The Office of Volunteer Engagement (OVE) Manager of Outreach, Training, Development and Innovation reports directly to the VP-Volunteerism and Service, and is the primary contributor and thought-partner in designing the strategic direction and budget, and establishing/upholding policies and business practices related to inspired volunteer engagement and support. As AARP works to scale and expand the reach of programs and resources through volunteer engagement, this highly visible department leadership position provides extensive and well-informed insights to address the complexities and business imperatives needed to successfully recruit, develop, manage, and ensure consistently high quality performance of volunteers and their staff partners. A primary user of this position’s work product are the staff and volunteer leaders from AARP’s 53-state offices and six regions.
The position will identify, cultivate and share innovative practices to expand AARP’s capacity to bring programs to scale through volunteer leadership and engagement. The position also oversees a staff who provide consulting services, technical assistance and training to achieve volunteerism and service engagement goals across all of AARP’s units and functions. Building on an extensive depth of knowledge and practical experience working with volunteers, the position requires demonstrated leadership capability, agility, listening skills and sound decision-making to articulate a leading edge vision with clearly defined strategies to bring innovative and sustainable volunteer engagement practices to AARP. The position also requires significant expertise in working with and through engaged and empowered volunteers. A demonstrable track record of successful design and implementation of systems and adult learning methodologies for volunteer recruitment, engagement, management and recognition is also expected for this position.
In consultation with States & Communities leadership, supports processes related to the recruitment, job specific orientation, and development of AARP’s State Presidents and Regional Volunteer Directors (RVDs). Oversees support for existing and new models of research-based innovative engagement in the states. Serves as a trusted voice and counsel to colleagues in OVE, States and Communities Engagement (SCE), Office of Community Engagement (OCE), Programs, Multicultural Leadership (MCL), Government Affairs (GA), Campaigns, AARP Foundation, NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community, AARP Driver Safety (ADS), Tax Aide, Experience Corps and other key stakeholders. The position is responsible for collaboratively designing and implementing innovative and sustainable plans to strengthen AARP’s volunteer and service apparatus through best-in-class strategies for recruitment, training, recognition, shared learnings and the continued development of staff and volunteers.
- Uses ingenuity, experience and judgment to proactively provide timely and sound counsel to VP of Volunteerism and Service as well as to the Senior Vice President of States & Communities Engagement (SCE) and regional leaders to ensure compelling and impactful strategic focus of AARP’s volunteer efforts.
- Understands trends, behaviors and needs of the emerging volunteer “work force” and initiates research and new volunteer engagement strategies to keep Association informed and able to adapt to changing needs.
- Manages a team of high-performing subject matter experts and leads long-range planning efforts to guide the work of staff engaged in developing and managing the Outreach, Training, Development and Innovation Plan that provides a diverse set of virtual and in-person consulting services, technical assistance and training to staff and volunteers for recruiting, engaging, and managing volunteers for grassroots, campaigns, e-activists, state advocacy and outreach, and donors.
- Manages integration of multicultural strategies into all outreach, training and development activities of OVE.
- Leads the development and tracking of strategies to expand AARP’s capacity and reach, and support all aspects of the Volunteer Engagement Continuum, AARP’s Local Strategy and the National to Nationwide efforts.
- Leads the development of, and recommends prudent budget strategies that ensure appropriate funding for key initiatives such as staff and volunteer leadership development along with the volunteer and staff needs for state outreach, training and development.
- Develops, weighs options and manages progress toward achieving dashboard measures, forecast goals, and additional measures of success for all facets of the Outreach, Training, Development and Innovation team.
- Draws on experience and visioning skills to develop procedures and provide informed guidance and technical/facilitation support for the recruitment and selection of the National Volunteer Engagement Advisor, Regional Volunteer Directors (RVDs), State Presidents (SPs) and members of volunteer advisory and sounding board groups.
- Develops and hosts position specific, nationally focused orientation in-person and virtual experiences for State Presidents and their State Director partners.
- Provides guidance and innovative strategies to ensure impactful recruitment, selection, and engagement of Executive Council members so that states are aligned for success in delivering on their state plans
- In partnership with state and regional leaders, supports and appropriately refines the recruitment and selection processes for Regional Volunteer Directors and State Presidents.
- Oversees and provides the strategic vision for the appropriate interaction and support for Chapters, AARP Community Groups and helps define and launch other community-based volunteer efforts.
- Effectively manages change, develops and oversees the implementation of an OVE customer service approach aligned with AARP’s values.
- As requested, participates in regional meetings with states to gauge impact of OVE mission and resources, and to share information regarding skill-building and other tools.
- Manages integration and coordination of activities with OCE, MCL, GA, Campaigns, Foundation, Tax-Aide, ADS, NRTA, Experience Corps and other key stakeholders. Maintains strong partnership with OCE in support of the Local Strategy priorities
- Directs the development and management of special projects for engagement and service, and provides counsel to Create the Good.
- Consults with internal peers across AARP regarding volunteer recruitment, training, and development.
- Demonstrated professional track record and successful experience in working with volunteers, developing volunteer leadership, cultivating volunteer-staff partnerships, and introducing innovation.
- Demonstrated experience in successfully cultivating insights from a decentralized volunteer effort with multiple locations and using those insights combined with continuous learning to develop and refine tools and support systems that respond to needs in ways that will foster the most effective volunteer engagement practices.
- Demonstrated ability to innovate and adapt easily to new strategies and systems.
- Demonstrated ability to align performance for success through strong leadership, managements, coordination and inspiration for OVE staff and others to develop and provide the highest standards of customer service in all aspects of their work.
- Ability to work effectively with volunteers and staff at all levels to gain respect, to foster understanding of related issues, to develop credibility for the work of the unit, and to build support for AARP goals.
- Ability to manage cross-disciplinary teams and teleworking staff to achieve intended goals and objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to initiate and analyze data, prepare concise and well-written summaries, and provide sound recommendations related to complex issues.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, with high standards for performance and adherence to budget projections.
AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.