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 African American/Black (AA/B) Audience Strategy Director is responsible for providing strategic guidance to the Vice President, Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (ODEI)-AA/B audience strategy in the planning and execution of the national strategy. Ensures alignment with the advancement of AARP's overall vision and mission and integration with AARP's strategic and operational plans. Supports the development of the AA/B audience plan to include establishing goals, strategies and measurable outcomes related to the AA/B work in AARP. Ensures accountability for the ownership and integration of AA/B strategic goals by leaders and staff in the association. Executes strategic collaborations with community and partner organizations. Serves in a consultative enterprise-wide role charged with growing impact, relevance, and community engagement powered by multicultural AA/B research insights. Serves as a key thought leader and spokesperson about AA/B strategies and initiatives. Manages day to day budgetary allocations, tracking and invoices within the guidance of the Vice President.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development of the annual audience plan in collaboration with the Vice President-ODEI in support of annual AA/B enterprise goals.
• Assists with the identification, selection and day to day management of an audience Agency of Record (AOR process) in conjunction with Brand and Procurement Teams
• Collaborates with AARP issue area and business unit leaders to ensure messaging and programs are developed to drive awareness and familiarity of AARP tools and resources within the AA/B community.
• Implements internal AA/B intensive sessions, educational initiatives, and programs to assist in building a climate of diversity, equity and inclusion, and other topics designed to increase awareness and cultivate a culture of equity and inclusion values.
• Establishes, develops, and expands programming that promotes a working environment and culture committed to a climate of equity, diversity, and inclusion for all staff and volunteers.
• Represents AARP to internal, stakeholders, and employees. Collaborates with internal stakeholders to promote and advance AA/B equity, diversity, and inclusion and partners with Office of Community Engagement (OCE) & AARP State offices, managers, and employees to ensure AA/B initiatives are aligned and programs support enterprise strategic goals. Supports the AARP ABC Strategic Employee Engagement Resource Group by engaging employees to build a welcoming and inclusive culture at AARP.
• Establishes and maintains an internal tracking process and reporting method to allow for effective measurement of AA/B Pilots and audience programs. Assesses and monitors programs effectiveness and keeps the VP informed on audience strategy progress and issues through regular reports.
• Represents AARP on external coalitions, counsels, and/or working groups, as needed in support of the VP.
• Manages day to day budgetary allocations within the guidance of the Vice President

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications or related field or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position with 10+ years of experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in a complex organization with a focus on multicultural marketing and communication and strategic relationships within the AA/B community.
• Expertise in planning, implementing, improving, and evaluating diversity programs.
• Displays a proficiency in strategy development.
• Possess understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices.
• Collaboration and consensus building skills are a must.
• Excellent ability to manage change, confidentiality, and sensitive topics with a professional demeanor during emotionally charged, difficult, or high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing, drafting, and developing policies and procedures related to DEI initiatives.
• Ability to understand, be sensitive to, and respect the diverse socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity of employees across AARP.

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.