Director, Campaign Operations

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 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.

As the Director, Campaign Operations for the Campaigns Team within the Community, States, and National Affairs (CSN) Group at AARP, you will lead a team of Campaign Operations Directors to enhance engagement around key issue areas in healthcare, financial security, livable communities, and voter education that impact the 50 population. This work will include developing effective and impactful campaigns, that reach individuals at the local, state, and national levels while managing to a sizable and complex budget. In this pivotal role, you will be involved in evaluating current programs, identifying areas for improvement, and measuring outcomes to ensure our initiatives are effective and impactful. As the Director you will oversee the assessment of existing engagement programs, identifying opportunities for enhancement and ensuring the achievement of desired outcomes. Leading the collection and analysis of data, you will generate actionable insights that aid in decision-making, priority setting, and strategic planning. Additionally, this role requires partnering with senior management to develop and implement strategies that position the organization to achieve strategic goals. You will offer your expert consultancy to your team and teams across the organization including Government Affairs and regional advisors as well as advocacy, grassroots and volunteer leads in our state offices located throughout the United States, with the goal of community outreach and engagement.

• Oversees the planning and delivery of strategic and efficient solutions for organization business units through program management and impact assessments. Collaborates with peers to strategically plan and deliver scalable solutions that support the strategy as well as contribute to resolving enterprise issues, achieving priorities, and meeting business unit goals.
• Leads a team of managers and senior staff who are responsible for multiple portfolios and streams of digital work in support of the organization’s goals and brand protection. Organizes project teams and leads internal and external team members to deliver project goals. Trains and supervises all staff on project management tools and best practices.
• Collaborates with business partner leadership to provide support and solutions achieve business unit and organization goals. Maintains strong relationships with Business Unit leadership, Strategic Communications Directors, Performance Management and Digital Analytics team, and other units to help ensure the coordinated communications, planning, and delivery of solutions for cross-functional projects.
• Communicates with partners about plans, products, and priorities, with a focus on how they might impact business unit plans and goals. Facilitates cross-functional communications to support information and knowledge sharing across stakeholders.
• Identifies and develops new procedures and processes to support the organization and project implementation. Utilizes project management systems and tools in the planning and execution of projects.
• Monitors and reports project progress to stakeholders and leadership. Maintains a high-level overview of all projects in order to manage resources against strategies. Escalates project issues while identifying alternatives and impacts.
• Represents business unit for organization-wide special projects and initiatives. Prepares and presents project status reports to leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 8 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the job.
• Solid experience in strategy development and the management of large-scale strategic projects.
• Prior experience in campaign management either around specific issue areas, candidates, or public issues.
•  Previous experience successfully managing a team of direct reports.
• Good understanding of macro politics and the world of public policy.
• Proven track record engaging and influencing key stakeholders in a highly matrix organization across multiple locations.
• Must be detailed oriented with the ability to work successfully in an environment with changing priorities and time critical deadlines.

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.
• 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 and tuition reimbursement. 

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.