Overview

AARP Services, Inc., founded in 1999, is a wholly-owned taxable subsidiary of AARP. AARP Services manages the provider relationships for and performs quality control oversight of the wide range of products and services that carry the AARP name and are made available by independent providers as benefits to AARP's millions of members. The provider offers currently span health products, financial products, travel and leisure products, and life event services. Specific products include Medicare supplemental insurance; credit cards, auto and home, mobile home and motorcycle insurance, life insurance and annuities; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; pharmacy services and legal services. AARP Services also engages in new product development activities for AARP and provides certain consulting services to outside companies.

The Vice President, Research & Consumer Insights directs the design and execution of primary and secondary research to develop integrated insights. Oversees the evaluation of programs and business priorities to identify improvements and to measure outcomes. Cultivates and maintains strategic relationships with senior leadership and builds a learning agenda based on stated needs.

Responsibilities

• Coaches and mentors direct reports and team members via ongoing one-on-ones. Builds capacity and skills by identifying and executing training programs. Provides guidance on study design and narrative frames, and reviews high-priority and high-visibility research collateral.
• Develops an annual research agenda for the department based on voiced and inferred needs of the organization and optimizes impact with the available resources. Refines and evolves departmental plans based on organizational priorities and shifts.
• Liaises and collaborates with leaders/stakeholders from across the organization to apply marketplace and consumer insights that may inform policies, advocacy positions, business strategies, and product or program development, to drive strategies and decisions. Presents insights at departmental, leadership, and/or external meetings.
• Meets with leadership from across the organization to hear evolving needs and assess the value of insights produced by the team. Participates in external committees and/or forums to share, learn, and apply best practices.
• Partners with senior leadership to design, develop and execute departmental strategies and activities. Manages and tracks enterprise assets/budget to deliver maximum impact. Directs ongoing recognition and compensation, as well as annual merit and incentive planning decisions.
• Leads selected strategic initiatives with material impact to the organization. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop scenarios and translate consumer and marketplace insights into long-term goals and strategic plans to ensure continued success in growth and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years experience in developing and implementing advanced research projects supporting media marketing and advertising sales team.
• 10+ years experience in leading and managing a team.
• Demonstrated management of large-scale qualitative and quantitative customer research projects.
• Extensive experience with advertising measurement/effectiveness.
• Analytical problem-solving skills, ability to translate data into meaningful findings and stories to provide recommendations that lead to informed decision making, presentation to senior level internal and external clients.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Proven success in establishing relationships, high bandwidth communicator, and track record for excellent collaboration.
• Ability to work across organizations, in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of the 50+ consumer market is preferred.
• Print and digital media experience is preferred.

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.

For this position, we anticipate offering a salary between $194,400 to $226,800 per year. This role is also eligible to participate in an annual incentive plan with a percentage up to 30%. Bonus eligibility is dependent upon organizational and individual performance.

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.