Manager, California State Communications

Primary responsibilities are as follows: 

• Develops AARP’s presence in state and local communities by: establishing the framework for positioning AARP with the media, our membership and opinion leaders; developing and implementing communications tools, including new technology; developing strategic and operational communications plans; planning media events; overseeing media relations, including supporting the national office in launching its communications initiatives in the states; developing and testing key messages; supporting partner relations; and managing staff and volunteers.
• Manages staff and volunteers engaged in campaigns and multicultural communications efforts in the state. Cultivates and maintains relationships, both external and internal, across the AARP Enterprise.

Specific responsibilities are as follows:

• Plans and recommends strategic vision to the State Director and Volunteer Leadership around communications and campaigns and translates the vision and strategy into a plan that can be readily communicated and implemented with California team members, volunteers and external partners.  
• In conjunction with the California leadership team, executes the strategic plan for the Communications/Brand and identified campaigns to defined results, and with clear lines of accountability for staff and volunteers. Manages budget and resource allocation for primary and matrix-responsibilities.
• Supervises and leads a multifunctional team of professionals across the state using best in class practices of management to motivate, support, recognize and continually improve team performance to achieve enterprise goals and a shared vision.  Develops and monitors work plans for and with staff; manages and documents staff performance and takes corrective action when necessary. Ensures policies and procedures are carried out appropriately and identifies training/development needs of staff. Engenders results-oriented collaboration across matrix functions and team members; and operates with transparency in decision-making and in the allocation of resources.
• Leads the state Communications Team implementation of the communications and marketing strategy, incorporating specifics of demographic, cultural and economic dynamics into how the California State Office’s goals are presented and perceived by the 50+ public, media and decisions makers across public, private and social sectors, to grow relevance and impact in assigned communities. The Manager helps integrate other matrix functions to meet communications and campaigns goals for the state.
• Calibrates implementation of the matrix responsibilities of the state plan regularly, in conjunction with the CA Leadership team and national office, to reflect changing needs of the 50+ population, or dynamics in the environment or enterprise.
• Builds strong, collaborative working relationships with AARP California Management Team and participates as an active member of the team with an eye to achieving statewide goals and vision.
• Builds strong volunteer speaker’s bureau to ensure top volunteers are positioned as the face and voice of AARP with opinion leaders, the media, and members.
• Represents AARP California in relevant forums, serves on AARP Enterprise task forces and work groups, representing both state and national priorities.