Vice President and Special Advisor

Overview

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 and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the 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 Vice President and Special Advisor to the EVP of CSN and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer leads the development and execution of communication strategies across multiple platforms, tailored to target audiences. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to support business unit objectives and identifies opportunities for improving organizational processes and programs to drive efficiency. The VP identifies trends, addresses systemic issues, and ensures effective communication within a matrixed environment.

As a key representative for CSN, the VP participates in internal working groups and provides strategic direction on high-level projects across the enterprise. They serve as a liaison to resolve issues and ensure successful execution of company initiatives. In partnership with senior leadership, the VP helps create long-term communication plans, leveraging internal and external resources to enhance the visibility and impact of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and helps oversee and coordinate the development and framing of messages on priority issues to support organizational priorities.
• Supports the team's work by mobilizing resources and developing and leveraging strategic relationships within the organization and external organizations.
• Develops a team through visionary leadership, establishing strategic direction, building organizational talent, and empowering others.
• Manages communications in all media to effectively convey approved messaging to drive action among intended audience (e.g., organization staff and volunteer leadership, key policymakers and elected officials, opinion leaders, organization activists, the general public, and the media).
• Manages the synthesis of a wide range of information on priority issues and works with colleagues across the organization to ensure that information is communicated in a way that effectively and efficiently drives action.
• Directs efforts to design communication tools to ensure that staff, volunteers, and key leaders are fully engaged and aware of the range and scope of priority activities.
• Ensures alignment of external communications with organization policy.
  
  

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in communications, public relations, government relations, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, Business, or a related discipline.
• Experience working in a large nonprofit, advocacy, state or federal executive branch, or policy-driven organization.
• Proven track record of executive-level leadership in strategic communications, demonstrating exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Ability to craft compelling messages and synthesize complex information into clear, actionable communications.
• Direct people management experience, with a demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to manage crises and high-stakes communications, exhibiting sound judgment and discretion when evaluating courses of action.
• Skilled in managing relationships with senior executives and external partners to advance organizational goals. Ability to navigate matrixed environments and ensure smooth communication between departments. Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Deep understanding of policy and how to align communication strategies with business priorities.
  
  

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
  
  

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work 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.