Associate State Director - Community Engagement

Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

The Associate State Director of Community Engagement establishes strategic community partnerships and leverages internal and external resources (e.g., cross-functional teams, volunteers, members, chapters, etc.) to achieve the organization's community engagement goals at the state and local levels. Researches target audiences and designs engagement opportunities that align with strategic objectives; ensures integration of engagement strategies across geographies and issue areas. Collaborates with management to identify opportunities to streamline processes and develop new procedures that support the business unit/department.

Responsibilities

• Provides advice and counsel to cross-functional teams in the implementation of the organization's state and community strategy initiatives including local advocacy, member/public engagement, volunteer management, and communications priorities. Evaluates and adjusts strategy implementation to achieve the organization's local goals nationwide. Assesses state and regional needs and develops and implements training programs, as needed. Provides support with systems and processes. Identifies and recommends best practices and resources to achieve strategic goals nationwide.
• Works with staff, volunteers, members and other cross-organization teams to achieve the organization's community engagement goals at the state and local levels. Establishes a presence for the organization in targeted communities by engaging multicultural audiences, developing community partnerships, building volunteer capacity, and designing and executing engaging community programs and events.
• Resolves systemic issues across functions and ensures strong communication within a matrixed business environment.
• Develops and implements community engagement and communication strategies tailored to target audiences in statewide and local communities. Establishes strategic community partnerships and leverages internal/external resources to raise the visibility of the organization within communities.
• Recruits, trains, develops, and deploys volunteers in accordance with organizational goals. Aligns volunteers' interests with organizational priorities. Supports volunteer needs and designs opportunities to maximize volunteer engagement. Ensures inclusion of volunteer perspectives in strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Completion of bachelor's degree or equivalent in public administration, social work, community organization/development political science, public policy, law, urban planning, or related discipline.
• 5+ years community experience; navigating through and managing relationships in the community service and engagement environments as well as in the state and local political environment.
• Track record of communicating effectively with community and other external stakeholders, media and policymakers.
• Strong understanding of public policy issues facing the state and AARP membership.
• Experience working with and managing a diverse volunteer base.
• Computer literacy, social media, strategic thinking, and project management skills are required.
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition; tuition reimbursement; among others.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.