Manager, Advocacy and Communications

• Builds and maintains a strong team to implement federal, state and local advocacy campaigns that positively impact AARP’s brand equity and member loyalty and experience through delivering targeted social impact that is relevant to the 50+
• Leads and helps execute an approach that builds a comprehensive network of volunteers, like-minded partners, and political influencers (“grasstops”) that cohesively advocates for AARP’s priorities for the 50-plus.  The manager cultivates and maintains relationships, both external and internal across the AARP Enterprise, and empowers team members to do the same.
• Advises State Director and Executive Council on advocacy goals, then develops strategy to achieve those goals.  Develops most cost-effective funding plan, coordinates that plan within the AARP enterprise, and oversees the budget execution within acceptable variances.  Determines appropriate mix of paid and earned media, digital and print communications, and existing internal communications channels.  
• Elevates and maximizes AARP NC’s staff and volunteer talent among the public, which collectively will enable AARP NC to be known as “North Carolina’s Most Trusted and Influential Source for the 50-plus, making life more convenient, more affordable, and enjoyable.”  Raises AARP NC’s profile of social media followers, op-ed placements, TV appearances, radio interviews, and panel discussions at organized events.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Plans and recommends strategic vision to the State Director and Executive Council and translates the vision and strategy into a plan that can be readily communicated and implemented with NC team members, volunteers and external partners.  
• Serves as the primary staff person to execute the advocacy and communications plan to deliver defined results, and with clear lines of accountability for staff and volunteers. Manages budget and resource allocation within allowable variances.
• Supervises and leads a team of professionals, 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 that policies and procedures are carried out appropriately and identifies training/development needs of staff. Engenders results-oriented collaboration across the matrix functions and team members; and operates with transparency in decision-making and in the allocation of resources.
• Leads team and actively contributes alongside other staff in a cross-functional implementation of the state plan, incorporating specifics of demographic, cultural and economic dynamics into how NC’s enterprise 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 targeted communities. The Manager helps integrate other functions to meet the goals of the market.
• Calibrates implementation of the state plan regularly, in conjunction with the State Director, regional staff and national office, to reflect changing needs of the 50+ population, or dynamics in the environment or enterprise.
• Builds strong, collaborative working relationships with a commitment to achieving statewide goals and vision.
• Represents AARP NC in relevant forums, serves on AARP Enterprise task forces and work groups, representing both state and national priorities.