Vice President, Direct Response

Overview

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 create pathways to quality employment, remove barriers to benefits, and promote equitable access to essential goods and services.

Position Overview

The Vice President, Direct Response Fundraising oversees charitable and advocacy campaigns for AARP, AARP Foundation and Affiliates. This role designs and implements organization-wide donor relations and stewardship systems, collaborates with senior leadership to develop long‑term strategies and secure financial support from donors through multichannel fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Direct Response team in developing multi‑channel donor acquisition, solicitation, engagement and cultivation efforts for AARP Foundation and AARP Affiliates, raising over $40 million annually.
• Develop goals, strategies and plans for all AARP Foundation fundraising to grow a healthy donors pipeline, diversify revenue streams and expand new donor sources.
• Explore new channels, programs and approaches to drive future growth.
• Manage relationships with agencies, vendors and internal stakeholders to execute strategies and develop innovative marketing and fundraising concepts.
• Conduct cross‑cost‑benefit analysis and assessment with consultants as needed.
• Manage budgets to meet strategic income and expense goals.
• Define and direct development of data‑analysis, testing, modelling and channel capabilities.
• Work across AARP Foundation and AARP to fully integrate fundraising opportunities.
• Manage data analysis to support building and tracking a healthy pipeline of potential donors across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10+ years of experience leading large multi‑channel direct response fundraising, including at least 4 years in senior program and project management.
• Experience managing national direct response programs with a preference for both charitable and advocacy fundraising, including market research, direct mail, street fundraising, mobile marketing, DRTV, online prospecting and fundraising, segmentation, texting, telemarketing, legacy marketing, mid‑level programs and database marketing.
• Experience directing and implementing strategies to meet current and long‑term goals.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively, strong people‑management expertise and ability to influence and lead colleagues at all levels.
• Experience working in a complex environment with multiple programs and building solid strategic relationships.
• Experience managing revenue and expense budgets, and 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.
• Respectful and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
• Independent judgement in evaluating options to make sound decisions.
• Work in an office or open office environment with 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 including 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 any other basis prohibited by applicable law.