Director, Livable Communities

Business Unit Description

AARP Programs drives relevance and impact thr¿¿¿¿ough “state-of-the-art” programs and resources. Our audience-focused offerings facilitate “active” engagement and interaction with consumers, with a focus on multicultural and age 50–64 members. We also work with key influencers such as industry, partners, and local leaders.

Summary

Responsible for setting the overarching strategic direction of AARP’s livable communities’ programmatic agenda and works in collaboration with others across AARP and its affiliates to collectively set the Association’s livable communities agenda. Sets goals for designing, building and implementing high impact programs that help achieve goals. 

Responsibilities

• Leads the strategy development and planning necessary to achieve the programming goals related to improving the livability of communities. Accountable for the achievement of those goals.

• Determines financial and human capital resources required to support strategy outcomes; as needed, adjusts strategies and outcomes as well as financial resources throughout the year.

• Directs research as needed to inform programmatic messaging, strategy and offerings. Identifies knowledge gaps and assesses research needs to drive programmatic goals; commissions and directs qualitative and quantitative research initiatives in collaboration with Research & Strategic Analysis, PPI and/or other entities.

• Identifies, prioritizes and supports local technical assistance and programming needs in collaboration with state offices and their leadership to achieve strategic outcomes.

• Leads and nurtures affiliates in AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States & Communities through programming, workshops, resources and communities of practice.

• Directs Programs design team on the programmatic offerings needed and partners with them on the identification of programmatic tactics, digital tools, social media tactics, and creation of programs from multicultural audiences. Collaborates on the distribution and implementation of the state programming and direct to consumer national offerings (e.g., online education and tools). 

• Applies business analytics and ongoing data inputs to evaluate program progress against established metrics and standards, working with the Programs design team to make mid-course corrections and process improvements as needed.

• Sets and implements the strategic direction of our efforts to influence local decision-makers to implement community improvements. Influences thought leaders, stakeholders and/or systems as appropriate.  Establishes success metrics related to initiatives.

• Develops and manages high-level partnerships with key influencers to shape opinion leader views and advance interests of the 50-plus. May serve as association-wide relationship manager for key external relationships.

• Builds and directs issue coalitions as needed to advance AARP’s social mission, more effectively reach key audiences, and augment the credibility of AARP messaging. 

• Advises Community, States, and National Affairs Executive Vice President, other executives and AARP Board Members as requested on livable communities and AARP’s programs.  Represents CEO, Programs Senior Vice President or other senior leaders on high-level commissions or coalitions. 

• Serves as key AARP spokesperson in both national print and broadcast media and specialized media (e.g., trade publications), at major national conferences, and in other high-profile public forums to advance Association’s social mission.

Requirements

-Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in law, urban development/design, housing, transportation, public policy, public relations or other field related to the duties of this position;

-10+ years of related experience developing, integrating, coordinating and implementing high impact initiatives in support of social programs, or a mix of education and experience pertinent to this position. 

-Experience in non-profit, governmental or non-governmental organizations focused on educating and informing others; strong inter-personal skills; superior oral and written communications skills; understanding of political landscapes; demonstrated ability to work effectively with others at all levels. 

-Demonstrated experience building partnerships and strategic alliances.

-Ability to serve as spokesperson for AARP to partner organizations, vendors, media, government officials, and at public events.

-Travel up to 50% may be required

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers competitive benefits with 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; tuition reimbursement; among others. Visit careers.aarp.org/benefits for more information. 

As a result of the COVID pandemic, all interviews will be held virtually and all non-essential employees will continue to work remotely until further notice. 

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.