VP of Policy - Financial Security

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 Policy, Research and International Affairs leads the development and communication of AARP’s public policies and, research and insights on the issues that matter to people 50-plus.

The Vice President, Policy - Financial Security oversees and leads AARP’s policy research agenda as it relates to employment, retirement savings and income including Social Security and private pensions, cost of living, and consumer protection. This research agenda supports the development of AARP’s public policy priorities and advocacy and campaign positions.

• Builds and supports a high-performing team including oversight of work products, performance management, recognition, and compensation (ongoing and annual).
• Sets vision and direction for PPI team’s policy research agenda, drawing on subject matter expertise and insights on current and emerging policy issues.
• Partners and collaborates with senior leadership and key internal stakeholders in the development of long-term goals and strategic plans.
• Leads organization-wide cross-functional teams executing organizational priorities, including those that incorporate policy change, community organizing, public education and/or implementation of social innovation.
• Represents the organization externally at key forums, meetings, advisory boards, and/or with media. Builds strategic relationships with thought leaders and influencers across industries.
• Identifies and implements opportunities for new products, services, and approaches to address social problems.

• Masters degree in economics, public policy, or related field; Doctorate degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in research and analysis related to financial security including, but not limited to, employment, retirement savings, pensions, consumer protections, debt, and Social Security and other federal programs.
• Recognized as a research and policy expert and thought leader on financial security issues, with expertise in design and application of complex quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and influence key decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to directly manage a team of policy experts including analysts, senior advisors, and directors and work effectively in a matrix organization.
• Motivated to coach, guide, and mentor staff to maximize impact and to support their growth and development along AARP’s career pathways.
• Demonstrated track record leading and overseeing full-life cycle research projects, with measurable results and significant impact; includes setting an annual agenda and vision for financial security team activities and overseeing departmental budget(s).
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative and dynamic environment, with ability to build relationships and trust across the enterprise.

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.