Director, Planning & Operations

Develops, advises, supports, coordinates, and collaborates on special/ high-level strategic projects across the department/organization.

Organizes, problem solves, raises issues, and integrates initiatives, solutions, and actions for management.

Acts as a liaison to resolve problems and to ensure successful implementation of organizational initiatives.

Serves as a liaison between individuals (members/non-members), community groups, and special interest groups, etc.

Develops and manages program budgets.

Monitors performance and recommends program changes.

Ensures program extensions align with business objectives.

Provides advice and counsel to teams across the enterprise on the implementation of the organization’s advocacy, member/public engagement, volunteer management, and communications priorities at the state level.

Executes strategies that support and integrate advocacy, outreach, communications, and volunteer engagement work across multiple business units.

Identifies trends and resolves systemic issues across functions and ensures strong communication within a matrixed business environment.

Assesses state needs and develops and implements training programs, as needed.

Provides support with systems and processes.

Identifies and recommends best practices and resources to achieve state office strategic goals.

Plans, organizes, and implements assigned projects.

Determines resources needed, tracks budgets, determines scope and execution, tracks progress towards milestones, establishes timelines, and evaluates progress.

Establishes project communication plans and ensures internal/external stakeholders are informed regarding project processes and impact.

Develops and implements strategies for multi-state initiatives; plans and builds out scenarios in consultation with appropriate enterprise partners; gathers intelligence and conducts strategic analysis of trends across disciplines.

Serves as primary counsel to Senior Vice President and manages business operations across the unit.

Ensures strong people management across team, monitoring and supporting employee engagement.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Leadership, or a related field and 8+ years of progressive experience in business operations, strategic planning, program management, or organizational effectiveness within a nonprofit, mission-driven, or complex matrixed organization.

supporting senior leadership and serving as a trusted advisor, chief of staff, or business operations partner to organizational leadership Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive execution of strategic priorities across multiple stakeholders and teams without direct authority.

Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to influence, facilitate alignment, and navigate constructive conflict at all levels of an organization to aid in organizational change and alignment.

Demonstrated experience leading organizational change initiatives and navigating ambiguity in evolving environments.

in non-profit growth-stage organizations.

Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, resource planning, and organizational performance accountability.

Proven ability to develop operational processes, integrate capabilities across teams, and implement solutions that improve organizational effectiveness and scalability.

leveraging data, dashboards, and performance metrics to monitor progress, inform decisions, and support strategic growth objectives.

Project Management certification (PMP, CAPM, or equivalent). 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. AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time. 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.