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.

The Associate State Director, Communications, engages in the development and implementation of communications strategies tailored for target audiences over multi-channel platforms. Measures communication campaign effectiveness for return-on-investment. Leads or assists in leading the design of communications campaigns that raise brand awareness and inform, educate, and influence internal and external audiences. Ensures content aligns with the enterprise brand strategy and brand architecture. Designs, produces, and/or reviews communications products for use internally and externally. Collaborates with management to identify opportunities to streamline communication processes and develop new procedures that support the business unit/department.

• 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, 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.
• Plans, organizes, and implements special assigned projects working with cross functional teams. Determines scope 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.
• 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, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field required. Additional relevant training, certifications, or professional development are a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience planning, executing, and evaluating strategic communications campaigns, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage complex, innovative projects.
• Ability to learn internal tools, processes and systems quickly; synthesize complicated issues and topics into clear, concise written materials and verbal scripts; ability to use communications to compel decisions and opinions in our favor.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the design and execution of communications campaigns that increase brand awareness and align with enterprise brand strategy and brand architecture. Strong writing, storytelling, and editing skills are mandatory.
• Requires effective digital, social media, and strategic communication experience. Knowledge of tools, including creative design tools (Canva, Clipchamp/ video editing tools, PowerPoint, etc.), Microsoft operating system and AI (Copilot, etc.).
• Knowledge of the media landscape and how to draw media attention and coverage. Ability to work well with others and build relationships with media, external and internal stakeholders, volunteers and colleagues.
• Proven experience engaging multicultural media outlets and communicating effectively with diverse audiences, ensuring integration of engagement strategies across geographies and issue areas.
• Strong analytical and strategic skills, with the ability to evaluate, adjust, and optimize strategies and tactics in a fast-paced environment; demonstrated adaptability, ability to manage multiple systems, and a results-driven mindset.

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.