About HLAA
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization representing people with hearing loss. HLAA opens the world of communication through information, education, support, and advocacy. With more than 50 million Americans living with hearing loss, HLAA works nationally and locally to promote hearing health and provide vital resources that help people with hearing loss and their families live better lives.
Job Purpose:
Guide HLAA’s public policy and advocacy program and strengthen HLAA’s impact on federal, state, and local policy affecting people with hearing loss. Leverage HLAA’s reputation as the leading consumer voice to ensure the needs of people with hearing loss are reflected in legislation, regulations, and technology development.
Job Summary:
Advocacy is central to HLAA’s mission. Public policy determines whether people with hearing loss have access to effective communication and affordable hearing health care. HLAA educates lawmakers, regulatory bodies, and industry partners about the needs of people with hearing loss and works with technology companies to ensure accessibility is built into product design. The Public Policy and Grassroots Advocacy Manager represents HLAA to key decision makers while expanding HLAA’s grassroots network and strengthening communication access programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Build and maintain a strong network of volunteers with deep personal connections to HLAA’s mission.
Represent HLAA to lawmakers, regulatory bodies, coalition partners, corporate partners, and HLAA members.
Establish and maintain strategic partnerships to advance policy, legislative, and regulatory improvements.
Collaborate with the Executive Director on strategic planning for HLAA’s public policy agenda, including legislation such as Medicare hearing aid coverage and the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act.
Monitor federal proceedings and prepare or contribute to written comments on agency proposals, coordinating with coalition partners as needed.
Support state-level advocacy networks (HLAA Chapters, State Organizations, individual members) through training and HLAA-owned technology.
Educate members of Congress and staff through virtual and in-person meetings, written communications, and phone calls.
Serve on selected federal advisory committees (FACA), industry advisory boards, and consumer coalitions.
Partner with HLAA’s communications team to develop clear, empowering advocacy content.
Respond to inquiries from public officials and media regarding HLAA’s advocacy efforts.
Translate complex policy and technology issues into plain-language communications, including topics such as ADA communication access and hearing aid compatibility requirements.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Health Education, Government Relations, International Relations, Communications, or related field.
5-7 years of experience in advocacy or public policy at the federal and/or state level.
Experience in consumer advocacy, disability rights, public health, or communication access preferred.
Experience with grassroots education or advocacy campaigns.
Strong communication skills and ability to explain complex legislative and technological concepts in plain language.
Qualifications: Knowledge of hearing loss and the impact of communication access barriers.
Understanding of hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, captioning, speech-to-text apps, and related technologies.
Strong written communication skills for consumer audiences, government officials, and federal agencies.
Familiarity with social media and modern communication strategies.
Ability to use CRM systems and apply data to inform advocacy actions.
Ability to serve as a subject matter expert for staff, grassroots advocates, and external stakeholders.
Understanding of federal disability law, including the ADA and accessibility provisions of the Communications Act.
Experience communicating with Congressional policymakers and staff.
Ability to use data to shape policy messages and initiatives.
Experience in coalition-building and teamwork.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly in writing and presentations.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Integrity, credibility, and professionalism.
Proactive, strategic thinker able to develop policy plans with the Executive Director.
Experience in nonprofit environments.
Ability to produce high-quality materials under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects.
Comfortable as a self-starter and team collaborator.
Ability to facilitate group meetings, presentations, and webinars.
Technical Skills
Microsoft 365
Digital advocacy and Constituent Relationship Management tools
Research skills
Working knowledge of social media
Experience with hearing assistive technology
Work Environment
Office environment with required travel to HLAA’s annual convention, local meetings, and other events as needed.
Employment Details
Type: Full-Time
Status: Exempt
Terms of Employment: At-will
Location: McLean, Virginia (Hybrid)
Benefits:
Comprehensive package including employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance; disability insurance; TIAA 403(b) retirement plan; paid holidays; PTO; and flexible work schedule.
Equal Opportunity Statement
HLAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse staff. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. HLAA does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parenthood, or any other category protected by law.
Annual salary range: $70,000-$90,000K
