Program Optimization Advisor

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 Program Optimization Advisor partners with stakeholders across the Foundation to generate and apply evidence-based insights that improve the performance, effectiveness, and scalability of direct service programs and impact levers. Leads performance measurement, learning, forecasting, and organizational reporting efforts to inform strategic decision-making, optimize resource allocation, strengthen program outcomes, and drive continuous improvement across the Foundation.

• 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.

• Five (5) or more years of experience in consulting, business operations, finance, impact measurement, and/or analytics.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Policy, Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• Demonstrated analytical and quantitative expertise, with strong experience in financial planning, business analytics, and translating data into actionable business insights.
• Proven track record of developing innovative business models and designing creative solutions that drive measurable social impact and organizational performance.

Preferred

• Graduate or 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.