VP, Public Affairs

at AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS in Itasca, Illinois, United States

Job Description

TITLE:
VP, Public Affairs
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President
BASIC FUNCTION:
Provide strategic oversight and leadership for the development, planning, and execution of comprehensive public affairs strategies for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) targeting AAP members, the news media, and the public. Lead and implement print and digital media relations plans and campaigns to advance the AAP mission and broaden visibility and awareness of AAP programs across varied audiences. Collaborate with AAP Strategic Communications staff to align overall AAP messaging across various platforms. Oversee public awareness/education programs in partnership with external sponsors.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversee all AAP public affairs efforts for web, print, radio, and email platforms, including media relations, videos, and website content.
Partner with the VP, Strategic Communications to manage strategic social media advocacy efforts (e.g., X, Facebook, YouTube), including directing campaigns, conducting training for AAP staff and members, and advising on social media advocacy.
Oversee the production of member communications, including, AAP News, AAP News OnCall, and breaking news alerts.
Oversee the management and implementation of AAP-wide digital strategy, including governance decisions.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key media, including editors, reporters, bloggers, and producers of national media and serve as a spokesperson on media interactions.
Oversee support of AAP constituent groups and editorial boards. Attend and participate in meetings and present on relevant issues.
Oversee media training for AAP Board member and other member leaders.
Collaborate with the CEO and AAP Development staff on outreach and stewardship with current and potential funders to secure support for AAP initiatives. Assist with funding proposals and reports.
Collaborate with Chief Health Equity Officer to ensure communication initiatives are aligned with the AAP Equity Agenda. Serve as leader in advancing the AAP equity implementation plan. Ensure an equity lens is applied to all assigned initiatives.
Supervise and mentor assigned staff. Encourage a work environment that promotes inclusion and belonging of all staff. Support ongoing staff development, help set objectives, evaluation performance, and promote and enhance staff capacity in skills necessary to achieve goals. Ensure staff operate in a fiscally prudent manner, maintain confidentiality, operate with the highest ethical standards, and provide excellent service to members and volunteers.
Develop and oversee assigned budgets and report on variances.
Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field
At least 10 years' related experience in developing and managing communications strategies related to advocacy/public policy of child health issues
Strong understanding of child health issues and the ability to translate complex issues into compelling messaging for varied audiences
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
Exceptional written/verbal communication, interpersonal, and diplomacy skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders and engage in successful negotiation, collaboration, consensus building, and conflict resolution
Strategic and innovative thinker with the ability to solve problems, execute initiatives, and synthesize and translate data into actionable outcomes
Skilled in leadership and developing staff, as well as promoting and maintaining a positive and cooperative team-oriented work environment, with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Able to effectively prioritize a heavy workload and work well under pressure
Budget management and variance reporting experience
Strong technical acumen with proficiency in MS Office, media platforms, and the ability to learn and integrate new and emerging technologies to simplify and improve business practices
Positive outlook, high personal standard of excellence and ethics, and ability to build trust and interact with all organizational levels
Weekend work and travel, and the ability to respond quickly to urgent issues outside core business hours
Ability to work within a hybrid work environment with a 40% in-office presence

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree in related field
Hybrid work environment of 40% of... For full info follow application link.

EEO Statement:  The AAP is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans. The AAP actively recruits all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected class. EEO is the Law.