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 Office of Chief of Staff keeps AARP operating and informed on a day-to-day basis. The staff works closely with the CEO and other E-Team members to provide leadership and direction to make strategic decisions.
Reporting to the Chief of Staff and working directly with the CEO, the Executive Communications Director & Speechwriter will shape, manage, and measure the effectiveness of a strategic and impactful thought leadership platform for the CEO. The Speechwriter & Communications Director will serve as the primary speechwriter for the CEO, crafting well-researched, persuasive, and high-impact communications that ensure the company’s vision, values, and strategic goals are clearly conveyed to diverse audiences. This role requires a deep understanding of executive and corporate communications, exceptional writing skills, and the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging narratives.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and collaboratively manage all CEO communication activities including the development and implementation of a strategic CEO thought leadership platform.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Chief of Staff to understand messaging needs and ensure alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives.
• Serve as chief speechwriter for the CEO, including writing, production and coordination. Prepare speeches and other written and oral communications including, but not limited to keynote addresses, talking points, opinion pieces, correspondence, journal articles, AARP Bulletin column, slide presentations, video scripts, books, book chapters and other high-profile publications. Partner with colleagues to ensure that the CEO is effectively and efficiently prepared for all internal and external speaking engagements.
• Mange and edit the work of freelance writers and other communications professionals throughout the organization who may be called upon to draft communications for the CEO, the Annual Report, and other key organization communications to ensure clarity, accuracy and impact. Advise AARP speechwriters and other staff writers on message and content issues to ensure consistency, accuracy and impact.
• In collaboration with other business units and communications staff, identify proactive opportunities for the CEO, and other senior executives, to deliver core messages and influence the national and international conversation on aging. Develop deep relationships across the organization to operate cross-functionally with various teams of subject matter experts to inform executive communications.
• Conduct thorough research on topics relevant to the speeches, including industry trends, company initiatives, and audience demographics.
• Maintain a consistent tone and style that reflects the CEO’s voice and the company’s brand and values and maintain a deep understanding of the organization’s core audiences to ensure that audience insights are incorporated into all communications.
• Stay updated on executive communication and public speaking best practices and trends to continuously improve and evolve the ways in which the CEO shows up publicly.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a related field, with more than 8 years of proven experience in executive communication and speechwriting, preferably within a government environment.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a strong portfolio of speeches and other written materials.
• Excellent research skills and the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with senior executives.
• Ability to travel, generally up to 25%, though actual travel requirements may vary.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, or a related field, with experience in public relations or corporate communications and knowledge of nonprofit, government, or related industries.
• Proficiency in presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote).
• Familiarity with speech delivery techniques, public speaking best practices, and new and emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence).

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

• Lead and collaboratively manage all CEO communication activities including the development and implementation of a strategic CEO thought leadership platform.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Chief of Staff to understand messaging needs and ensure alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives.
• Serve as chief speechwriter for the CEO, including writing, production and coordination. Prepare speeches and other written and oral communications including, but not limited to keynote addresses, talking points, opinion pieces, correspondence, journal articles, AARP Bulletin column, slide presentations, video scripts, books, book chapters and other high-profile publications. Partner with colleagues to ensure that the CEO is effectively and efficiently prepared for all internal and external speaking engagements.
• Mange and edit the work of freelance writers and other communications professionals throughout the organization who may be called upon to draft communications for the CEO, the Annual Report, and other key organization communications to ensure clarity, accuracy and impact. Advise AARP speechwriters and other staff writers on message and content issues to ensure consistency, accuracy and impact.
• In collaboration with other business units and communications staff, identify proactive opportunities for the CEO, and other senior executives, to deliver core messages and influence the national and international conversation on aging. Develop deep relationships across the organization to operate cross-functionally with various teams of subject matter experts to inform executive communications.
• Conduct thorough research on topics relevant to the speeches, including industry trends, company initiatives, and audience demographics.
• Maintain a consistent tone and style that reflects the CEO’s voice and the company’s brand and values and maintain a deep understanding of the organization’s core audiences to ensure that audience insights are incorporated into all communications.
• Stay updated on executive communication and public speaking best practices and trends to continuously improve and evolve the ways in which the CEO shows up publicly