The Branch Director is the key strategy driver for the AARP Foundation Experience Corps program in the Baltimore branch. This entrepreneurial leader must be able to make critical decisions within the context of competing priorities. The Branch Director will ensure compliance with all AARP Foundation policies, advance the Experience Corps National Office priorities, effectively manage the branch staff, and craft and implement the strategy for the branch. Central to this work will be productive working relationships with respective school district representatives, school staff, and community partners who will support engaging older adult volunteers in the Experience Corps program. The Branch Director leads work with key community partners and funding organizations to secure an environment that can deliver a highly-effective and sustainable Experience Corps program.
Leadership and Management
- In collaboration with Experience Corps National Office leadership, prepare and execute strategic plans that drive mission achievement within the community.
- Make strategic decisions across competing priorities within a dynamic environment.
- Manage all day-to-day operations of the Experience Corps branch, including program direction; personnel performance management and accountability; financial management; grant compliance; fundraising and community relations; data collection and accountability; project management; and general administration.
- Communicate regularly and openly with Experience Corps National Office Leadership to ensure success and minimize challenges.
- Communicate frequently and cultivate productive working relationships with branch staff, volunteer corps, school administrators and teachers.
- Support the full Experience Corps network through participation in network meetings and calls as well as engaging in working groups focused on Experience Corps Network priority issues.
Program Quality
- Create an environment for delivering school district-approved, high-impact Experience Corps academic tutoring & mentoring interventions.
- Ensure that all site operations align with Experience Corps standards.
- Develop Experience Corps branch work plans aligned with AARP Foundation priorities and lead ongoing processes to effectively carry out plans and ensure program quality.
Resource and Partnership Development
- Cultivate productive relationships with key district staff and school system leadership.
- Coordinate with the AARP Foundation Development team to cultivate donor relationships to sustain and grow the Experience Corps program.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with community agencies and organizations that promote and sustain the mission of the Experience Corps program.
- Raise visibility of program in the community by building relationships with key local leaders, school board members, and other prominent community members.
- Create and nurture internal AARP and AARP Foundation partnerships to further strengthen program support and operations.
- Prepare and deliver reports to funders and other key stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Six (6) years of executive nonprofit management experience.
- Familiarity with research and program effectiveness related to K-3 elementary school literacy.
- Ability to work closely and develop strong relationships with diverse and multicultural individuals and organizations, including older adult volunteers, children, parents, school administrators, program officers, major and individual donors, and elected officials.
- Awareness and understanding of children’s needs and challenges and those of older adults in low-income, multicultural communities.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative in an entrepreneurial environment.
- Ability to handle multiple priorities efficiently.
- Strong staff management skillset. Adept at situational leadership.
- Competence in creative problem solving and conflict resolution.
- Skilled in clear, effective written and verbal communication.
- Energy and passion for leading a dynamic and growing program in the often-changing setting of the education arena.
- Experience working in/with public school districts, private schools, preferably in elementary and/or early education.
- Experience in community development, developing partnerships, negotiating Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and other collaborative processes.
- Experience in older adult volunteer management and/or intergenerational programs.
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.