Senior Associate Director, Media Relations

American Hospital Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental coverage (PPO/HMO)

Vision care

Life insurance

Short- and long-term disability plans

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

PTO/holidays/health days

Wellness programs

Job summary

The American Hospital Association (AHA) seeks an experienced communications professional to lead media relations and public messaging.

You will develop and edit statements, talking points, and content to advance AHA advocacy across legacy and digital media, while coordinating with departments for unified messaging.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field.
• 7+ years in communications/media relations environment.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson.
• Healthcare association or Capitol Hill experience preferred.
• Knowledge of legislative process and health policy issues.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a spokesperson for AHA members and respond to media inquiries.
• Develop and edit statements, releases, talking points, and commentary.
• Create strategic communications plans to promote AHA priorities.
• Prepare senior staff and board members for media interviews.
• Manage multiple media relations projects with independence and deadlines.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Spokesperson experience

Editing & writing

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Media Relations, Public Relations, Journalism or English

Tools

Substacks

Podcasts

Job description

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is a national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks, and their patients and communities. The AHA has two main offices, located in Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The AHA offers a flexible hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two days working remotely.

Responsible for creating and implementing a variety of media relations and communication strategies in support of the American Hospital Association (AHA) efforts in advocacy and representation. Serves as a member of a collaborative team working with all departments of the AHA to enhance public awareness of the AHA, its members and positions.

Essential Functions

Serve as a spokesperson on behalf of AHA members. Respond to numerous inquiries from the media in an accurate and timely manner, exercising good independent judgment and discretion at all times. Take initiative to propose, write and edit clear, concise, and effective communications via statements, releases, talking points, commentary, and other appropriate content for legacy and digital media to advance AHA advocacy efforts. Think strategically to develop communications plans to proactively tell the hospital story to different external audiences including media, policy and health care influencers, and consumers. Plan and implement strategies for communicating AHA’s legislative and regulatory priorities. Prepare AHA senior staff, board members and members for media interviews. Build and maintain relationships with reporters. Work with state hospital association and member public relations executives to support major media issues and initiatives. Manage projects and issue areas with independence. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree Communications, Media Relations, Public Relations, Journalism, English or related field (Required)

Work Experience: 7+ years Experience within a communications and/or media relations environment (Required)

Experience serving as a spokesperson (Required)

Experience in a hospital or a health care association and/or experience on Capitol Hill (Required)

Preferred Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of legislative process and ability to learn health policy issues and federal health programs (Required)

Exceptional writing/editing and presentation skills with the ability to think broadly about issues and their impact to how information is communicated (Required)

Must be a team player, a self-starter who can work under tight deadlines but also have the creativity and broad based thinking needed to manage and complete long-term projects (Required)

Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience in working with all types of media platforms, including proficiency with current and emerging social media tools (Required)

Strong demonstrated experience with digital and new media platforms including Substacks and podcasts (Required)

Diplomatic and demonstrate good judgment (Required)

Demonstrate excellent organization and leadership skills (Required)

Ability to work with a diverse group of people (Required)

Ability to work independently and as a team player (Required)

Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines (Required)

Ability to take initiative to accomplish an assignment and meet the deadline (Required)

Ability to prioritize several tasks (Required)

Salary Information: Commensurate with related experience. The AHA is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and location. Salary Range - Minimum: 97000 Salary Range - Midpoint: 121000 Salary Range - Maximum: 145000

Benefits:

• Medical/dental coverage (PPO/HMO)
• Vision care
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability plans
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• PTO/holidays/health days
• Wellness programs
• and more!

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call [phone] and ask for the Vice President, Human Resources, and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. The AHA participates in the E-Verify Program.

#LI-Hybrid

At the core of our mission, are our employees.

At AHA, you will see that we work to give you autonomy, creating an environment that allows your experience and ideas to enhance our organization as we work to advance health in America.

At AHA, you'll find support for your career through training and development programs and opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge. We'll help you reach your potential and advance your career by keeping you apprised of new job opportunities within our organization. The AHA team comes from a wide array of backgrounds and education across two U.S. offices and approximately 500 individuals. We are proud of our workforce and our commitment to equal opportunity for all, consistent with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.