Application Guide

How to Apply for Regional Advocacy Director - Northeast

at American Families for Vaccines

🏢 About American Families for Vaccines

American Families for Vaccines is at the forefront of the pro-vaccine grassroots movement, defending evidence-based public health policies and combating misinformation. Joining AFV means working with a passionate, mission-driven team that directly impacts vaccine advocacy at the state and national levels.

About This Role

As Regional Advocacy Director, you will lead and develop state directors across multiple states, ensuring strong grassroots execution and alignment with national priorities. This role is pivotal in scaling AFV's impact by expanding into new states and building a cohesive advocacy network.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start your day by checking in with state directors via video call, reviewing their progress on advocacy targets and offering guidance. Midday, you could analyze data from chapter activities and prepare a report for national leadership. Afternoons often involve strategizing expansion into a new state, meeting with potential partners, or developing training materials for your team.

🎯 Who American Families for Vaccines Is Looking For

  • A seasoned grassroots organizer with 5+ years of experience in advocacy, campaigns, or public affairs, and a proven track record of building and leading teams.
  • A strategic leader who has managed multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously, thriving in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.
  • Skilled in coaching and performance management, with at least 2 years of direct supervision experience and a focus on developing others.
  • Passionate about public health and vaccines, with the ability to navigate complex political landscapes and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

📝 Tips for Applying to American Families for Vaccines

1

Highlight specific examples of managing multi-state or multi-region advocacy campaigns, including metrics like number of chapters or volunteers led.

2

Demonstrate your experience with grassroots strategy development—mention any successful initiatives that increased engagement or policy wins.

3

Tailor your resume to show clear progression in leadership roles, especially coaching or supervising other organizers.

4

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal values to AFV's mission of pro-vaccine advocacy and combating misinformation.

5

Research AFV's current state chapters and mention specific states in your region that you would prioritize for expansion.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience in grassroots advocacy and people management, with concrete examples of leading teams and achieving policy outcomes.', "Your commitment to evidence-based public health and fighting misinformation—show alignment with AFV's mission.", 'Your ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on support for state directors, ensuring consistency and accountability.', 'Your enthusiasm for scaling advocacy efforts in the Northeast region, including any local knowledge or connections.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review AFV's website and recent press releases to understand their current campaigns and state chapter activities.
  • Look into AFV's stance on key vaccine policies (e.g., school mandates, exemptions) and any recent legislative battles.
  • Familiarize yourself with the political landscape of the Northeast region regarding vaccine advocacy, including key allies and opponents.
  • Check AFV's social media and news mentions to gauge their public messaging and community engagement.
Visit American Families for Vaccines's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you develop and coach state directors to improve their grassroots organizing skills?
2 Describe a time you managed a multi-state campaign with limited resources—what was your strategy?
3 How would you identify and assess potential new state chapters in the Northeast region?
4 What systems or processes have you implemented to ensure consistent communication between national and state teams?
5 How do you stay updated on vaccine-related misinformation and public health policies?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention vaccines or public health—this role requires mission alignment.
  • Focusing only on national or federal advocacy experience without showing state-level grassroots work.
  • Downplaying the importance of managing people and teams—this role heavily emphasizes coaching and supervision.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to American Families for Vaccines!