Director Brand Strategy & Creative Services

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, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their 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 Director, Brand Strategy & Creative Services directs the development and management of branded campaigns aligned with the organization's strategy. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop and execute compelling, valuable marketing and communications campaigns to attract and engage key audiences. Collaborates with senior management, provides guidance and builds brand strategies that will showcase the consumer value in an effort to enhance brand equity, drive engagement with the brand and its value, and supports social impact and membership growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of brand marketing experts and agency teams to deliver strategic, creative, cost-effective campaigns that achieve goals for internal stakeholders.
• Leads the development and effective execution of high-profile campaigns in support of top organizational priorities.
• Collaborates with peers and colleagues across the enterprise to drive brand alignment, compliance, and stewardship to create a clear, consistent, and high-quality brand experience for target audiences.
• Stays up to date on trends and insights and serves as an in-house thought leader on best practices, innovative solutions, and multi-channel excellence.
• Collaborates with brand leadership to develop and communicate brand architecture, visual and verbal identity guidelines, brand safety, and internal roles and responsibilities to streamline departmental processes and standards.
• Supports training and career development for direct reports.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in design, branding, or other creative services field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position. 10+ years experience in creative services and brand strategy.
• Experience managing creative services team, including art directors and designers, and also including professional development for junior staff.
• Client relationship skills, including negotiating skills.
• Brand Strategy and Brand Architecture knowledge, including brand compliance and brand governance.
• Ability to manage a complex brand with a unique and dynamic business model, including brand requirements for affiliates.
• Experience with multi-channel campaign development, including digital, social, and print.
• Experience managing in-house design agency (shared services) preferred.
• Non-profit experience a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Exhibits respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions.
• 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.