Associate State Director - Community Outreach and Advocacy

---

Job description

Business Unit Description

State & Community Engagement (SCE) enables AARP to be a nationwide organization, which strengthens our capacity to carry out our mission. The SCE team includes: 53 states and territories across 6 regions with regional management, the Office of Volunteer Engagement, the Office of Community Engagement (including the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA): AARP's Educator Community), and the Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE).

Summary

As Associate State Director, Outreach and Advocacy, based in the Portland metro region, you will be responsible for the development and implementation of the AARP Community Presence work in the region. You will engage AARP members, volunteers, targeted audiences in multicultural communities, stakeholders, partners, and policy makers to advance AARP priorities. You will work closely with staff and volunteer team members to develop and implement local, state, and federal advocacy campaigns and identify and create innovative and engaging member experiences that advance AARP's strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

As Associate State Director, Outreach and Advocacy you will:

1. Develop and implement AARP Community Presence strategy in the Portland metro region, direct community engagement and outreach activities around strategic priorities and projects, develop local member offerings, recruiting, training, and organizing volunteers, and manage volunteer teams for participation in AARP's strategic and legislative priorities.

2. Expand awareness of AARP and its priorities among community and public policy leaders. Identify and position AARP as a critical voice for people 50+ and their families. Enhance AARP's reputation among non-traditional partners, including diverse community leaders, businesses, educators, and policy makers. Initiate new relationships and sustains existing ones.

3. Work with staff and volunteers to develop AARP's presence throughout Portland metro region by strengthening visibility and awareness of AARP's Brand, including planning and implementing a robust, innovative engagement and education strategy with activities that emphasize engaging volunteers, community leaders, and diverse communities.

4. Engage members, volunteers, chapter and affiliated programs in grassroots, community engagement, and policy maker relationship activities in support of the AARP state plan and Portland metro work. Organize and maintain visible and effective coalitions and partnerships dealing with volunteer engagement, social impact, legislative, and member value strategic activities. Make presentations at workshops, forums and conferences, as appropriate.

5. Recruit, manage, and cultivate volunteer leaders and core community volunteer teams that lend experience and expertise to the state team. Participate in training volunteers on priority issues, strategies, tactics, policies, relationship building, and state-specific political and communications processes.

6. Develop, maintain and leverage relationships with elected and appointed officials, and other decision makers in the region. Build grassroots and grasstops capacities, and coordinate communications and engagements

Requirements

Completion of a bachelor's degree in Political Science, urban planning, Non-Profit Management, Social or Human Sciences, Marketing and Public Relations, or a related discipline and a minimum of 5 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position. Considerable travel, some night and weekend hours as required to meet state office needs.

Demonstrates the following strengths:

* Strong community organizing/ engagement as well as experience working with volunteers, volunteer teams at the leadership and grassroots levels;
* Excellent communications, social media and writing skills, and the ability to tell a cohesive story through visual elements and familiarity with new media platforms;
* Understanding of public policy issues facing the state, region and AARP membership, and social change dynamics;
* Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion;
* Familiarity with Portland metro region, including public policy, community service, business and cultural environments desired;
* Ability to handle multiple issues and projects in a matrix team approach, requiring significant consultation and collaboration with colleagues; and
* The ability to evaluate, analyze and adjust strategies and tactics in an ongoing, fast paced environment.
* Strong social media skillset also desirable.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition; tuition reimbursement; among others. Visit careers.aarp.org/benefits for more information.

As a result of the COVID pandemic, all interviews will be held virtually and all non-essential employees will continue to work remotely until further notice.

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.