Associate State Director - Communications

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.

AARP’s Community, State and National Affairs (CSN) Group​ includes Government Relations, Programs, Volunteer Engagement, Community Outreach and Advocacy at the federal, state and local levels.  It delivers on AARP’s social mission by educating and engaging people 50-plus and their families, strengthening communities, and championing issues that help give people financial and health security.

As the Associate State Director - Communications for AARP Nebraska, based in Lincoln, you will lead integrated communications and marketing efforts that advance AARP's mission, elevate brand awareness, and engage key audiences across the state. This highly visible role serves as the primary communications and marketing lead, responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating multi-channel communications strategies and campaigns that inform, educate, and influence internal and external audiences. Working closely with staff, volunteers, community partners, and leadership, you will shape messaging, promote strategic initiatives and events, and strengthen AARP's presence throughout Nebraska. You will leverage a blend of social media, digital communications, media relations, marketing, and content development to maximize engagement and impact. The role also measures campaign effectiveness and return on investment, ensuring communications efforts deliver meaningful results. Additionally, you will lead or support the design, production, and review of communications materials, ensuring alignment with AARP's enterprise brand strategy, voice, and brand architecture. You will collaborate with management and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities to enhance communications processes, implement best practices, and develop innovative approaches that support organizational goals and audience engagement.

• Leads the development of communications strategies tailored for target audiences over multi-channel platforms, and execution of those efforts to inform, educate, and influence both internal and external audiences. Develops integrated communications strategies to reach key audiences, oversee implementation, and measure results.
• Develops message frameworks based on message research, including tailoring to diverse audiences. Develops and refines messaging to ensure organizational consistency in all aspects of communication. Leverages internal and external communication platforms to relay complicated content using storytelling, illustrations, and other consumable formats.
• Produces or collaborates on producing a variety of individual communications products for internal and external audiences, including designing, writing, editing, and/or publishing communications across social, digital, earned media and owned channels.
• Develops and executes integrated communications and marketing plans while providing day-to-day communications and marketing support and superior client service. Identifies and shares opportunities for public and media relations, thought leadership initiatives, social media, and digital tools that support programmatic objectives.
•  Acts as day-to-day project manager for internal and external departmental communications efforts. Develops timelines to meet project commitments and to ensure deliverables from across the organization and external partners are on time. Works with management and partners in other departments to measure and report on program results, perform research and deliver findings, and understand and leverage segmentation data.
• Plans, organizes, and implements special assigned projects working with cross-functional teams. Determines objectives and execution, tracks progress towards milestones, establishes timelines, and evaluates progress. Establishes project communication plans and ensures internal/external stakeholders are informed regarding project processes and impact.
• Plans, coordinates, and supports internal and external events, forums, and convenings that advance organizational priorities. Develops event communications strategies, messaging, and materials; coordinates logistics, timelines, speakers, and cross-functional partners. Supports and engages volunteers in communications activities in accordance with state plan goals and communications priorities.
• Develops and leverages relationships with key media outlets and establishes strategic media partnerships to raise the visibility of the organization with members, the public, and key influencers. Serves as a media spokesperson as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of significant experience in communications, public relations, marketing, media relations, digital communications or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated, multi-channel communications and marketing campaigns that increase brand awareness, audience engagement, and organizational impact.
• Solid expertise in social media and digital communications, including content strategy, audience growth, engagement, and analytics across multiple platforms.
• Experience creating compelling written and visual content for diverse audiences, including newsletters, web content, social media, marketing materials, advocacy communications, and stakeholder messaging.
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills, with the ability to operate independently as the lead communications professional working collaboratively with cross-functional matrixed teams, managing complex and innovative projects.
• Demonstrated proficiency with digital communications tools, content management systems, social media management platforms, and emerging technologies, including a willingness to leverage AI-enabled tools to enhance communications effectiveness.

Additional Requirements 

• Regular and reliable job attendance.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions.
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position.

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including 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 and tuition reimbursement.

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.