Director, Research

Job Description

Overview

AARP Foundation works for and with vulnerable people over 50 to end senior poverty and reduce financial hardship by building economic opportunity. As a charitable affiliate of AARP, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by strengthening supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope.

 

The Director, Research leads a high-performing team in uncovering insights that drive positive change at the intersection of aging and poverty. The Director brings the intellectual agility to work across a range of issue areas and methodologies, along with the leadership skills to build and develop a strong team. They also possess the collaborative know-how to shape a collective research agenda and advance change across the organization. AARP Foundation’s research focuses on workforce, household finances, public benefits access, and industry trends that affect the well-being of older adults with low income.

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Responsibilities

  • Shapes business' research agenda in coordination with internal stakeholders.
  • Guides the research workflows of team members and ensures the highest quality standards of work outputs.
  • Oversees the growth of the Research team, including organizational and process design, mentoring team members and nurturing a high-performing team culture.
  • Collaborates with internal business and functional Stakeholders to integrate data and research capabilities across AARP.
  • Identifies and Deploys innovative data gathering methods including primary, secondary, and first-party data to generate insights that inform AARP Foundations' strategy and program design.
  • Communicates research findings to leadership, functional teams and to external audiences including media, partner organizations and the general public.

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in research or consulting.
  • 3+ years experience building and managing a high-performing team.
  • Strong intellectual track record, with proven ability to balance research rigor with the need for actionable insights.
  • Highly proficient with statistical analysis.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to executive, expert and general audiences.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams and coordinating various stakeholder groups.
  • Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.

 

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

 

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.