Director, Communications

• Lead organization’s external communications strategy in alignment with other communications channels and editorial calendar.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to develop proactive communication and media strategies to increases the visibility of the organization’s programs across key stakeholder audiences and media channels.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the organization’s mission areas, translating complex research, care, and policy priorities into clear, compelling communications for external audiences.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive public relations strategy that cultivates and enhances relationships with high-level external audiences, including media and key influencers
• Identify significant media issues that can be leveraged to support the organization’s work and create and implement plans to communicate response.
• Serve as spokesperson and team lead on media interactions, including prioritization of media opportunities, preparation of talking points and other supporting materials
• Oversee organizational response to inquiries about the ALS Association
• Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships and partnerships to ensure coverage surrounding the Association’s programs, events, public announcements, and special projects
• Work with executive team on public speaking engagements.
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive media training program for organizational spokespeople at all levels.
• Lead crisis management communications.
• Track and analyze earned media coverage, reporting on reach, sentiment, and impact to inform ongoing PR strategy

• Directly and indirectly supervises employees within the marketing and communications department.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or communications, with demonstrated success in a senior or leadership role.
• Experience in or alongside advocacy, policy or public affairs communications functions with a strong understanding of how to create accessible messaging around legislative priorities, policy campaigns, or grassroots mobilization efforts.
• Demonstrated experience building and leading a comprehensive media relations and public relations program, including crisis communications
• Proven track record of securing high-impact media coverage and managing complex, fast-moving media situations
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills

The ALS Association has compensation ranges for various work locations throughout the United States, allowing us to compensate employees competitively and consistently in diverse geographic markets. The above-listed listed range shows prospective compensation for this role; the appropriate range will be established by what is eventually determined to be the candidate's primary work location. Various factors, including the complexity and significance of the role, job duties/requirements, relevant experience and abilities, and primary work location, determine individual compensation. Compensation ranges are evaluated and typically adjusted on a regular basis. Offers are made within the compensation range that is in effect at the time of the job offer.

The Association may, at its discretion, offer merit-based increases tied to individual performance. The benefits listed may differ depending on employment status with the Association. Healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with employer match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, well-being benefits, paid time off and several paid holidays are available to Association employees, among other benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The ALS Association endeavors to make www.als.org accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please email onlineaccommodations@alsa-national.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

The ALS Association highly encourages their employees to be fully vaccinated, as considered per the CDC guidelines, with the COVID-19 vaccination. Requirements to have or obtain a COVID-19 vaccination may be applicable by state, local, and other federal orders or applicable lawful requirements by third-party clinics, vendors, or events attended on ALS Association business. If applicable, proof of vaccination will be required, unless approved for a legally required exemption by The ALS Association.