day/week onsite in Alexandria, VA); fully remote considered
• Overtime is unlikely and requires supervisor approval

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.