Overview

AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable people over 50 build economic opportunity. Our approach emphasizes equitable outcomes for populations that have faced systemic discrimination. We serve all people 50 plus and their families. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by building supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope.

The Direct Response Specialist supports the development and implementation of AARP Foundation and AARP advocacy direct response fundraising activities that enable AARP Foundation to support its charitable programs and AARP to support grassroots advocacy efforts throughout the country. The position coordinates with AARP Foundation and AARP stakeholders to fully integrate and maximize fundraising throughout the organization. Position will support and collaborate with the Director, Direct Response and Manager to develop campaign schedules, budgets and business documentation for continued successful growth, donor engagement and meeting fundraising goals.

Responsibilities

• Provides support in the process of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and/or stewardship of the donors and prospective donors assigned within their respective donor/prospect pool or fundraising channel.
• Performs functions and processes that support the fundraising process (e.g., identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, systems/processing, stewardship) within their respective donor/prospect pool or function.
• Utilizes appropriate resources and processes to help ensure personal and departmental success in meeting departmental and personal objectives and goals.
• Performs processes and functions that support fundraising goals and expectations as needed.
• Performs duties in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and board policies (e.g., gift acceptance) pertaining to gifts, contributions, grants and other charitable support raised.
• Adheres to ethical standards established by Association of Fundraising Professionals and National Association of Charitable Gift Planners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 3+ years related experience in direct response fundraising (mail and/or internet).
• Proven track record in managing and implementing large, complex direct mail, internet, and/or phone-based programs to support advocacy programs.
• Experience managing day to day relationships with external vendors to implement multi-channel direct response marketing programs relative to creative development, print production, data needs.
• Experience reviewing fundraising copy and working with vendors to produce fundraising materials.
• Experience with database, and spreadsheet programs with an attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with vendors, internal customers, and the general public.
• Experience in working in a large complex environment. .

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement 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.
• 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.