Director, Media Relations

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the nation’s leading advocacy organization for children’s healthcare, seeks an individual with strong media credentials to direct media relations and social media engagement strategies to amplify the Academy’s voice, child health priorities, and advocacy initiatives to broad public audiences. In addition, this position will develop messaging for AAP policy statements and other priority topics to align AAP communications for multiple audiences, including AAP members, media, parents, and others, develop and oversee implementation of rapid response strategies for breaking news topics in mass media and social media platforms, and oversee assigned staff.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, English or related discipline or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience required.At least six years’ related experience in news, feature, public relations and/or corporate communications writing are required, with at least three years in national public relations.Supervisory and budget management experience required.Experience working in a medical association and with health-related content preferred.Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy, project management, organizational, critical thinking, decision making leadership, negotiation, and verbal/written communication skills required, with particular strength in journalistic and promotional writing styles.Strong technical acumen essential with proficiency in content management systems, web applications, internet technologies, and MS Office and the ability to learn and apply new technologies to advance work activities; experience with SharePoint content management system, publishing platforms, budgeting software (eg, Acumatica), and virtual meeting platforms (eg, WebEx, Teams) preferred.Must be creative, pay close attention to detail, take initiative, work both independently and as part of a team, manage multiple projects simultaneously within strict deadlines, collaborate effectively with various internal and external constituents, and promote and maintain a positive and cooperative team-oriented work environment, with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.Some travel and evening/weekend work required, as well as the ability to be flexible with work schedule to accommodate physicians’ availability.Hybrid work environment of 40% of work time in the Itasca, IL office per month.The AAP offers an excellent work environment, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package. As a reaffirmation to our employee-focused culture, since 2005 the AAP has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Chicagoland area. Additionally, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans that values the strength diversity brings to our workplace.Reasonable Accommodation: Individuals with a disability in need of reasonable accommodation regarding the job application process may call 630-626-6297. Please note, only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response.

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