Director of Communications

ALA Brand; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 121,500 - 148,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Medical and dental coverage

Generous paid vacation

Retirement annuity

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Job summary

The American Library Association (ALA Brand) is seeking a full-time Director of Communications to lead strategic initiatives and media relations efforts. This senior leadership role requires overseeing brand management, public awareness campaigns, and internal communications.

The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of communications leadership experience and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. ALA offers a competitive salary starting at $135k, flexible work schedules, and an excellent benefits package.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of communications leadership experience.
• 5+ years of management experience.
• Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead ALA's communications strategy and initiatives.
• Develop media relations and public awareness campaigns.
• Manage departmental operations, budgets, and strategy.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Public relations

Team leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Master's degree

Job description

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking a full-time Director of Communications to lead the Association's strategic communications, media relations, public awareness, branding, and digital engagement efforts. As the nation's oldest and largest library association, ALA advances the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

ALA's multi‑year strategic plan focuses on strengthening libraries, growing the library workforce, advancing innovation, expanding advocacy, and increasing community impact. Developed through a data‑driven and collaborative process with broad member engagement, the plan reflects the evolving needs of libraries and the communities they serve.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director and serving as a member of ALA's senior leadership team, the Director of Communications provides strategic vision and leadership for all Association communications activities. This role oversees media relations, public awareness campaigns, brand management, crisis communications, social media strategy, and internal communications while ensuring consistent messaging that advances ALA's mission, priorities, and public impact.

Responsibilities include:

Strategic Communications and Leadership

• Develop and lead ALA's communications strategy to advance the Association's mission, strategic priorities, and public impact.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communications, messaging, media relations, and reputation management.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response efforts.

Brand Management and Public Awareness

• Oversee ALA's brand, marketing, public awareness campaigns, and digital communications to ensure consistent and effective messaging.
• Promote the value of libraries and librarianship through strategic communications initiatives and partnerships.

Media Relations and External Engagement

• Serve as a primary spokesperson and media strategist for the Association.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, partners, and stakeholders to enhance ALA's visibility and influence.

Department Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead and develop a high‑performing communications team while managing departmental operations, budgets, and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate across ALA divisions, offices, and member groups to support organizational goals and strengthen internal and external communications.

This is a regular full‑time position based in our Chicago office.

ALA staff are currently working on a hybrid schedule. Please note that although we have a generous telecommuting policy for our employees, we do not have any fully remote positions in states outside of our workplace sites.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Salary negotiable from $135k based on relevant experience. ALA offers an excellent benefits package that includes flexible work schedules, medical and dental coverage, generous paid vacation, retirement annuity, and a 35‑hour work week. Employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible communications leadership experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of staff management and supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated success in strategic communications, media relations, branding, marketing, and public awareness campaigns.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, association, advocacy, membership, or mission‑driven organization preferred.
• Regular travel is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary communications, media relations, marketing, public relations, and digital engagement strategies.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, budgeting, and leadership skills.
• Experience managing social media platforms, digital communications tools, and media monitoring systems.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, volunteer leaders, staff, members, and external partners.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice principles.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

For Consideration:

Apply online with a cover letter and resume OR send materials to:

American Library Association

Human Resources Department

Ref: Director of Communications

Email: [e-mail]

The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer:

Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.