Manager - Communications

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 and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

The Manager, Communications develops and leads the implementation of communications goals and objectives in alignment with business unit plans and enterprise strategies. Develops strategies tailored for target audiences over multi-channel platforms, including social and digital media. Measures communication campaign effectiveness. Ensures content aligns with the enterprise brand strategy and brand architecture. Collaborates with management to identify opportunities to streamline communication processes and to develop new procedures that support the business unit/department. 

• Manages the design and implementation of communications strategies, incorporating target audience and channel research, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Designs communications campaigns that raise brand awareness and inform, educate, and influence internal and external audiences. Establishes strategic media partnerships and leverages internal/external resources to raise the visibility of the organization with members, the public, and key influencers.
• Collaborates across business units to direct the implementation of communications strategies in support of state and federal advocacy initiatives and community engagement priorities. Liaises with state and national partners internally and externally to respond to media inquiries and position the organization as an industry leader on policy issues.
• Directs internal communications efforts to raise the visibility of the business unit among internal audiences. Leads the development and implementation of communications training for staff and volunteers as necessary.
• Ensures strong people management across team, monitoring and supporting employee engagement, as well as volunteer engagement as appropriate.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Communications or a related field. 
• 5 years of communications, public relations, and events management experience. 
• 5 years of experience with online, social media, emerging media, and related analytics. 
• Has 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. 
• Demonstrates a high level of competence with oral and written communication. 
• Must demonstrate ability to develop messaging architecture rapidly, effectively, and efficiently on complex topics on demanding deadlines, working transparently and effectively with highly skilled subject-matter-experts. 
• Must demonstrate cultural competency across multicultural markets. 
• Must demonstrate excellent computer literacy, social media skills, a strong strategic focus, and transformational people management skills. 
• Experience with strategic planning and financial/budget management.

Prefered Requirements

• Master's degree in communications or a related field.
• Strong understanding of public policy issues facing the state and AARP membership in particular, some policy experience preferred.
• 3 years of experience managing a diverse workforce environment, preference for managing staff remotely.
• 3 years of campaign experience at the local, state, or federal level, with a focus on either communications, public relations, or advocacy.
• Applicable bilingual skills would be an asset. 

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
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting 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; tuition reimbursement; among others.

Salary Range: MIN: $112,500 - MAX: $125,000 

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.