Manager, Issue Advocacy

Job Summary 

The Manager, Issue Advocacy Campaigns helps lead the strategic planning and execution of issue advocacy campaigns across federal and state landscapes. This role plays a central part in the Public Affairs division—integrating political strategy, message development, grassroots mobilization, and voter engagement to advance the organization’s public policy objectives. The position involves coordinating cross-functional campaign teams and external consultants, tracking political and candidate activity, and ensuring campaign deliverables are met with excellence and impact.  

This is a highly collaborative role that works cross-functionally within the Public Affairs division. The position also supports colleagues in Government Affairs, Legal, Policy, Economics, and Regulatory Affairs. The ideal candidate is an experienced campaign professional with a passion for building made-for-purpose campaigns from the ground up. Success in this role requires a mix of creativity, initiative, and strategic thinking—along with communication skills, strong data instincts, and the ability to align stakeholders around a clear, consistent message. You should thrive in a fast-paced environment, be eager to learn, and bring a competitive edge to issue advocacy.  

Duties/Responsibilities 

• Lead strategic advocacy campaigns that drive public awareness and policy outcomes aligned with API’s mission. 
• Develop and execute integrated campaign plans including messaging, digital engagement, earned and paid media, political organizing, and voter contact programs. 
• Analyze political and electoral environments to inform campaign strategies; track candidate stances and election-related developments. 
• Collaborate with internal teams (communications, government relations, legal, and data) to ensure aligned and compliant advocacy activities. 
• Build and manage relationships with member companies, consultants, vendors, and third-party partners involved in campaigns. 
• Coordinate message development, polling, audience targeting, and other campaign inputs across the public affairs team to ensure credibility, reach, and effectiveness. 
• Ensure campaign reporting, performance tracking, and outcome evaluations are completed to inform future efforts. 
• Manage external consultants and oversee campaign budgets and timelines. 

 Key Relationships 

• Member of the Public Affairs department.
• Collaborates closely with the Government Affairs, Communications, and Legal teams. 
• Works directly with external partners, consultants, and member company stakeholders. 

 Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communications, Public Policy, or a related field. Advanced degree a plus. 
• 5–7 years of experience in political campaigns, public affairs, issue advocacy, or government relations. 
• Proven track record leading high-impact advocacy or electoral campaigns. 
• Deep understanding of U.S. political landscape, including federal and state-level dynamics. 
• Strong writing, strategic thinking, project management, and leadership skills. 
• Experience managing vendors, budgets, timelines, and external partnerships. 
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. 

 Physical Requirements 

• Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer 
• Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion 
• Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines 
• Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion 

 Travel Requirements 

• Up to 25%  

 This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent. 

 EEO Statement 

API is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law. 

API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email at HumanResources@api.org.  

Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers. 

API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families. More information about our benefits may be found at api.org/about/careers/benefits.  

Salary : $120,917 - $149,518