AARP Foundation Experience Corps is an evidence-based intervention for improving the reading proficiency of kindergarten through third grade students. It engages the experience and skills of adults 50 and over to target underperforming students in low-income, high-need communities. By targeting schools in high need communities with large percentages of K-3 students who are below grade level in reading and introducing well-trained adults who are 50-plus as volunteer literacy tutors, K-3 students will accelerate their literacy achievement and reach grade level by the end of third grade. At the school level, Experience Corps school site staff and volunteer leaders work closely with school districts, administrators, and teachers to ensure that the right interventions are getting to the right students and classrooms.
Serving as the primary liaison between affiliates and the AARP Foundation Experience Corps national office, the Field Services Advisor provides technical assistance for business operations and program implementation to promote alignment with the EC Standards. This position is integral to cultivating productive relationships with local program staff, on-boarding new affiliates, maintaining agreements, implementing annual Technical Assistance work plans, and affiliate off-boarding procedures. The Field Services Advisor provides technical assistance through in-person (local / on-site support, face-to-face support at meetings and conferences, etc.) as well as through distance support (regularly scheduled phone calls, conference calls with multiple programs, webinars or other virtual media).
The Field Services Advisor will also support implementation of the AARP Foundation Branch Strategy and will provide operational support to promote successful Branches. This support may include, but is not limited to, development of policies and procedures to strengthen branch operations, program implementation support, data collection and management support, and review & processing of contracts.
This position will be remote based in the State of California.
AARP Foundation and EC National Office Strategy
- Implement significant portions of the EC HQ Strategic Plan (including Network Support, Program Reach, Volunteer Recruitment, and Volunteer Management) as they pertain to supporting our network of affiliates and the overall success of the EC national office.
- Lead workgroups and manage projects that contribute to achieving strategic plan objectives
- Represent FS department in various inter-departmental working groups.
- Promote financial stewardship and grant compliance
- Promote opportunities to stimulate innovation and utilize the innovation pipeline
- Coordinate with Manager of Branch Operations in execution of Branch Strategy
- Support efficient branch operations, including leading the development of policies and procedures to promote efficient branch operations in alignment and in coordination with Foundation policies.
Relationship Management and Communication Flow
- Function as the primary liaison between the affiliates and the AARP Foundation EC National Office.
- Coordinate with other departments within the AARP Foundation to ensure information flows between headquarters and the network.
- Lead Volunteer Management efforts by representing EC HQ and the Network in enterprise-wide initiatives and in coordinating with AARP State Offices
- Renew affiliate agreements according to policy.
- Contribute to successful monthly network calls
Program Support
- Assist in new affiliate on-boarding processes and guide implementation planning.
- Educate program staff about the EC standards, the tutoring model, and EC resources.
- Support all programs in meeting the EC Business Operations and Program Implementation standards, with a specific focus on a portfolio of assigned programs.
- Provide support as programs complete standards-driven assessments.
- Apply assessment information in the design and delivery of an affiliate training & technical assistance workplan (individualized TA workplan).
- Conduct training & technical assistance activities according to individualized annual TA Plans;
- Conduct site visits in support of annual TA plans and program effectiveness.
- Support programs in assembling evidence to demonstrate that they have met the standards.
- Coordinate training and technical assistance activities for affiliates.
- Assist in the planning and execution of meetings and special events that advance affiliate relations and promote cohesive engagements with EC headquarters and branch operations.
- Conduct affiliate off-boarding procedures when needed.
Project Management.
- Assume lead responsibility for designated projects
- Lead informal teams in crafting plans for accomplishing strategic tasks or completing initiatives
- Generate collaboration across teams and departments
- Execute plans and mobilize resources in an explicit and intentional way
- Monitor and effectively steward resources in guiding the work of a project team
- Communicate effectively to ensure stakeholders are aware of challenges, progress toward goals, and emerging opportunities.
- Understands organizational mission, program objectives, and strategic goals thoroughly.
- Develops partnerships, negotiates MOUs, and participates in collaborative environments skillfully.
- Maintains significant knowledge of federal, state, and local grant regulations, as well as EC standards to support compliance management duties.
- Listens actively; understands and translates complex reasoning in a timely manner; and clearly articulates when conveying information both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrates willingness to advocate on behalf of others or to objectively mediate during negotiations.
- Commits to integrity; maintains respectful and positive interpersonal relationships; and exercises competent organizational skills to support interdepartmental activities.
- Handles multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail with ease.
- Three (3) or more years of multi-site, multi-state program delivery experience preferred.
- Two (2) years experience in non-profit, intergenerational and/or education-based organization required.
- Knowledge of afterschool educational programming is desired.
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.