Job Description
Overview
AARP Foundation works for and with vulnerable people over 50 to end senior poverty and reduce financial hardship by building economic opportunity. As a charitable affiliate of AARP, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by strengthening supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope.
The Director, Research leads a high-performing research team in designing, managing, and conducting research projects on topics relevant to senior poverty. Sets research priorities together with other internal stakeholders and develops insights to inform the organization’s strategy, guide decision-making and generate thought leadership. Leads a team of researchers and promotes best practices, adoption of novel methodologies, and that work is held to high standards. Identifies and acquires research resources and manages suppliers.
Responsibilities
- Works with internal stakeholders to identify research priorities for the organization.
- Guides the research work of team members and performs quality assurance on team outputs.
- Oversees the growth of the Research Unit, including setting the team structure, developing processes and building the capacity of the team.
- Collaborates with relevant analytics teams and matrixed business stakeholders to integrate first party data, consumer research, and data science capabilities into actionable insights.
- Directs all levels of research efforts including primary and secondary data analyzes syndicated data and conducts literature reviews to develop insights that inform program development.
- Communicates research findings to leadership, functional teams and to external audiences including media, partner organizations and the general public.
Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in research or consulting.
- 3+ years of people management experience; demonstrated experience building and managing a high-performing team.
- Strong intellectual track record, with proven ability to balance research rigor with the need for actionable insights.
- Mastery of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Preferred experience in thought leadership development.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience presenting to executive, expert and general audiences.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams and coordinating various stakeholder groups.
- Master’s degree in economics, public policy, public health or a related field.
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.
