Vice President, Content & Communications

AARP • Washington, DC

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

AARP Foundation is the nation’s leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.
The Vice President, Content & Communications will oversee AARP Foundation’s content creation and storytelling work from editorial strategy development to cross-platform execution and dissemination. This position will supervise a team of eight full-time professionals, with responsibility for all Foundation content channels including the AARP Foundation website, social media platforms, graphic design, internal communications, and presence in AARP channels. The VP, Content and Communications, will also work closely with the SVP of Marketing and Communications to lead the Foundation’s press, PR, and earned media approach, as well as maintain oversight of the AARP Foundation brand and style. This role will also be accountable for expanding the Foundation’s approach to disseminating thought leadership and new research to all audiences, a critical area of growth for the Foundation in executing its 2030 Strategy. Top candidates will have experience leading successful cross-platform content and editorial functions at their organizations, as well as strong backgrounds in core communications, creating impactful written, visual, video, and digital content.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5+ years of direct management experience, including developing, coaching, and mentoring team members members, setting performance goals, and overseeing day-to-day operations of a creative or marketing team.
• Proven ability to develop and execute an organization-wide content and communications strategy that advances brand visibility, storytelling, and thought leadership across digital, social, press, and owned channels.
• Demonstrated experience leading the successful creation, promotion, and distribution of high-impact, cross-platform content—including editorial, video, and social media—that drives audience engagement and expands organizational reach.
• Expertise translating research and insights into compelling thought leadership campaigns, including white papers, media narratives, and integrated communications plans that influence key stakeholders and target audiences.
• Strong track record of strengthening and scaling digital and social media channels through data-driven strategy, performance optimization, and the launch of innovative initiatives that enhance engagement and brand amplification.
• Excellence in managing graphic design work – both in-house graphic designers and external agencies – to create beautiful and engaging annual reports, infographics, 1-pagers, and other designed pieces.
• AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
• 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

Responsibilities

• Maintains an in-depth knowledge of enterprise-wide strategic goals, anticipating and addressing opportunities and issues as they arise.
• Develops marketing strategies and communications (internal and external) to support sales strategy and department objectives.
• Oversees integrated marketing, communications, research and insights, and creative services functions to ensure activities support sales and revenue growth.
• Sets marketing strategy and priorities within the department to optimize sales support.
• Oversees integrated marketing programs and activities, taking sales feedback into account, with a focus on opportunistic categories and innovative solutions to meet client needs.
• Oversees identification of media opportunities and development of talking points and serves as a lead point person on media interactions and the approach.
• Provides insights to marketing strategies in order to achieve business goals.
• Collaborates with sales and operations leadership on short- and long-term planning, based on internal capabilities and external market conditions. Reviews achievement of performance versus strategic plans and budget. Communicates results with senior management.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level