VP, Public Relations

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 Office of Chief of Staff keeps AARP operating and informed on a day-to-day basis. The staff works closely with the CEO and other E-Team members to provide leadership and direction to make strategic decisions.

The Vice President, Public Relations oversees the development of public relations programs, strategies, and tactics to build relationships with key community and thought leaders and policymakers to advance organization initiatives. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop long-term public relations strategies to inform, educate, and influence external audiences and build and enhance organization's brand and reputation. Develops and leads high-profile media and influencer activations, expanding communications about the value of AARP to a broad range of advocacy, consumer and industry audiences. Helps manage the External Relations team, which is a matrixed department with accountability for ensuring an integrated, focused public relations for the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Serves on the External Relations management team.
• Provides vision for and oversees the performance key areas of the public relations team. Drives high-quality storytelling that reflects brand values and resonates with a wide range of audiences.
• Develops and implements comprehensive media relations strategies to enhance executive visibility and manage reputation across traditional and digital platforms.
• Conceptualizes, designs, and oversees the creation of press releases, media kits, op-eds, and other public facing communications, to ensure clarity, consistency and brand alignment.
• Manages the department's budget, including forecasting, tracking expenditures and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Helps administer the department.
• Manages relationships with PR agencies, media consultants and other external vendors to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness and alignment with strategic goals.
• Oversees reputation and issues management work. Develops and executes crisis communications strategies, protocols and manages organization-side mitigation response efforts to protect organizational reputation and maintain stakeholder trust.
• Has overall accountability for media-facing documents that are often complex, nuanced, technical, or sensitive in nature.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in communications, public affairs, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in strategic event amplification, integrated communications, and media relations.
• Strong track record of securing high-impact speaking engagements and managing executive visibility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and develop multi-channel campaigns.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience navigating complex organizations and managing high-stakes communications.

Preferred:

• Master's degree.

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.