SVP Public Policy

Overview

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 Policy, Research and International Affairs leads the development and communication of AARP’s public policies and, research and insights on the issues that matter to people 50-plus.

The Senior Vice President, Public Policy oversees AARP’s policy research agenda to inform the development of AARP’s public policy positions and influence the adoption of solutions in both policy and practice, while leading and directing the operation of the Public Policy Institute (PPI)—AARP’s highly respected think tank. The SVP identifies policy priorities, both existing and emerging, and works with internal and external subject-matter experts to shape, inform, and elevate underlying policy research and analysis supporting the organization’s goals of improving the lives of Americans and their families as they age. Additionally, the SVP represents the organization at conferences, seminars, and public forums, delivering presentations and participating in panel discussions to share insights and promote PPI’s mission. This includes but is not limited to engaging with media, academia, and professional networks through interviews, guest lectures, and keynote addresses, enhancing PPI’s visibility and thought leadership in the public policy arena.

Responsibilities

• Sets the strategic direction of the organization’s public policy research and analysis and the investments necessary to achieve those objectives, including the adoption of solutions in both policy and practice.
• Directs the Public Policy Institute (PPI), including leading the development and execution of its strategic plan, ensuring operational excellence and an unquestionable reputation for rigorous thought leadership.
• Provides thought leadership to develop, grow, and elevate PPI’s reputation as an influential policy research think-and-do tank impacting federal, state, and local public policy initiatives. Oversees and ensures an effective, influential stakeholder outreach program to support the organization’s strategic objectives with top subject-matter experts, advocates, and industry leaders.
• Anticipates emerging issues of importance to Americans and their families as they age and positions the organization to address those issues through insights and solutions.
• Serves as a trusted, internal advisor on public policy issues, as well as on strategic decisions and the impact of policy options. Supports the Chief Public Policy Officer as part of the Senior Leadership team for Policy, Research, and International.
• Manages and supports a high-performing team of subject-matter experts, encouraging innovation, robust scholarship, and excellence. Advocates for PPI across the organization.
• Ensures the production of high-quality public policy analysis and research working closely with PPI’s staff, the organization’s key stakeholders, and other external entities. Develops and implements plans for communicating to diverse groups in a clear, strategic, and substantive manner.
• Oversees and manages a multi-million-dollar annual budget and a team of roughly 40 policy experts and support staff. Conducts regular meetings with the PPI staff to set strategic direction, address department issues, and review key deliverables. Communicates critical departmental and organizational information to the PPI team. Provides direct management of employees, including facilitating the annual performance management cycle and supports staff at all levels. Directs ongoing recognition and compensation, as well as annual merit and incentive planning decisions.
  
  

Qualifications

• Master’s and/or Juris Doctorate degree required.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in public policy, economics, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in a management role, demonstrating leadership in guiding strategic initiatives with a forward-thinking approach.
• Deep knowledge and expertise in aging policy, health policy, or economic security policy.
• Proven track record of shaping public policy research agendas and influencing policy outcomes at federal, state, or local levels.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and articulate complex policy issues to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to represent the organization in various internal and external platforms and effectively engage in the public policy arena.
  
  

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
  
  

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.