Vice President, Strategic Communications, Marketing and Research

The Reinsurance Association of America (RAA), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the leading trade association of property and casualty reinsurers doing business in the United States. The RAA is committed to promoting a regulatory environment that ensures the industry remains globally competitive and financially robust. RAA membership is diverse, including reinsurance underwriters and intermediaries licensed in the U.S. and those that conduct business on a cross border basis. The RAA represents its members before state, federal and international bodies. www.reinsurance.org

RAA is searching for a Vice President of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Research to support our mission as the go?to source and thought leader for reinsurance who will lead RAA's strategic priority to promote the value of reinsurance to various constituencies, including members of Congress, the President's administration, state insurance commissioners and state legislators, as well as members of the media. This role is responsible for developing and advancing a strategic communications program that supports RAA's mission and strategic priorities and must be passionate about the value that reinsurance provides. This is a pivotal position requiring exceptional leadership, writing, quality assurance and engagement skills with national, state, local and trade print and electronic media and key stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following essential functions require superior skills and a demonstrated commitment to the success of the RAA.

• Develop and execute strategic communications and marketing plan to advance RAA's mission and strategic priorities, targeting trade press, broadcast, and social media, using all communication techniques.
• Serve as the organization's primary spokesperson for press releases and media inquiries and interact daily with reporters from major newspapers, network news organizations, industry trade publications, consumer publications, and electronic newsletters.
• Lead strategic planning and execution for RAA key initiatives.
• Establish and maintain communications policies, protocols, and procedures that prioritize member engagement and promote work with cross?functional department leaders to develop new communications programs and initiatives.
• Ensure effective development, implementation, and evaluation by measurable metrics of public relations and marketing plans.
• Develop research and execute research projects using currently available and new resources to support the strategic communications plan:
  • Develop one?pagers and other written resources to support the strategic communication plan.
  • Work with individual RAA departments to develop consistent messaging across all traditional and social media channels.

• Partner closely with the Government Affairs Department and use various communications tools to influence policymakers to favor RAA's legislative agenda.
• Draft materials for the President and officers as needed, including speeches, messages, columns, presentations, and introductions.
• Serve as a strategic counselor and business partner to the leadership team in identifying and managing communications on critical emerging policy or member issues.
• Establish departmental goals and metrics and monitor performance and results; Serve as staff lead for RAA's Communication Advisory Committee.
• Provide coaching and talking points to leadership on media inquiries and, when needed, lead media training for internal and external RAA spokespeople.
• Act as the first point of contact if a rapid?response need should arise, ensuring that proactive, positive messaging and dialogue exists regarding RAA.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with communications and marketing decision-makers from new and existing members and media outlets.
• Develop creative story angles and consistently secure coverage in high?impact print, broadcast, and online media outlets.
• Advance communications opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Oversee and execute website content strategy.
• Oversee development of strategy and content for RAA Weekly and Industry Insider; Design and prepare Annual Report.
• Review and edit internal and external documents for RAA stakeholders.
• Responsible for supervision of RAA communications staff.

Competencies

• Self-motivated.
• Organization skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Problem solving skills

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent preferred.
• 10 or more years of communication and marketing experience, preferably in an association environment.
• Advanced knowledge of association management and public policy development process at the federal and state levels.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint, & Excel.
• Excellent writing, proofreading, editing, and grammar skills.

The RAA offers a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, & life insurance, long term disability, long term care insurance, 401k with matching and discretionary contributions, generous paid time off, & all Federal holidays.

To Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume for consideration.

Pease note: Phone calls and emails to staff regarding this job posting are not accepted.

Reinsurance Association of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer