AARP

Summary: Leads the team responsible for promoting multiple organizational priorities, with a special focus on consumer and entertainment initiatives.  Supports the Senior Vice President in managing the daily operations of the department. Responsibilities:  Maintains an in-depth knowledge of AARP’s enterprise-wide strategic goals, anticipating and addressing opportunities and issues as they arise. Ensures that the vision, strategic oversight, and plans are in place to launch and sustain all work within the position’s authority. Protects and advances AARP’s reputation and brand. Supports the CEO’s executive positioning and drives the public narrative around AARP’s commitment to and work in innovation, positive aging, and multi-culturalism. Oversees the development of external relations strategy for AARP affiliates, including the AARP Foundation and AARP Services, Inc. to ensure consistency and raise awareness of products and services. Provides overall direction for the department’s editorial calendar to help ensure coordination of AARP’s public narrative and work. Develops and manages external relations RFPs and SOWs and directs the work of external agencies and consultants. Works with the Senior Vice President to implement departmental policies and procedures. Manages day-to-day functions, including staff management, team development, ally development, budget forecasting, vendor procurement, and strategic planning. Serves as a senior external relations contact for internal business units and state offices. Works with Brand and Editorial teams to negotiate and develop external relations/media partnerships. Requirements: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related discipline (Master’s degree or post-graduate work preferred) and 10+ years’ experience as a communications professional. Experience working with a mission-driven, advocacy organization. Previous public relations agency experience or the equivalent within a major corporation or organization. Ability to work effectively and calmly in a fast-paced, diverse, high-pressure environment. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain successful relationships with national, regional, and local media, partner organizations, and influencers. Ability to provide leadership, strategic focus, and management oversight for external outreach and engagement across platforms. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate team members and colleagues. Demonstrated success in marketing, communications, legislative, or campaign-related grassroots development, public affairs, public relations, or branding. Must have demonstrated experience providing leadership and management oversight for large external relations teams. Candidates being considered for this role must be willing to complete a writing assessment.