RSVP promotes the engagement of older persons as community resources in planning for community improvement and in delivery of volunteer services. Achievement of RSVP's purpose is facilitated by the coordination of the resources of CNCS, the RSVP sponsor, and the community to fulfill the following goals of RSVP:
- Develop a variety of opportunities for community service for older people willing to share their experience, abilities, and skills for the betterment of their community and themselves.
- Ensure that volunteer assignments are consistent with the interests and abilities of the volunteers and the needs of the community served.
- Ensure that volunteers are provided needed orientation, in-service instruction, individual support and supervision, and recognition for their volunteer service.
- Provide reasonable opportunity for community and volunteer involvement and support in development, operation, and appraisal of the RSVP project.
- Develop local support to supplement available federal sources and ensure that program expenditures are incurred at the lowest possible cost consistent with the effective operation of the project, as required by CNCS's legislation.
- Cooperate with agencies and organizations involved in the fields of aging and volunteerism.
- Develop a sound, locally controlled senior volunteer program with continuing community support.
Reporting to the RSVP Manager, the RSVP Project Director is AARP Foundation’s designated staff member to manage the RSVP project in their respective region. The Project Director selects trains and supervises staff, and works collaboratively with other AARP Foundation colleagues, Community Advisory Group members, volunteer station staff, and officials of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to program, plan, and implement the RSVP project. The Project Director is also responsible for public relations for the project and maintenance of program records.
- Provides administrative oversight of RSVP by ensuring compliance with terms and conditions of the federal grant and applicable federal regulations.
- Selects, trains, mentors, and supervises program staff (if applicable), monitors staff performance, maintains work schedules, reviews financial statements, works with headquarters Grants Management to prepare annual budgets, develops and implements policies, and generates required reports.
- Works with AARP Foundation staff and community groups to support resource development.
- Maintains program quality by planning annual program goals and objectives that ensure that at least 50 percent of volunteers are placed in outcome-based assignments with measurable results designed to meet critical community needs while offering meaningful opportunities for the volunteers to serve their community.
- Oversees program activities, supporting coordinators as they serve volunteers and local nonprofits, providing leadership, information, and consultation. Mediates concerns or conflicts which may arise within the program.
- Develops positive public relations and communications in the community by providing informational programs to interested groups and organizations. Prepares newsletters or other media materials, serves on community boards, councils, and committees and hosts volunteer recognition events.
- Maintains professional knowledge and skills by attending relevant workshops, training, and conferences. Reviews professional materials and literature. Participates in professional organizations.
- Works closely with RSVP Community Advisory Group, soliciting their advice and assistance on matters affecting project operation.
- Performs other project related duties as assigned and as allowable within the RSVP statute, program regulations, and other applicable policies.
Complexity
- Responsible for site compliance with the federal regulations governing the financial & administrative conduct of RSVP operations.
- Implements innovative recruitment strategies to ensure sufficient volunteer enrollment to fulfill project volunteer station objectives and site goals.
- Manages the local site disbursement budget and expenditures to ensure budget limits are met, expenditures are effectively and efficiently handled, and spending activities adhere to published guidelines.
- Recruits non-profit and public community service organizations to serve as host sites in which to place volunteers. Monitors host sites to ensure that volunteers are given adequate training and supervision and that they are working in a safe environment.
- Manages the local project site in accordance with federal regulations, RSVP grant requirements and program policies and procedures. Trains or oversees training of site staff and prepares/oversees preparation of site performance, financial and other required reports.
- Takes independent action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues. Practices interpersonal relationship and conflict resolution skills in dealing with diverse and difficult participants and host agency personnel.
- Promotes different aspects of RSVP in the local community as necessary to achieve project site goals by making presentations, using written communication material, and obtaining media coverage.
Interaction
- Supervises project office staff (as needed) in the daily administration of the program.
- Works with an average of 100 active volunteers and up to 500 volunteers annually.
- Ensures that all interactions with program volunteers are non-discriminatory and in accordance with AARP Foundation and RSVP program policies and procedures.
- Develops and works with a community advisory group to address community needs and volunteer opportunities.
- Collaborates with other AARP Foundation RSVP Project Directors and CNCS staff to further the objectives of RSVP and enhance the volunteer experience and program outcomes.
Impact:
- This position directly supports the mission of AARP Foundation. The Project Director’s work also complements the mission and goals of the Volunteer Stations supported by the site. Project Director provide significant impact to individuals, both volunteers and those serviced, that improves quality of life and brings meaning and vibrancy to their communities and organizations.
- Training and/or experience in work with the over 50 population and leading (recruiting) volunteers is essential.
- Computer literacy and car required.
Competencies
- Ability to take independent action in solving problems, sensitive to and aware of personality differences and conflicts.
- Ability to independently and appropriately interpret and implement regulations, policies and procedures; compile and prepare accurate reports within time constraints.
- Ability to clearly present information, including technical data, through verbal and written communication to varied audiences, influence or persuade others through verbal presentation.
- Ability to establish and nurture working relationships with agencies, organizations and businesses.
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.
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.