Senior Specialist, State Affiliate Programs

Our large nonprofit client is seeking a highly organized and relationship-driven Senior Specialist, State Affiliate Programs to support engagement, communications, and program development for its State and Regional Affiliates. This role partners with affiliate leaders, internal stakeholders, and the State Affiliate Council to identify member needs, strengthen engagement, and deliver valuable programs, resources, and services.

The ideal candidate brings strong project management, communication, and analytical skills, along with an understanding of health policy, government affairs, or the healthcare landscape. This position plays a key role in coordinating initiatives, managing stakeholder relationships, analyzing survey data, and expanding opportunities for affiliate collaboration and leadership development.

This is a hybrid position that will be onsite the first day with sporadic visits to Alexandria, VA.

Key Responsibilities

Affiliate Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with State and Regional Affiliates to identify unmet needs, address challenges, and develop effective solutions.
• Serve as the community manager for Affiliate Council and the State Society Network, driving engagement and providing quarterly engagement reports to leadership.
• Establish new interactive online platform subgroups to strengthen affiliate and member participation.
• Manage affiliate representative information across CRM systems, online platforms, Outlook, and State Affiliate Council records.
• Coordinate welcome packages and onboarding calls for new Council members to promote engagement and successful integration.

Program Development & Strategic Initiatives

• Execute initiatives established by the State Affiliate Council, ensuring programs and services align with the Council's vision and priorities.
• Develop surveys and analyze feedback to identify affiliate needs and inform program and service development.
• Administer the Annual Affiliate Survey, collaborating with stakeholders on survey content, analyzing results, and distributing findings.
• Develop annual benchmarking reports and expand toolkits, association resources, and leadership training opportunities based on affiliate feedback.
• Manage state society membership list requests and collaborate with Marketing, Communications, and Membership teams to promote affiliate benefits and upcoming events.

Communications & Content Development

• Coordinate the weekly affiliate newsletter, including topic identification, content development, and distribution.
• Support internal and external promotion of affiliate initiatives through publications and other communication channels.
• Develop and maintain affiliate-related content online.
• Serve as a key contact for affiliates using the Wild Apricot website management platform.
• Coordinate affiliate outreach related to sign-on letters, in-district meetings, welcome letters for new members of Congress, and Hill visits.

Council & Meeting Coordination

• Support meetings and conference calls for the State Affiliate Council, its subcommittees, and ad hoc working groups.
• Prepare and distribute agendas, meeting minutes, presentations, and supporting materials.
• Coordinate Council elections, expense reports, meeting logistics, and event planning in partnership with internal Meetings staff.
• Ensure meetings are well organized and that follow-up actions and deliverables are completed on schedule.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public or Health Policy, Business, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• 5–6 years of relevant project management experience in policy, congressional affairs, government relations, association management, or a related field.
• General understanding of health policy, regulatory issues, and the U.S. healthcare system.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including content development and stakeholder communications.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong research, analytical, and data synthesis capabilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and experience coordinating multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to assess project requirements, develop plans, manage schedules, and deliver results within established timelines.
• Collaborative working style with the ability to contribute effectively within cross-functional teams.

Work Schedule

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Contract: Contingent position with an anticipated end date of December 21, 2026.

Interested in supporting healthcare advocacy, strengthening professional association networks, and delivering programs that make a difference? This opportunity offers the chance to contribute to meaningful affiliate engagement and initiatives within a leading professional medical association.