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.

The Associate State Director, Communications and Outreach engages in the development and implementation of communications strategies designed for specific audiences over multi-channel platforms and executes strategic communications objectives. Leads the design of communications campaigns that raise brand awareness and align with the enterprise brand strategy and brand architecture. 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 communication processes and to develop new procedures that support the business unit/department.

Responsibilities

• Manages the development of communications strategies tailored for target audiences over multi-channel platforms and leads the execution of those efforts to inform, educate, and influence both internal and external audiences.
• Develops and distributes communications collateral, including items such as audio/video content, social media, press materials, digital content, AARP owned channels, etc.
• 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.
• 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.
• Establishes strategic community partnerships and leverages internal/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.
• Grows and leverages relationships with key media outlets. Serves as a media spokesperson as needed ensuring the organization is seen as a visible force in the community and in advocacy campaigns.
• Uses data-driven analytics and organizational tools to target audiences and track results.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience planning, executing and evaluating strategic communications campaigns.
• Experience working with volunteers in a non-profit environment.
• Experience working with multicultural media outlets and communicating to multicultural audiences.
• Understanding of community organizing, communications, marketing and public relations;
• The ability to evaluate, analyze and adjust strategies and tactics in an ongoing, fast-paced environment
• Independent judgment and discretion requiring the employee to compare and evaluate various courses of conduct and make a decision (or recommend a decision to be made) after various possibilities have been considered.

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.