Project & Integration Director

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.

AARP's Community, State and National Affairs (CSN) Group includes Government Relations, Programs, Volunteer Engagement, Community Outreach and Advocacy at the federal, state and local levels. It delivers on AARP's social mission by educating and engaging people 50-plus and their families, strengthening communities, and championing issues that help give people financial and health security.

Seeking an inspiring and visionary member of a team of communicators, campaigners, strategic researchers, policy analysts, and volunteers to achieve social impact goals at the national, state, and local levels. The Director will work closely with the SVP of Integrated Campaigns to build transformative campaigns in collaboration with the Campaigns unit, AARP enterprise, and external organizations. The Director will work with cross-functional teams on business unit objectives, identifying trends and resolving systemic issues while ensuring strong communication within the matrixed environment. They will consult on high-level strategic projects across the organization and act as the Campaigns unit's liaison to resolve problems and ensure successful implementation of initiatives. The Director will collaborate with senior leadership to establish long-term strategic communication plans to raise the visibility and effectiveness of the organization. They will also help identify opportunities to streamline strategy processes and develop new, efficient procedures that support the department.

Responsibilities

• Provide close, expert professional assistance to the SVP, Integrated Campaigns' efficient and effective management of the Campaigns leadership team members and the overall Campaigns unit.
• Prioritize and supervise multiple projects simultaneously and follow up on time-critical events on behalf of the SVP, Integrated Campaigns.
• Provide leadership and helps oversee and support advocacy campaigns:
  • Evaluate underlying legislative and political environment to inform both current campaign strategies as well as future efforts campaigns - using predictive analysis, research, and products to proactively chart a vision for how strategies and tactics will evolve.
  • Ensure alignment of legislative communications with organization policy.
• Develop systems to identify and monitor innovations and trends that could impact or should inform AARP advocacy.
• Work with Planning, Analytics, and Operations to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of campaigns in achieving social impact goals and with the Campaign Business Operations Unit to design campaign processes and strategies for more significant impact.
• Contribute in meaningful ways across all departments and teams:
  • Help teams establish strategic direction, build organizational talent, and empower others.
  • Assist the Campaigns unit in designing and coordinating campaigns that maximize teamwork, collaboration, and integration of AARP's resources and key stakeholders, including other parts of the enterprise.
  • Support the unit's work by mobilizing resources and developing and leveraging strategic relationships both within AARP and with external organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred) in public relations, communications, political science, project management, or other field directly related to the duties of this position.
• 15+ years of experience in strategy, strategic marketing, communications, or a field related to the management of campaigns, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Superior communications (verbal and written), public relations, and interpersonal skills with strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, error-free work.
• Demonstrated capability to work cooperatively and flexibly with individuals at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Experience managing the synthesis of a wide range of advocacy vehicles on priority campaigns and working with colleagues across the organization to ensure that information is communicated in a way that effectively and efficiently drives action.
• Experience in the development and implementation of effective, targeted campaign strategies to meet organizational goals.
• Capable of building coalitions, designing outreach programs, and market projects, and securing support for social impact messages by working effectively with policymakers.
• Ability to effectively supervise multiple projects simultaneously and monitor time-critical deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and discretion when comparing and evaluating various courses of conduct and making a decision.
• In-office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

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.