Executive Editor, Brain Health (Staying Sharp Program)

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 Integrated Communications and Marketing (ICM) Group includes Membership, Content and Editorial, Customer Experience, External Relations, Brand Strategy and Strategic Communications. Across paid, earned, shared and owned channels, ICM manages AARP's reputation, drives engagement and member growth, and showcases AARP's mission and value through one, integrated voice.

The Executive Editor, Brain Health (Staying Sharp Program) leads the development and implementation of written or scripted content for AARP's unique and growing brain health resource and activity center. The editor collaborates with both internal and external teams on content strategy and priorities, as well as for content production and publication. Ensures format and quality of materials for dissemination are consistent with the highest standards of science and consumer publishing, as well as with all AARP standards and policies.

Responsibilities

• Works with Staying Sharp and Content Team leaders to refine and evolve the Staying Sharp content strategy in the goal of making the program the premier resource for older Americans seeking knowledge and advice regarding all aspects of brain health and dementia.
• Assigns stories or other content for development. Line edits content; works with fact-checking and copyediting for story refinement; oversees legal and professional reviews; supplies content to production team in appropriate formats and style.
• Ensures that all new content is of highest quality for a lay consumer; adheres to publishing and digital best practices; enhances the Staying Sharp experience; and is presented in innovative and compelling ways.
• Monitors all existing Staying Sharp content and actively manages it for ongoing relevance, timeliness and accuracy. When appropriate, updates existing content or replaces with more relevant and timely versions.
• Serves as the top internal expert on brain-related content for a consumer audience via ongoing review of published scientific papers; conference monitoring; interaction with AARP's Global Council on Brain Health; and relationships with experts in the field on topics related to dementia, Alzheimer's and general brain health.
• Reviews and analyzes readership and usage data and other resources to develop an in-depth understanding of the Staying Sharp audience. Analyzes content performance and identifies opportunities for sustainable growth.
• Builds and maintains constructive and productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Stays abreast of new brain-health initiatives, campaigns, programs, and research, both within and external to AARP.
• Works closely with other print and digital content teams within AARP to create content related to brain health. Advises other content teams on their coverage in ways that make the full span of AARP's brain-related content complementary, comprehensive and non-overlapping.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or a science related field required (advanced degree or ongoing training is preferred) and 10+ years experience leading a health or science related content program targeting a consumer audience.
• A proven ability to read research papers, scientific journals and other professional communications and extract the most relevant and meaningful content for a mass-consumer audience.
• Proven wordsmith, highly creative, and passionate about service journalism.
• Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite of tools and be comfortable working with advanced content management systems and digital production tools.
• Top-notch communication and interpersonal skills, as the role requires maintaining strong, positive relationships with a wide range of internal and external clients.
• 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.