Program Optimization Advisor

Overview
AARP Foundation works for and with vulnerable people over 50 to end senior poverty and reduce financial hardship by building economic opportunity. As a charitable affiliate of AARP, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by strengthening supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope.

The Program Optimization Advisor applies economic principles to support executive decision-making on current programs and guide investment in new initiatives. Uses economic analysis and business intelligence to improve processes and performance across a diverse portfolio of programs with varied delivery models. Builds dynamic financial models to support strategic planning. Collaborates with program teams to scale high-impact approaches and enhance cost-effectiveness. Leverages both internal data and external market insights to design new initiatives and develop scalable, efficient program models. Has an ability to establish and apply frameworks for evaluating financial and social returns on investment.

Responsibilities

• Works with internal cross-functional teams to develop measures and benchmarks for assessing cost efficiency/effectiveness, scalability, and impact of assigned programs.
• Identifies areas for improvement in the operational and financial models for assigned portfolio and recommends solutions accordingly.
• Engages with Program teams to evaluate outcomes, implement recommended solutions, and ensure a continual process to optimize the models.
• Collaborates with internal subject-matter experts to identify the gap in social services/programs to meet the needs of older Americans with low income and conceive new initiatives to address it.
• Innovates with Program teams to define operational models and new services/programs to meet organization's mission. Convenes internal/external focus groups and workshops to stress test promising concepts.
• Conducts cost structure analysis and builds financial modeling and forecasting for assigned portfolio.
• Builds and leverages external relationships with leading NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions, among others, to identify best practices and emerging trends in social/business innovation, as well as opportunities for collaboration.
• Synthesize analyses and recommendations into reports, briefing papers, PPT presentation, and other formats as needed to inform executive decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in economics, business, public policy, finance, or a related field
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with expertise in financial planning and using business analytics to address organizational challenges
• Proven ability to innovate business models and create new approaches to delivering social impact solutions

Preferred

• Master's degree
• Over 5 years of experience in consulting, operations, finance, and/or impact analytics

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.