Director, External Relations

  • AARP
  • Washington, DC
  • Dec 16, 2020
Full time Communications Media Management Nonprofit-Social Services

Job Description

Summary:

Leads the team responsible for promoting multiple organizational priorities, with a special focus on consumer and entertainment initiatives.  Supports the Senior Vice President in managing the daily operations of the department.

Responsibilities: 

  • Maintains an in-depth knowledge of AARP’s enterprise-wide strategic goals, anticipating and addressing opportunities and issues as they arise.
  • Ensures that the vision, strategic oversight, and plans are in place to launch and sustain all work within the position’s authority.
  • Protects and advances AARP’s reputation and brand.
  • Supports the CEO’s executive positioning and drives the public narrative around AARP’s commitment to and work in innovation, positive aging, and multi-culturalism.
  • Oversees the development of external relations strategy for AARP affiliates, including the AARP Foundation and AARP Services, Inc. to ensure consistency and raise awareness of products and services.
  • Provides overall direction for the department’s editorial calendar to help ensure coordination of AARP’s public narrative and work.
  • Develops and manages external relations RFPs and SOWs and directs the work of external agencies and consultants.
  • Works with the Senior Vice President to implement departmental policies and procedures.
  • Manages day-to-day functions, including staff management, team development, ally development, budget forecasting, vendor procurement, and strategic planning.
  • Serves as a senior external relations contact for internal business units and state offices.
  • Works with Brand and Editorial teams to negotiate and develop external relations/media partnerships.

Requirements:

  • Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related discipline (Master’s degree or post-graduate work preferred) and 10+ years’ experience as a communications professional.
  • Experience working with a mission-driven, advocacy organization.
  • Previous public relations agency experience or the equivalent within a major corporation or organization.
  • Ability to work effectively and calmly in a fast-paced, diverse, high-pressure environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain successful relationships with national, regional, and local media, partner organizations, and influencers.
  • Ability to provide leadership, strategic focus, and management oversight for external outreach and engagement across platforms.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate team members and colleagues.
  • Demonstrated success in marketing, communications, legislative, or campaign-related grassroots development, public affairs, public relations, or branding.
  • Must have demonstrated experience providing leadership and management oversight for large external relations teams.
  • Candidates being considered for this role must be willing to complete a writing assessment.

Occupations

Investor and Public-Media Relations, Journalism

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