Senior Associate Director, Media Relations

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 Minimum Qualifications: 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 Preferred Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 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 We offer an excellent total compensation package, which includes 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 (312) 422-3000 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