Division Director of Public Relations

American Veterinary Medical Association

About the AVMA:

Located in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an office in Washington, D.C., the AVMA is structured to work for its members, and acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession. The AVMA provides a number of benefits to its members, including information resources, state and federal advocacy, opportunities to address issues affecting policies that govern the profession and practice of veterinary medicine, continuing education opportunities, quality publications, and discounts on personal and professional products, programs and services. The work of the AVMA is carried out by a dedicated staff of over 160. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors and has a $40M+ annual operating budget.

https://www.avma.org


Position Details

Division Director of Public Relations
Job
Full-time
4/24/2019
Northern Illinois
Schaumburg, IL

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a national not-for-profit association, established in 1863 and representing over 93,000 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services, is seeking a Division Director of Public Relations to join our Marketing & Communications team located in our headquarters office in Schaumburg, IL.

Structured to work for its members, AVMA acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession. Our mission is to lead the profession by advocating for our members and advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, this newly created role will set and guide the strategy and oversee the development of AVMA’s media relations and corporate communications teams to consistently articulate the mission and member value of the AVMA. This includes: national and trade media; crisis communications and reputation management; executive communications; and internal communications.

The Director of Public Relations will lead initiatives that 1) ensure the AVMA is viewed as a leading source of authoritative information for audiences within the veterinary community; 2) enhance AVMA brand esteem and brand preference among AVMA members; and 3) enhance the perception of the veterinary profession among pet owners and the general public. The Director will work closely with the AVMA leadership as a communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.

Approximately 20% travel.

To be successful in this role, you must be highly collaborative and passionate about AVMA’s mission and increasing member satisfaction and engagement. Additional qualifications include:

  • 6+ years’ experience in a communications role, preferably with a nonprofit entity 
  • BS/BA in communications, public relations, business or a relevant field, MS Degree a plus 
  • Experience in media relations, social media, content development, internal and external communications and crisis communications 
  • Advanced writing, editing and verbal communication skills with the ability to present ideas with clarity and vision 
  • Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies 
  • Must be enthusiastic and innovative 
  • Strong supervisory and project management skills are required 
  • Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) 
  • Relationship builder with flexibility and the ability to manage by influence 
  • Capable and experienced leader, people manager and coach 
  • Excellent work ethic and able to prioritize and follow-through effectively 
  • Willingness to share own ideas, even amongst senior staff and board members 
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite required 
  • Must be accountable for and able to work outside of normal business hours as required

The AVMA offers a flexible/supportive work environment & excellent benefits.



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