Vice President, Policy and Brain Health

Job Description
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 Policy, Research and International Affairs (PRI) leads the development and communication of AARP’s public policies, research, and insights on the issues that matter to people 50-plus.

The Vice President, Policy and Brain Health will direct teams to execute the organization’s strategic brain health initiatives, establishing the organization as a leading authority in the field. This role focuses on empowering individuals to sustain and enhance their cognitive health while improving the quality of life for those living with dementia and their caregivers. By utilizing profound subject matter expertise, the Vice President will identify innovative solutions and strategies to foster healthy cognitive aging throughout an individual’s lifespan.

Responsibilities
Serves as the Executive Director of the Global Council on Brain Health, an AARP-led collaborative of independent world-renowned scientists, academics, and medical experts to distill what science tells us about brain health, indicate what can be trusted, and bridge the gap between science and practice, helping turn research into daily life applications.

Builds collaborative opportunities with external partners to drive AARP’s brain health strategy to benefit AARP’s mission, cultivating and maintaining essential relationships across industries.

Sets the strategic agenda for the organization’s work on brain health, drawing on deep subject matter expertise and insights on current and emerging issues relating to brain health.

Partners and collaborates with AARP senior leadership and diverse internal stakeholders to meet organizational objectives, including the development of long-term goals, strategic plans, and overall budgeting.

Leads organizational-wide cross-functional teams executing organizational priorities in brain health, including collaborating with other business units within AARP to align brain health-related enterprise efforts.

Represents the organization externally at key forums, meetings, advisory boards, and/or with the media.

Manages and supports the Policy and Brain Health team and matrix teams that contribute to organization-wide brain health activities specified under the enterprise strategy for brain health. Responsible for performance management, compensation planning, and oversight of work products.

Qualifications
Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in Public Health, Neuroscience, public policy, public administration, aging, or a relevant social science or a related field and 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in brain health, or related areas, with deep substantive knowledge derived from experience and/or scientific educational training.

Proven track record of managing teams and driving strategic initiatives. Strong ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving organizational goals.

Deep understanding of cognitive aging, dementia, and brain health issues.

Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences. Experience in public speaking and representing the organization at conferences and events.

Established relationships with key stakeholders in the healthcare, research, and policy sectors. Demonstrated track record in successful outreach and education initiatives, building programs, building partnerships and coalitions, and/or research.

Proficient in analyzing data and research to inform policy decisions and strategic planning. Familiarity with current research, trends, and innovations in brain health and aging.

Passionate about improving cognitive health and supporting individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

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 judgment in evaluating 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.

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