Business Unit Description

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

AARP Foundation is AARP's 501 c3 charitable affiliate. We are a public charity with revenue from federal agencies, corporations, foundations and individuals. AARP Foundation's vision is a country free of poverty where no older person feels vulnerable. Staff are located in Washington DC and throughout the US.

Every year, AARP Foundation helps millions of struggling older adults 50 and over win back opportunity by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face each day. Through the Foundation's many groundbreaking and innovative programs and services, we create and advance effective solutions to meet their basic needs for nutritious food, safe and affordable housing, adequate income and much-needed personal connections.

Summary

Manages and implements a national workforce program focused on entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and self-employment to increase and accelerate economic opportunity and security for low income 50+ workers. Works in consultation with Workforce Programs leadership to execute new and enhanced program strategies, services, and strategic partnerships. Builds and sustains strategic partnerships, to create a national network of organizations dedicated to ensuring that low income older workers have the knowledge, tools, and access to create and grow businesses. Develops and implements processes and procedures for tracking program performance and reviews and evaluates outcomes on an ongoing basis. Works with the leads for other program areas and objective owners (including Experience Corps, Tax and Credit Programs and Benefits Access) and across the Foundation (including Development, Communications, Technology, Litigation and Innovation) to identify and integrate solutions to the biggest challenges facing the low income 50+ and their families. Strong interest and commitment to program innovation and increasing economic opportunity for low income 50+ individuals. Supports and contributes to the Foundation's strategic plan and goals of increased income and earnings for the low-income 50+ and commitment to equitable outcomes for populations that have faced systemic racism and discrimination.
Responsibilities

1. Manages the program strategy and implementation for a national workforce program focused on entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and self-employment.

1. Manages program operations, budget, processes, and partnerships to meet the Foundation's annual strategic plan goals related to income/earnings for low-income 50+ workers.

1. Works in consultation with the Workforce Programs leadership to develop and scale new and enhanced program services, approaches, and strategic partnerships focused on entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and self-employment to increase income generation for low-income 50+ workers.

1. Builds and manages national program strategic partnerships and designs a seamless and supportive onboarding, implementation, and reporting experience, ensuring that all program participants receive best-in-class service and support through the AARP Foundation-affiliated channels.

1. Assesses continuously entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem trends, practices, and innovations in the field to drive strategic differentiation, partnerships, and inform and execute program.

1. Ensures compliance with AARP and Foundation operations policy, grant, budgets, and funding requirements, where applicable.

1. Anticipates and effectively deals with substantial and diverse program issues, that could enhance the program's opportunities or adversely impact programmatic outcomes.

1. Develops and implements processes and procedures for tracking program performance and evaluates program performance on a continuing basis, providing direction for program modifications to increase effectiveness.

1. Identifies opportunities for new funding or research, when applicable.

Requirements

Completion of a bachelor's degree in a related field and minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in workforce development, entrepreneurship, innovation, economic development, education and training, or business and industry.

Proven experience developing and implementing a program including strategy, plans, budgets, marketing strategies, performance metrics, and partnerships, with increasing levels of responsibility.

Demonstrated knowledge of current entrepreneurial and innovation programs, solutions, and strategies, and the ability to see the potential application of these models in the context of program development and implementation.

Ability to execute operational, and strategic goals, continuously refining and adapting approaches in response to feedback, research, and insights.

Demonstrated success building internal and external strategic partnerships and collaborations, including with key stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem such as start-ups accelerators, education entities, foundations, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and national intermediaries and associations.

Experience collecting, analyzing, and tracking performance data and reporting on results, particularly related to economic and workforce development.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines, working on multiple concurrent programs requiring gathering, design, and project planning/management.

Excellent communication skills both oral and written. Ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations and clearly communicate program strategies and solutions.

Highly developed problem-solving skills, team player, with an entrepreneurial mindset.

At AARP, the health and well-being of our candidates, employees, and members is a top priority. As a result of the COVID pandemic, all non- essential employees will continue to work remotely through the end of 2020. AARP has established social distancing policies to ensure the safety of our essential employees.
Benefits Offered

AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.
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.