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

Directs the implementation of workforce programs, innovations, and strategic partnerships to increase and accelerate economic opportunity, mobility, and security for low-income 50+ workers and help employers build a highly skilled and multigenerational workforce.

Works collaboratively with Vice President, Workforce Programs and team to execute multiple strategies and develop new programs, initiatives, and innovations. Builds and sustains strategic partnerships, including businesses, to ensure that low-income older workers gain family-sustaining wage, high quality jobs and create and grow businesses. The Director provide strategic direction, inspiration and innovation to a team of high performing staff and will work in concert with the leads for other program areas and strategic 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. Supports and significantly 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. Directs the implementation of workforce programs and partnerships to ensure the program outcomes align and meets the Foundation's annual strategic plan goals related to income/earnings for low-income 50+ workers

1. Works collaboratively with the Vice President, Workforce Programs in the achievement of systemic and sustainable change through the development of new and enhanced programs, innovations, and initiatives in workforce and economic development at the national, state, and local levels

1. Innovates by enhancing current programs or by scaling evidence-based interventions, services, or approaches to workforce and economic development focused on income generation for low-income 50+ workers that provide economic opportunity and mobility

1. Develops and oversees new ideas and concepts in the innovation pipeline to programs in multiple states and involving multiple partners - including for-profit and non-profit stakeholders.

1. Assesses continuously workforce and economic development trends, practices, and innovations in the field to drive strategic differentiation, partnerships, and inform and execute Workforce Programs

1. Leads a team that creates and executes workforce programs and innovations consistent with the Foundation's mission, vision and core values, and strategic plan goals to ensure execution excellence and impact

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 Workforce Program's opportunities or adversely impact programmatic outcomes.

1. Reviews and evaluates Workforce program performance on a continuing basis, providing direction for program modifications and/or implementation of new systems, processes, and procedures to increase effectiveness

Requirements

Completion of a bachelor's degree in a related field (Master's degree or post-graduate work preferred) and minimum of 8 years of workforce development, economic development, education and training, human resources, or employer/industry experience

Proven experience of developing and implementing high impact workforce and economic development programs, initiatives, and/or cutting-edge employment and education solutions

Demonstrated knowledge of current and innovative workforce and economic development approaches. solutions, and strategies both in the for-profit and non-profit sectors, and the ability to see the potential application of these models in the context of program development and implementation

Ability to execute with excellence a complex array of programs, 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 employers, to create and scale programs and initiatives from the ground up

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

Strong skills and experience leading, managing, and supporting a high performing team and cultivating a collaborative environment

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 innovative and creative strategies and solutions

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

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 interviews will be held virtually and all non-essential employees will continue to work remotely until further notice. AARP has established social distancing policies to ensure the safety of our essential employees.
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.