AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.
The Community, State and National Affairs (CSNA) team is a key contributor to AARP's mission of social change for Americans 50+ and their families. CSNA drives social change through our advocacy work by giving our members a voice—at the federal, state, local levels and community levels—on issues important to them such as Financial Resilience, Health Security, and Personal Fulfillment.
With a network of 53 offices in each state, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, we live where we work. This allows us to do what we do best…meet the people and directly engage in our communities to find out what they need and want, enabling us to educate our members with programs and information that is relevant to them.
Our state offices work hand-in-glove with AARP’s national office in Washington, DC. This reach—from community to state to federal – enables CSNA to better empower people 50+ to enjoy the way they live and work today, while reaching their goals for tomorrow…their life – their way.
Summary Statement
The African American/Black Audience Vice President is responsible for providing organization-wide leadership in planning and execution of AARP’s African American/Black strategy. Ensures the development and implementation of a comprehensive enterprise wide strategy for delivering measurable increases in AARP’s impact in this audience market – as measured by awareness, engagement, recruit and retention. Works closely with all departments in the ensuring that African American/Black strategies and tactics are optimally designed to deliver against enterprise objectives (grow impact, grow relevance and grow revenue). Works to ensures accountability for the ownership and integration of African American/Black strategic goals by leaders and staff in the Association. Through matrix management, guides and directs plan execution in business units to assure integrated and cohesive results. Is a key thought leader and spokesperson about African American/Black strategies and initiatives. Is key point of contact for national partners and in representing the organization externally on issues related to African American/Black audience at the national level. Provides counsel to the SVP, Multicultural Leadership, the EVP, Advocacy and Engagement and other Executive Team as appropriate. May participate in or deliver reports to AARP’s Board of Directors.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include:
- Develops enterprise-wide strategic direction and relevant related elements in operational plans and in the aggregate to optimize and grow African American/Black participation in awareness, community engagement, membership, recruitment, retention, and institutional alliances.
- Develops and tracks the performance metrics for critical African American/Black enterprise operational plans.
- Leads the development of marketing strategies targeting African American/Black audiences to grow membership in this segment.
- Convenes cross-Association working groups to plan, review progress, identify issues and ensure coordinated work.
- Works with appropriate functional units to maximize internal and external resources to leverage AARP involvement and connection with this community.
- Demonstrates Leadership Behaviors cultural attributes and behaviors in all interactions.
Position Complexity, Interaction, and Impact
This position is responsible for leading the association’s overarching strategy for achieving measurable growth in our outreach and impact in the African American/Black community. This position has authority to make decisions about the design and execution of relevant strategies in associated operational plans to accomplish African American/Black strategic goals. This position has impact related to budget expenditures related to achieving strategic goals in the African American/Black area.
A challenge to this role will be to direct the work of others via matrix management. The incumbent will need very strong relationship management and influence skills and the ability to drive to results. Gaining commitment and support from stakeholders and matrixed staff and avoidance of turf issues are required of this role. The incumbent will need to provide substantive strategies and tactics that build support. Strong relationship management, engagement and communication skills are necessary. A solid background in marketing and experience in driving significant organizational change is also required.
Requirements
- Completion of a Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Public Policy/Public Administration or a related discipline (or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position).
- 15 years of experience in developing, integrating, coordinating and implementing high impact initiatives in support of social programs, or a mix of education/experience relevant to this position.
- Demonstrated understanding of cultural differences, their social and historical construction, and their relationship to power and privilege in US society.
- Proven experience mobilizing program initiatives to target diverse populations at a local and national level, resulting in increased revenue, issue relevance, or direct impact to the growth of the business.
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability to reach the 50+ African American/Black population.
- Demonstrated experience with Diversity Marketing with proven results.
- Previous experience in developing and implementing wide-scale diversity strategies and relevant goals.
- Experience in the successful management of complex institution-wide initiatives and community partnerships related to diversity and inclusive excellence.
- Proven experience in advising senior managers on business matters relating to new market development for African American/Black market segments.
- Proven ability to lead a diverse team of professionals in analyzing, planning, developing, and managing major projects.
- Proven ability to effectively lead in a matrix environment, contributing to cross-functional efforts and demonstrated ability to collaborate and function as a contributing member on the senior management team.
- Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills required in order to display professionalism and proficiency in the preparation and presentation of analytical reports, documents that define operational status, achievement, and overall performance.
- Experience in Board presentations and interactions at the senior executive level of the organization.
- Exceptional ability to be an assertive, analytical, creative, and leader with high integrity.
- Demonstrated experience building partnerships and strategic alliances.
- Excellent interpersonal and teambuilding skills; proven experience leading, motivating, and inspiring others.
- Ability to gain internal respect and build consensus with superiors, peers, and subordinates.
- Ability to serve as spokesperson for AARP to partner organizations, vendors, media, government officials, and at public events.
Benefits Offered
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.
Relocation assistance may be provided.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
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