Director, Aging Initiatives

Lutheran Services in America in Washington, D.C.—a national network of 300 innovative health and human services organizations working in 1,400 U.S. communities—seeks a dynamic leader to lead and grow our Rural Aging Action Network, an innovative and nationally-recognized program that mobilizes whole communities to address gaps in care for older adults aging in rural communities.

The ideal candidate will have at least five to seven years of expertise or experience with aging issues and be skilled at grants and project management, program design and delivery, facilitating convenings, and leading community-driven solutions. Preference for candidates who have experience working with rural communities and stewarding community development or social determinants of health initiatives.

Come join us to grow this pioneering solution advancing health and opportunity for all older adults in rural communities!

Position Description

The Director of Aging Initiatives will lead our Rural Aging Action Network (RAAN), a mature collaborative of Lutheran Services in America members with a leading presence in rural communities. The role will lead and grow this innovative program, which has been recognized by aging industry leaders such as LeadingAge, The Commonwealth Fund and the National Council on Aging.

RAAN is entering an exciting new growth phase, with opportunities to reach more older adults, more communities and influence aging policy and practice for the one in four older adults that live in rural communities. Specifically, the role offers a unique opportunity to center the voices of rural older adults (listen here to our RAAN video series) and empower rural communities to reimagine aging.

The role will be responsible for:

• Leading the development and delivery of programming for RAAN, including cultivating and stewarding relationships with national partners, preparing grant budgets and written reports, and preparing externally facing communications.
• Leading and facilitating Collaborative meetings to foster peer learning, resource sharing and innovation within our Lutheran Services in America collaborative learning model.
• Playing a pivotal role in visioning the growth strategy of RAAN, including exploring opportunities to replicate and scale this program to new communities and partners and advancing public policy.

We are looking for candidates passionate about championing community-driven solutions to address gaps in care and advancing health equity. We are seeking candidates who both fit and will expand our team’s skills, knowledge and lived experience.

The role is part of Lutheran Services in America’s broader Aging Initiatives portfolio and sits on the Member Engagement team—a six-person team which leads innovation, impact and leadership development work across a wide variety of issues of member interest and national importance. Our team is grounded in data-informed practices, strengths-based solutions and valuing the lived experience of all community members.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Director of Aging Initiatives and related activities.

• Provide strategic direction, oversight and staff support for all RAAN activities and related member engagement work.
• Build relationships with members engaged and/or interested in delivering aging services in rural communities, serving as the organization’s subject matter expert and connection to work in member communities.
• Design, coordinate and facilitate RAAN meetings, trainings and other learning and action opportunities.
• Communicate effectively with members to foster collaboration, information exchange and peer connections in a trusted environment.
• Manage and oversee the RAAN budget and impact reporting; plan and track expenses; reconcile invoices; ensure expenses stay within approved budgeted funds; report on impact.

Collaborate and build strategic partnerships with stakeholders in philanthropy, government, academia and nonprofit organizations. A current list of our partners is available on our website.

• Cultivate and engage partners in the provision of advice, training, technical assistance and other support for RAAN.
• Work with senior staff to secure strategic investment in RAAN-related activities and growth opportunities to continue, scale and replicate programming.
• Access partner data and expertise to understand and reflect the context of rural aging in U.S. communities.

Elevate RAAN and Lutheran Services in America voice and influence.

• Develop externally facing communications to communicate the impact and learnings from RAAN activities and raise the visibility of rural aging.
• Attend aging-related convenings and represent Lutheran Services in America and RAAN at external conferences and events such as LeadingAge, American Society on Aging, Grantmakers in Aging and Grantmakers in Health.
• Working in partnership with senior staff, advance a supportive rural aging federal policy agenda.

Team and Organizational Leadership

• Engage in cross-cutting Member Engagement Team meetings, strategy and activities to strengthen Lutheran Services in America’s impact and innovation.
• Undertake other programmatic, development, advocacy and communications activities to advance Lutheran Services in America’s broader Aging Initiatives.

Qualifications

• At least five to seven years of expertise or experience in aging initiatives. Preference for candidates with experience and understanding of rural communities, health and human service organizations, community development and/or social determinants of health. Candidates with foundation or philanthropic experience are encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge and/or relationships in the public and private sectors that can advance the goals and influence of RAAN through partnership.
• Experience leading collaboratives or coalitions to advance aging, health and human services, community development or other causes.
• Comfortability with gathering, analyzing and using data to prepare reports, monitor progress and evaluate effectiveness.
• Experience reflecting and elevating lived experience of front-line staff and residents/clients in strategy.
• Experience with developing and facilitating interactive virtual and in-person gatherings.
• Experience with federal, state and/or local advocacy around aging, workforce or other related issues.
• Knowledge of the major issues and concerns in aging, including home and community-based services, residential care, caregiving, and interest in rural aging.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience starting-up new projects, thinking strategically and initiating creative solutions with high levels of independence and autonomy.
• Inclusive and welcoming facilitation and communication style that demonstrates superior interpersonal and public speaking skills to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborative approach to advancing mission by working in cross-functional teams, particularly in areas involving communications, development and advocacy.
• Willingness and ability to travel, as needed, to meet objectives (estimated 3-4 trips per year).

Please note for candidates based in the Washington, D.C. region, Lutheran Services in America operates on a hybrid schedule, with in-office work required on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Experience

5-7 years of relevant experience in aging, health and human services, public policy, government administration, community development, social determinants of health, foundations/philanthropy or other related fields are encouraged to apply.

Education

Candidates with degrees in nonprofit and public management, public policy, public health, community development or other related fields are encouraged to apply. All candidates are encouraged to reference education and training beyond degrees, including credentials, professional development and life experiences.

Application Process

To apply, please send a brief cover letter with concrete salary requirements and a resume to Ashley Washington, Senior Director of Aging Initiatives, (awashington@lutheranservices.org). No calls, please.

Date Posted

03/20/2024

Closing Date

04/30/2024

About the Organization

Lutheran Services in America is a national network of 300 health and human services organizations that reaches one in 50 people in America each year. Our mission is to cultivate caring communities that advance health and opportunity for all people. Recognized by The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Forbes as one of the nation’s top nonprofit organizations, the Lutheran Services in America network operates with more than $26 billion in combined annual revenue.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Lutheran Services in America leads innovative collaborations with its member organizations and partners in philanthropy, academia, healthcare and business to address the most critical challenges in our communities. Together, we create pathways to keep families together, address housing insecurity, champion solutions that empower older adults and advocate for policies that provide greater independence for people with disabilities. We are committed to equity and to reforming systems, so they improve health and opportunity for all people. Learn more at www.lutheranservices.org.

Contact

Ashley Washington <awashington@lutheranservices.org>