Manager, Communications

State & Community Engagement (SCE) enables AARP to be a nationwide organization, which strengthens our capacity to carry out our mission. The SCE team includes: 53 states and territories across 6 regions with regional management, the Office of Volunteer Engagement, the Office of Community Engagement (including the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA): AARP’s Educator Community), and the Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE).

Summary

The Manager, Pennsylvania State Communications is a strong strategic leader managing AARP Pennsylvania state office communications and federal/state campaigns.  She/he is responsible for providing counsel for communications and campaigns to the State Director, staff and volunteer leadership, and leading results-oriented implementation for both.  Working under the leadership of the State Director, and as a collaborative partner with the Managers of Advocacy and Outreach, the Manager of State Communications works with their team to integrate their area of practice with all state office functions and areas of focus.    
 

Responsibilities

1.    Plans and recommends strategic vision to the State Director and Volunteer Leadership around communications and campaigns and translates the vision and strategy into a plan that can be readily communicated and implemented with Pennsylvania team members, volunteers, and external partners.  
2.    In conjunction with the Pennsylvania leadership team, executes the strategic plan for the Communications/Brand and identified campaigns to deliver defined results, and with clear lines of accountability for staff and volunteers. Manages budget and resource allocation for primary and matrix-responsibilities.
3.    Develops, motivates, and positions for success a multifunctional team of professionals using best in class practices of management to achieve nationwide goals and a shared vision.  Develops and monitors work plans for and with staff; monitors communications metrics and business results to position AARP Pennsylvania for success internally and externally; manages and documents staff performance and takes corrective action when necessary. Ensures policies and procedures are carried out appropriately.  Identifies and builds training plans to develop staff to full potential. Engenders metrics-driven, results-oriented collaboration with Advocacy and Outreach teams; and operates with transparency in decision-making and in the allocation of resources.
4.    Leads the state Communications Team implementation of the communications and marketing strategy, incorporating specifics of demographic, cultural and economic dynamics into how the Pennsylvania State Office’s goals are presented and perceived by the 50+ public, media, and opinion leaders across public, private, and social sectors, to grow relevance and impact in assigned communities.
5.    Calibrates implementation of the state plan regularly, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Director, Pennsylvania Managers and national office, to reflect changing needs of the 50+ population, or dynamics in the environment or enterprise.
6.    Builds strong, collaborative working relationships with AARP Pennsylvania Managers and participates as an active member of the team with an eye to achieving statewide goals and vision.
7.    Represents AARP Pennsylvania in relevant forums, serves on AARP Enterprise task forces and work groups, representing both state and national priorities.
 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications or a related field and 6+ years of job related experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of communications, public relations, and events management experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with online, social and emerging media; and related analytics required.
• A track record of communicating effectively with the media, policymakers and other external stakeholders in major media markets
• Able to build quick rapport for results-oriented relationships, with a lens of cultural competence, 3 years managing external relationships including with multicultural audiences.
• Strong understanding of public policy issues facing the state and AARP membership in particular, some policy experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years  of experience managing a diverse workforce environment, preference for managing staff remotely.
• Minimum of 3 years of campaign experience at the local, state, or federal level with a focus on either communications, public relations, or advocacy.

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.