Job: Program Specialist

Jobing Description

SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Contributes to the achievement of strategic priorities by providing support for state and community operations, communications, or advocacy and by providing technical assistance to staff and volunteers. Manages projects, creates project-related materials, and determines resources necessary to complete projects. Makes presentations, keeps records, prepares reports, and drafts technical correspondence. Conducts on-line searches in support of legislative issues and assists with grassroots organizing. May perform a combination of the following duties described below depending upon assignment.

TASKS:
1. To achieve a successful project, event, or activity outcome, partners with staff at national and other organizational units, as required. Partners with appropriate action groups to ensure implementation of public relations efforts, issues campaigns, community forums, independent living, community projects, and grassroots organization activities.
2. Conducts on-line searches, gathers information, analyzes data, and compiles reports. Oversees information dissemination to keep communications flowing to staff and volunteers, as appropriate. Functions as a state or insight database lead and writes responses to members on legislative issues. Develops systems that serve as useful methods in assessing volunteer activities.
3. Works directly with volunteers and staff to ensure implementation of AARP activities in the state. May assist, as appropriate with information center activities, including coordination of educational activities and the delivery of volunteer recruitment and training.
4. Works with volunteers in assigned legislative districts promoting two-way feedback and communication on electoral and legislative matters, tactical planning, and implementation. Drafts and distributes news releases promoting new volunteers to hometown papers. Works with staff at National to ensure that newsletters conform to design demands and print deadlines. Assists volunteer management with identifying communications and media contacts in the state.
5. Works with communications and advocacy staff on media strategies, including special events such as forums, news conferences, and rallies spotlighting AARP federal and state issues. Assists communications staff on member outreach and service activities.
6. Assists appropriate staff on drafting, preparing and distributing news releases, media advisories, and press packets. Assists in responding to media inquiries. Creates flyers, brochures, alerts, news releases, direct mail pieces, training materials, and other resource materials to support AARP activities.
Demonstrates WORLD CLASS cultural attributes and behaviors in all interactions.

REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of a Bachelor's degree in a related discipline and 3-5 years of experience in project development, coordination, and implementation techniques; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position. Bilingual skills may be a requirement for specific assignments based on the needs of the membership segment supported.
Demonstrated ability to communicate well both written and orally.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others, lead project teams, task forces, and to collaborate with and forge effective internal and external partnerships across groups and departments, connecting with and exhibiting a solid understanding of partnerships.
Travel may be required.