Job Description
Overview:
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 Manager of Community Strategy at AARP in Dallas, TX for the state office, you will play a critical leadership role in advancing our community engagement strategy and local advocacy efforts across the state. This position is responsible for implementing engagement, outreach, and advocacy goals that align with the state strategic plan and the broader organizational strategy. The manager leads outreach activities, representing the organization to elected officials, public policy leaders, and community partners. Collaborating with internal departments and external allies, the role supports the development and execution of outreach strategies and local legislative priorities, including grassroots mobilization and volunteer leadership. This position also oversees the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers, ensuring strong engagement across diverse communities. As a people manager, the role is responsible for leading and developing a geographically dispersed team, fostering collaboration and accountability. The manager drives the formation of strategic partnerships and leads state-level execution of national initiatives. Additionally, the role works closely with leadership to identify opportunities for process improvement and to develop new procedures that enhance operational effectiveness and impact. Responsibilities:
Additional Requirements
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.
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 Manager of Community Strategy at AARP in Dallas, TX for the state office, you will play a critical leadership role in advancing our community engagement strategy and local advocacy efforts across the state. This position is responsible for implementing engagement, outreach, and advocacy goals that align with the state strategic plan and the broader organizational strategy. The manager leads outreach activities, representing the organization to elected officials, public policy leaders, and community partners. Collaborating with internal departments and external allies, the role supports the development and execution of outreach strategies and local legislative priorities, including grassroots mobilization and volunteer leadership. This position also oversees the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers, ensuring strong engagement across diverse communities. As a people manager, the role is responsible for leading and developing a geographically dispersed team, fostering collaboration and accountability. The manager drives the formation of strategic partnerships and leads state-level execution of national initiatives. Additionally, the role works closely with leadership to identify opportunities for process improvement and to develop new procedures that enhance operational effectiveness and impact.
- Identifies issues of public policy and organizational importance and develops and implements advocacy strategies at the appropriate governmental targets. Collaborates with cross-functional teams, as well as internal and external partners, to achieve the organization’s legislative and policy goals.
- Represents the organization and its interests to governmental bodies, advocating for organizational interests in front of legislative bodies, and monitoring and commenting on legislation that may impact strategic organizational priorities.
- Manages the design and implementation of audience engagement strategies, researching target audiences and designing engagement opportunities that align with strategic objectives and integrate across geographies and issue areas. Establishes strategic community partnerships and leverages internal/external resources to raise the visibility of the organization within communities.
- Directs the recruitment, training, and deployment of volunteers in accordance with organizational goals. Designs opportunities to maximize volunteer engagement and ensures inclusion of volunteer perspectives in strategic planning.
- Develops and manages the execution of advocacy campaigns and collaborates with internal and external partners on advocacy, communications, and strategy development. Utilizes direct action organizing tactics and implements grassroots advocacy tools to build constituent support for the organization’s legislative priorities.
- Builds and maintains relationships with elected officials at all levels and governmental representatives. Serves as a subject matter resource on the organization's issues with the goal of advancing and promoting the organization's advocacy agenda.
- Ensures strong people management across team, monitoring and supporting employee engagement as appropriate.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 5+ years of experience in community engagement & outreach, public affairs, or advocacy.
- Proven success in leading, designing and executing successful outreach strategies that drive impact and visibility.
- Understanding of local government structures, legislative processes, and public policy development. Skilled in navigating politically sensitive environments with diplomacy, integrity, and a nonpartisan approach.
- Experience recruiting, training, managing and retaining volunteers across diverse communities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a diverse team of staff that is geographically dispersed.
- Ability to work in a highly matrixed organization that highly collaborates. Proven track record of cultivating and building strategic partnerships with elected officials, community leaders, other non-profits, business organizations, and coalitions.
- Highly organized and high tolerance for internal systems, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and apply data to inform strategy.
- Requires in and out-of-state travel up to 50%, reliable transportation, and evening and weekend hours as required.
AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
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.
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.
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.
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.