Advocacy Writer

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 Integrated Communications and Marketing (ICM) Group includes Membership, Content and Editorial, Customer Experience, External Relations, Brand Strategy and Strategic Communications. Across paid, earned, shared, and owned channels, ICM manages AARP’s reputation, drives engagement and member growth, and showcases AARP’s mission and value through one, integrated voice.

This role is for an Advocacy Writer who reports, writes, and edits best-in-class content on AARP’s advocacy work for digital platforms, including AARP’s flagship website, mobile app, and its print publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. The role is focused on showcasing the mission-driven work AARP does at the federal, state and local level to improve the lives of people 50-plus, from fighting utility hikes to advocating for legislation to opening fitness parks and much more. Duties for the jobs include covering federal and state legislation and elections, writing and editing daily stories around AARP advocacy efforts, accomplishments, and impact and producing deeply reported longer-form stories that take a national view of AARP’s work and impact. The Advocacy Writer will also contribute to the creation of state-by-state resources on topics including voting, taxes, natural disasters, and more.

Also important: this role collaborates with other AARP departments to help promote key association programs, advocacy campaigns and other priorities. Demonstrates an ability to report, research, and write about complex subjects in effective and innovative ways and in accordance with established procedures and style. Uses available tools and resources to develop content ideas and optimize content based on digital publishing best practices. Works in a Content Management System to edit, produce and publish content. Partners with both internal and external teams on content production and publication. Ensures format and quality of materials for dissemination are consistent with established publishing policies.

• Works with other team members, including writers, editors, project managers, subject-matter experts, marketing and outreach directors, and senior executives to create and deliver timely, high quality, and relevant content for digital, print and other platforms.
• Employs digital analytics tools and resources to identify topics of interest to a 50+ audience and to evaluate the performance of content after publication.
• Writes and edits content for internal and external audiences and ensures that all content is consistent in voice, tone, and style, and that messaging is customized and aligned for the intended audience.
• Enters content into content/publishing management systems or other tracking tools, monitoring workflow, and collaborating with production staff to ensure published content is accurate and high-quality.
• Partners with team members to identify success stories. Contributes ideas and content for content and storytelling plans. Identifies and shares opportunities for public and media relations and thought leadership initiatives.
• Recommends process improvements related to content development, editing, and delivery of publications/written materials.
• May be responsible for assigning and editing content from internal and external contributors, cultivating a network of qualified contributors, and generating contracts, as needed, for external contributors.

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related major.
• 5+ years of journalism or related publishing experience.
• Strong writing and editing skills and a proven track record creating journalism of the highest standards required in multiple formats and platforms, including digital.
• Experience covering public policy and legistation at the state and/or federal level.
• Demonstrated success working in a collaborative and heavily matrixed environment. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of current publishing best practices in digital formats.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated knowledge in topics of interest to a 50+ audience, including but not limited to Social Security, Medicare, Caregiving, Frauds and Scams, and a passion for covering policy and translating its implications for a broad audience.
• Experience employing digital analytics tools and resources to identify topics of interest to a 50+ audience and to evaluate the performance of content after publication.
• Experience using content publishing/management systems, monitoring workflow, and collaborating with production staff to ensure published content is accurate, appealing, and adheres to publishing best practices.

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.