Application Guide

How to Apply for West Virginia Families for Vaccines State Director

at American Families for Vaccines

🏢 About American Families for Vaccines

American Families for Vaccines is unique as a national grassroots organization specifically focused on pro-vaccine advocacy, combining scientific evidence with community mobilization. Working here offers the opportunity to combat misinformation directly while shaping public health policy at both state and national levels.

About This Role

This role involves leading West Virginia's pro-vaccine movement as both strategist and spokesperson, designing campaigns that influence legislation and public opinion. It's impactful because you'll directly protect vulnerable communities from preventable diseases while countering anti-vaccine misinformation in a state with significant public health challenges.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning strategy calls with AFV national staff, drafting social media content addressing local vaccine misinformation, meeting with WV legislators about pending bills, and training new advocates in the evening. You'll constantly shift between high-level planning and grassroots engagement while tracking progress against campaign goals.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who American Families for Vaccines Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years specifically in West Virginia policy, public health, or grassroots organizing with documented campaign successes
  • Demonstrates existing relationships with WV legislators, health agencies, and community leaders, particularly in marginalized communities
  • Shows proven ability to translate complex science into compelling advocacy messages for diverse audiences
  • Has experience balancing legislative work with grassroots mobilization in a politically complex environment

📝 Tips for Applying to American Families for Vaccines

1

Quantify your advocacy impact with West Virginia-specific metrics (e.g., 'organized 50+ advocates who secured 3 legislative meetings resulting in bill amendments')

2

Include examples of combating vaccine misinformation specifically in Appalachian or rural contexts

3

Demonstrate knowledge of WV's current vaccine policies (like school requirements) and pending legislation

4

Highlight experience working with WV's specific marginalized communities (rural populations, low-income families, etc.)

5

Show how you've previously reported progress to national organizations with clear metrics and outcomes

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific West Virginia experience and understanding of its unique political/health landscape', "Examples of successful advocacy campaigns you've led that combined legislative work with grassroots mobilization", "How you've previously translated scientific evidence into effective public messaging", 'Your approach to building coalitions across diverse stakeholders in West Virginia']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AFV's current West Virginia campaigns and recent legislative priorities
  • → West Virginia's specific vaccine policies, exemption rates, and current legislative proposals
  • → Key health disparities and marginalized communities in West Virginia
  • → AFV's national strategy and how state chapters contribute to broader goals
Visit American Families for Vaccines's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a campaign to counter anti-vaccine misinformation in West Virginia's rural communities?
2 What relationships do you already have with WV legislators or health agencies, and how would you leverage them?
3 Describe a time you mobilized advocates from marginalized communities for a policy campaign
4 How would you measure success for this role in your first 90 days?
5 What's your strategy for balancing legislative priorities with public education efforts?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic advocacy experience without West Virginia-specific context or relationships
  • Focusing only on national vaccine issues without addressing WV's unique challenges
  • Failing to demonstrate how you'd balance strategic planning with hands-on organizing

📅 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!

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