Project Management Director - Advocacy Campaigns

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 Project Management Director for the Campaign’s Team for AARP’s Community, State, and National Affairs (CSN) Group, you will play a pivotal role in managing project lifecycles for advocacy campaigns. You will translate incoming requests into clear, actionable frameworks and solutions, driving initiatives to successful completion and achieving desired outcomes through project management methodologies. The role involves monitoring, measuring, and reporting on the progress of various projects to ensure transparency and accountability. Overseeing multiple portfolios of work, you will ensure impactful delivery of issue campaigns that impact the 50 population. This will include offering expert consultancy to teams across the organization partnering with our Government Affairs and regional advisors as well as the advocacy, grassroots and volunteer leads in our state offices with the goal of community outreach and engagement. Additional responsibilities will include assessing current engagement programs to identify areas for improvement. Working closely with senior management, you will develop and implement strategies that position the organization for long-term success.

• Plans, organizes, and implements assigned projects.
• Determines resources needed, tracks budgets, determines scope and execution, tracks progress towards milestones, establishes timelines, and evaluates progress.
• Ensures adherence to internal and external quality standards.
• Organizes project teams and leads internal and external team members and stakeholders to deliver on project goals.
• Establishes project communication plans and ensures internal/external stakeholders are informed regarding project processes and impact.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 8 years of experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the job.
• Excellent project management skills with an attention to detail; PMP certification preferred.
• Ability to succeed in an environment with changing priorities and time-critical deadlines.
• Proven track record engaging and influencing with key stakeholders and senior leaders in a highly matrix organization across multiple locations.
• Ability to understand, translate and oversee cross-functional budgets to ensure effective resource allocation.
• Prior experience in campaign management either around specific issue areas such as healthcare, financial security or livable community campaigns, candidates, or public issues preferred.

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.