Vice President, Direct Response

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 Vice President, Direct Response Fundraising oversees work associated with charitable and advocacy campaigns for AARP, AARP Foundation and Affiliates. Oversees the design and implementation of organization-wide donor relations and stewardship system to promote interaction with and recognition of donors at all levels. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop and implement long-term strategies to secure financial support from donors through multichannel fundraising.

• Lead the Direct Response team in development of multi-channel efforts for donor acquisition, solicitation, engagement, and cultivation for AARP Foundation and AARP Affiliates raising $40+ million annually.
• Develop goals, strategies, and plans for all AARP Foundation fundraising to grow a healthy pipeline of donors to maximize donor support, diversify revenue streams, and expand sources of new donors. Explore new channels, programs, and approaches to ensure future growth.
• Manage the relationship with agencies, vendors, and internal stakeholders to execute strategies developing and implementing concepts for innovation in marketing and fundraising working cross functionally conducting cross cost benefit analysis and assessment by consultants as needed.
• Manage budgets to meet strategic, income, and expense goals.
• Responsible for defining and directing development of data analysis, test, modeling, and channel capabilities.
• Responsible for working across AARP Foundation and AARP to fully integrate fundraising opportunities.
• Leads the process of managing data analysis to support the development and tracking of a healthy pipeline of potential donors to the organization, AARP Foundation, and all other organization affiliates within their respective assigned prospective donor pool to ensure future growth.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A minimum of 10+ years related experience in leading a large multi-channel direct response fundraising, including at least 4 years in senior level program and project management or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position.
• Experience in managing national direct response fundraising programs with a preference for experience in both charitable and advocacy fundraising to include demonstrated experience in market research, direct mail, street fundraising mobile marketing, DRTV, online prospecting and fundraising, segmentation and texting, telemarketing, legacy marketing, mid-level programs and database marketing 
• Experience in directing and implementing strategies to meet current and long-term goals and objectives. 
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with strong people management expertise, and the capability to influence and lead colleagues at all levels.
• Experience in working in a large and/or complex environment or with multiple client/programs as well as developing solid strategic working relationships. 
• Must have experience managing revenue and expense budgets, along with expertise in developing business cases.

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.