Advocacy Communications Manager

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.

AARP’s Community, State and National Affairs (CSN) Group includes Government Relations, Programs, Volunteer Engagement, Community Outreach and Advocacy at the federal, state and local levels. It delivers on AARP’s social mission by educating and engaging people 50-plus and their families, strengthening communities, and championing issues that help give people financial and health security.

The Advocacy Communications Manager leads legislative issue communication campaigns across multiple advocacy platforms and audiences. Collaborates with cross-functional teams in the development and implementation of advocacy communication messaging, strategies and advertising campaigns at the federal, state and local levels. Utilizes direct action organizing tactics and implements communication platforms to build constituent and influencer support for the organization’s legislative priorities. Collaborates with management to identify opportunities to streamline advertising and polling processes and develops new procedures that support the business unit/department.

• Collaborates in the development of communications strategies tailored for target audiences over multi-channel platforms, and leads the execution of those efforts to inform, educate, and influence both internal and external audiences. Develops integrated communications strategies to reach key audiences, oversee implementation, and measure results.
• Develops message frameworks based on message research including tailoring to diverse audiences. Develops and refines messaging to ensure organizational consistency in all aspects of communication. Leverages internal and external communication platforms to relay complicated content using storytelling, illustrations, and other consumable formats.
• Produces or collaborates on producing a variety of individual communications products for internal and external audiences, including designing, writing, editing, and/or publishing communications.
• Develops and executes integrated communications and marketing plans for defined portfolios while providing day-to-day communications and marketing support and superior client service. Identifies and shares opportunities for public and media relations, thought leadership initiatives, social media, and digital tools that support programmatic objectives.
• Develops and executes integrated communications and marketing plans for defined portfolios while providing day-to-day communications and marketing support and superior client service. Identifies and shares opportunities for public and media relations, thought leadership initiatives, social media, and digital tools that support programmatic objectives.
• Plans, organizes, and implements special assigned projects working with cross functional teams. Determines scope and execution, tracks progress towards milestones, establishes timelines, and evaluates progress. Establishes project communication plans and ensures internal/external stakeholders are informed regarding project processes and impact.

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, and/or Communications.
• 5 years of direct experience developing and managing major federal and multistate communication campaigns related to advancing legislation, issue advocacy or ballot initiatives, including, but not limited to,  message development, advertising, earned media, and political polling.
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, error-free work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in thinking of and executing creative, high-impact communication strategies and tactics, including those targeted to diverse and specialized audiences.
• Solid knowledge of evolving advertising platforms, targeting, and performance metrics, with experience managing advertising agencies and minimum six-figure media budgets.
• Able to deal with crisis response and rapid response situations.
• Familiarity and curiosity with keeping up with the political communications, advertising, and technology landscape, knowing what type of messaging or tactic is most effective with different policymakers, audiences, and more.
• Proficiency in Office 365 environment. 

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• Home office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate home environment 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 and tuition reimbursement. For this position, we anticipate offering a salary between $99,000 to $115,500 per year. This role is also eligible to participate in an annual incentive plan with a percentage up to 12%. 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.

Salary : $99,000 - $115,500