Creates strategic public relations plans for association's public affairs and business line activities and issues. Outreaches to national media by pitching news stories, serve as spokesperson and set up interviews for AAA representatives. Manages Washington National Office public relations staff. Serves as a national spokesperson on sensitive crisis communications projects and on behalf of business lines as necessary.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has functional responsibilities with one (2) direct reports.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Implements Public Relations strategic plans by writing releases, pitching stories to media, serving as spokesperson and setting up interviews for AAA representatives. (30%)
2. Creates strategic public relations plans for public affairs issues including involving Public Affairs committees, AAA club public relations representatives and public affairs staff and Foundation for Traffic Safety. (20%)
3. Serves as a resource to the AAA clubs by providing information and creating media opportunities for the club public relations staff. (20%)
4. Monitors, analyzes and sets strategy for communicating with media on gasoline price issues. (15%)
5. Collaborates with internal staff clients such as Travel, Partnership Programs,Federal Relations, State Relations, Traffic Safety Programs and Traffic Safety Policy in achieving their public outreach goals through the media or internal publications. (5%)
6. Serves as a resource to the national media by providing information, appears on news programs as a guest, and organizes guest appearances for AAA representatives. (5%)
7. Hires, trains, and reviews performance of staff; conducts staff meetings; develops and maintains departmental policies, procedures and training standards; schedules and assigns work activities of staff. (5%)

Requirements

Master's degree and at least 7 years of PR experience with a proven track record in a fast-paced environment
· Or Bachelor's degree and nine (9) years experience in public relations or journalism
· Experience in electronic news media
· Capable of representing AAA on network news and interview programs, morning talk shows, etc.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, specifically including expertise in
AP style.
• Travel industry and/or advocacy experience a strong plus.
• Previous experience supervising employees.
• Ability to manage PR support for multiple business lines; international media experience a
plus.
• Strategic thinker who excels at coming up with original ideas and is able to execute.
• Ability to proactively identify communications opportunities and develop supporting
programs.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, both internally and
externally.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to integrate PR programs to support business goals and programs; able to
perform within an integrated team environment.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and able to take a
· positive team approach to working with industry, media and association partners.

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