Platform Manager, Network Services

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 .

Information Technology Services is responsible for AARP enterprise-wide technology and information security functions. Services range from infrastructure design and operations, system and software lifecycle implementations, enabling the mobile workforce and protecting AARP network, systems and data. A variety of technologies and practices are used including cloud computing, automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning within highly collaborative Agile teams.

The Platform Manager, Network Services establishes the platform’s vision, strategy, outcomes, metrics, and alignment with business needs and AARP technology standards. Creates and socializes the platform strategy and associated outcomes within the enterprise and ensures the delivery of value in an agile environment. Prioritizes platform management activities and participates in the platform planning process. Reviews and contributes to sprint/iteration goals, objectives, and roadmap. Collaborates with senior management to develop and execute strategic technology initiatives that will position the organization for success. Balances short-term team achievements with long-term goals and builds a sense of ownership within the team.

• Drives the platform strategy and the development of new features and experiences.
• Owns the platform lifecycle including ideation, strategic planning, tactical initiatives, platform roadmap, platform development, and ongoing implementation and support. Ensures growth on established metrics.
• Leads, manages, and mentors the platform team to design, deliver, measure, and improve business outcomes using an agile approach.
• Facilitates input from internal stakeholders and other platforms and capability teams and negotiates timing, minimum viable product, and tradeoffs amongst them.
• Prioritizes the team’s backlog.
• Cultivates deep understanding of consumers/members/employees through human centered design including assessing needs, identifying pain points and/or barriers, ideating value proposition and solutions, and assisting in estimating demand.
• Conducts data driven analysis and analyzes performance to drive platform decisions that deliver business value.
• Develops technical knowledge and expertise related to domain area systems, solutions, services, and applications.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Information Technology, Networks, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of network operations and engineering experience, including carrier and network circuits (point-to-point, DIA, AWS Private Link).
• Experience managing supplier relationships with telecommunications carriers and network equipment vendors.
• Experience managing technical teams using IT service management and Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban).
• Strong knowledge of NOC monitoring, incident response, and data center operations.
• Deep understanding of network architecture and design across WAN, LAN, VLAN, wireless, SDWAN, VPN, load balancing, and network security (firewalls, DDoS, etc).
• Proven ability to mentor teams, manage performance, and grow engineering/delivery talent.
• Experience with market analysis, cost optimization strategies, and supporting high-volume, low-latency network environments across diverse systems and devices.

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.

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.