Program Specialist

Single Position

Program Specialist

Richmond, Virginia, United States

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Job description

Company and benefits

Job ID

2026-7896

Date posted

10/06/2026

Department

Programs, Products, & Services

Salary

$63,000.00 - $70,000.00 Yearly

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 Community, State and National Affairs (CSN) Group includes Government Relations, Programs, Volunteer Engagement, Community Outreach and Advocacy at the federal, state and local levels. It delivers on AARP’s social mission by educating and engaging people 50-plus and their families, strengthening communities, and championing issues that help give people financial and health security.

The Program Specialist works with staff and volunteers to develop a meaningful organization of involved and active volunteers. Assists in building and organizing grassroots and key contacts that have a real and sustained impact at the community level. Contributes to the coordination of AARP community and advocacy campaigns that include grassroots mobilization and leadership, lobbying, media, community resources, and organization at the state and national levels. Leads certain projects; assists in developing, executing, and implementing programs that align with the organization’s goals and objectives; and implements special projects, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and implements assigned projects in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Establishes a presence for the organization in targeted communities by engaging multicultural audiences, developing community partnerships, building volunteer capacity, and designing and executing engaging community programs and events.
• Develops and manages relationships with third-party contacts including program participants, vendors, program partners, and others.
• Aligns volunteer and partner interests with organizational priorities, supports volunteer/partner needs, and designs opportunities to maximize volunteer engagement in pursuit of the organization's goals.
• Collaborates on administration of volunteer programs or volunteer strategy. Participates in recruiting, managing, and training volunteers when necessary.
• Uses and analyzes data (program, financial, research, etc.) to recommend program and process improvements and monitor impact. Prepares data and reports to various stakeholders.
• Executes on business/program operations tasks as necessary for the business unit including research, report writing, and/or creating presentations.
• Contributes to tracking and reporting of strategic plan strategies and action plans. Assists in developing and implementing new solutions.
• Assists with the management of program budgets and assets.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public administration, political science, public policy, or a related discipline, and a minimum of 3 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of training, including Military and/or related experience to the duties of the position.

• Some knowledge and understanding of the state and local political, social, and human services environment is preferred.

• Comfortable working with a diverse staff and volunteers.

• Skilled in Microsoft 365 software packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

• Experience developing social media content, applying AI-enabled tools to enhance business processes, support project execution, improve operational effectiveness, and develop effective communications and engagement content.

• AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position.

• Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Exhibits respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.

• Independent judgement and discretion requiring the employee to compare and evaluate various courses of conduct and make a decision (or recommend a decision be made) after various possibilities have been considered.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

• Hybrid Work Environment

• AARP observes Mondays and Fridays