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Position Description

Title: Vice President, Public Relations

Location: Orlando, Florida

Supervisor: Chief Executive Officer

NAVC Overview

Over the last six years, the NAVC has built a public relations program that has garnered wide-spread, strategically-placed media coverage worldwide and built unrivaled press attention for and recognition of its annual Veterinary Meeting & Expo(VMX) as the premier event in the global veterinary industry. Through its PR program, NAVC’s CEO and Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) have become recognized leaders within the veterinary and trade show industries and trusted, sought out industry thought leaders among members of the trade, national and international media. NAVC’s Vice President of Public Relations will build upon these successes and create new opportunities around the NAVC’s expanding businesses domestically and internationally.

Position Expectations

• NAVC’s vice president of public relations must be a strong leader and strategist who is an expert in media and public relations. As the steward/guardian of NAVC’s reputation and public perception, the Vice President of Public Relations is responsible for developing strategic media communications, fostering national, regional and local media relationships and for building relationships with media in key countries that align with the NAVC’s strategic growth plan.
• This position will further the NAVC’s mission, increase brand visibility and credibility and elevate the public perception by strategically proactively garnering media coverage and positioning NAVC’s CEO, CVO and select Board members as thought leaders in animal health. The position will serve as NAVC’s principal spokesperson.
• The position is responsible for leading the NAVC’s industry awards program, The VETTY Awards®.
• This position currently is supported by an external public relations firm with the opportunity to reassess and restructure with an internal PR team.

Specific Responsibilities Include

• Responsible for media and public relations for all NAVC brands, products and events and ensuring consistent messaging and prioritization of NAVC’s media initiatives.
• Develop strategic, proactive PR communication plans and key messaging for NAVC brands, events, products, services, and critical issue initiatives to support organization-wide strategic priorities.
• Serve as principal spokesperson and lead media contact for the NAVC.
• Build and foster effective national, regional, local and trade media relations; expand upon existing and build new international media relations.
• Secure media coverage for the NAVC across a wide variety of media platforms by generating strategic, compelling story angles and actively pitching targeted outlets.
• Secure media coverage for the NAVC CEO, CVO and key members of executive team as thought leaders across a wide variety of media platforms by generating strategic, compelling stories and actively pitching targeted outlets within the association industry.
• CEO communications for press, industry forums and employees. Manage and draft CEO’s social media messages and strategy.
• Develop strategy for and manage press at NAVC events, supporting media initiatives and interviews onsite, overseeing the development and distribution of press materials, enhancing the event experience for media representatives and following up to secure coverage. Filtering registration requests for all NAVC in-person events.
• Develop and lead PR strategy to expand NAVC media presence, relationships and coverage in target countries outside of the U.S.
• Track, measure and report secured media coverage regularly, communicating the value of earned coverage for our brands.
• Coordinate crisis communications/reputation and issues management for the organization.
• Collaborate with NAVC Marketing on integrated key messaging and strategic content planning across owned NAVC channels.
• Lead and manage the NAVC’s annual industry VETTY Awards® program – the industry’s global awards program which recognizes leaders in animal healthcare marketing and advertising. With support from an outside agency, this includes developing each annual awards program, unique creative marketing campaigns each year, securing and managing roster of external judges, showcasing winners in the Expo Hall and all aspects of annual awards event at VMX.
• Lead NAVC’s award submission program to prioritize and ensure consistency of message. This includes recognition for the organization's culture, employees, workplace and products within and outside the animal health profession.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in corporate or nonprofit leadership roles, including leading the public relations function for an organization or public relations for a specific business or product line
• Expert in strategic, proactive media relations and message management and placement
• Demonstrated track record securing strategic national and local media coverage with demonstrated message delivery
• Crisis communications, issues management experience
• Excellent strategist who is also creative
• Excellent writer and storyteller
• CEO-level communications counsel and support and reporting relationship
• Executive presence and excellent presentation skills
• Collaborative, team player that puts the organization and mission first
• Action-oriented, fast-paced leader that can handle multiple projects and prioritize accordingly
• Brand strategy and experience a plus

NAVC Background

Founded in 1982 with offices in Orlando and Gainesville, Florida, the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) is a non-profit organization that creates unparalleled opportunities for the veterinary community that foster lifelong learning, encourage growth, and promote wellbeing to advance animal care worldwide. This includes hosting the industry’s premier continuing education event, VMX, as well as providing opportunities to learn and grow through online resources, certifications, scientific journals, and more.

NAVC is committed to leveraging trailblazing technology to drive business success. We focus on growth, operational excellence, and future-forward planning, all to better serve our mission and expand our impact. Our endeavors are accomplished in a fun, flexible, and collaborative working environment where your talents and strengths will be utilized to enhance the veterinary profession and contribute to the NAVC mission.

Notice

NAVC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All prospective employees must pass a background check.

How to Apply

If you are interested in submitting your resume, please send to Kimberly Chatfield, Director of Human Resources at North American Veterinary Community(NAVC) at You may also apply on the NAVC Career’s Page at