AARP Connecticut Seeking Volunteer State President

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, over 600,000 of whom live right here in Connecticut (CT). Our mission includes helping people age 50 and over turn goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthening communities and fighting for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, livable communities, caregiving, employment security and financial resiliency.  At AARP, we believe age and experience expand your possibilities. Through local lifestyle offerings, adult learning, community service and advocacy, AARP CT is your ally in discovering your “what’s next!”

AARP CT is seeking a new Volunteer State President to help guide our work, act as an ambassador for AARP locally and lead our corps of dedicated volunteers. With the State Director and in collaboration with other volunteers and staff, the State President is a partner in the AARP CT strategic state plan. The State President will be governed by the policies and procedures of AARP.

At AARP CT we strive to make our state a better and more desirable place to live for all as we work and age.  The ideal candidate is actively engaged in the community and will open doors, provide the insights/guidance and hands-on work that will help us grow our impact and relevance locally, increase our volunteer corps in both number and diversity and make AARP the most relevant resource for the age 50+ and their families in CT.

state-president-2017-application-fillable - Deadline to apply is January 6, 2017

Responsibilities
• AARP CT volunteer spokesperson.
• Understands and communicates AARP policy.
• Maintains a positive working relationship and partnership with the State Director.
• Work in partnership with the State Director to lead staff and volunteers in the development, implementation and monitoring of the state strategic plan, including the development and growth of Volunteer Regional Impact Teams.
• Chairs the state Volunteer Executive Council and is responsible for fully engaging members of the Executive Council in the work of the state office.
• Develops a strong working knowledge of the state demographics, organizational structures, political environment and key players.
• In partnership with the State Director builds networks and community partnerships across the state with other organizations and key decision makers to further AARP goals.
• Demonstrates a commitment to engage diverse populations in all activities throughout the state.
• Assists in recruitment of other volunteers, including working with staff to support and develop volunteers and volunteer leaders. In partnership with the State Director, appoints Executive Council members and state-appointed volunteers.
• Seeks input for planning from AARP volunteers and external organizations.
• Participates in the annual selection of the state’s Andrus Award for Community Service winner and spearheads volunteer recognition activities.
• Conducts annual progress reviews based on an established work plan for Executive Council members.
• Shares insights and information with the Regional Volunteer Director (RVD) to ensure the RVD has an understanding of state work and a region-wide view of the work.
• Works collaboratively with the RVD, Regional Vice President and State Presidents in the region to deliver on behalf of AARP.
• Other responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications/Demonstrated Skills
• AARP membership.
• Commitment to the goals and priorities of AARP.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations.
• Strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• An interest and understanding of state and local issues, needs, and activities.
• Leadership and team building experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of group dynamics and group facilitation skills.
• Ability to network towards the creation of new community partnerships and opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills, including social media acumen (or a willingness to learn).

Training Required
• Orientation to AARP (including New State President Orientation in Washington, D.C., 4/20-4/22/17).
• Other skills training and issue briefings as necessary.

Travel & Time Required
• Travel within and outside of CT will be required and reimbursed with at least two (2) out of state meetings per year.
• Estimated minimum time commitment is 10-15 hours a week, with flexibility, a portion of which includes AARP emails and phone calls from home, if preferred.

Term & Length of Service
• Appointed and supervised by the State Director.
• Two (2) years with an option by the State Director to renew twice, for a period not to exceed total of six (6) years.  Renewal is not automatic.

Benefits
• All approved volunteer related expenses (travel, sustenance, materials) are fully reimbursed.
• iPad and iPhone with data plan provided.
• Opportunity for personal and professional development courses, events and more.
• Office space in Hartford with access to computer and copiers.