PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
The Strategic Communications Position is responsible for developing and executing AF&PA's advocacy communications strategy and is responsible for the association's communication channels including media relations, internal and member communications, the AF&PA brand, website, and publications.
Reporting to the President and CEO, and managing a small communications staff, the Executive Director of Communications, a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), will work collaboratively with the SMT members with membership and advocacy responsibilities. S/he will be responsible for the degree to which AF&PA is reaching its target advocacy and internal audiences, enhancing its visibility and improving the association's perceived value with current and prospective members.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Lead the creation and implementation of an aggressive strategic communications plan to strengthen internal communications, enhance outreach to current and prospective members and more effectively support association advocacy efforts.
Manage AF&PA's media relations outreach and reactive media relations program which includes: developing media strategies for advocacy initiatives and significant association announcements; creating and disseminating press releases, Q&A and briefing documents; prepping/media training executives; and ensuring effective responses to media questions/requests.
Serve as a spokesperson as needed. Represent the views of the news media to management; assist in shaping responses to complex industry issues.
Develop and lead issues/crisis management communications programs.
Enhance AF&PA's use of the internet to promote the visibility of the industry, inform current members recruit new members and target advocacy audiences.
Improve the integration and coordination of existing internal and member communications products to ensure message consistency and impact on target audiences.
Oversee executive communications, which includes hands-on support of other members of senior management, in the development of speeches and presentations. Manage the identification of strategic speaking and conference opportunities for senior management and promote them internally and externally.
Build the "AF&PA brand" through all communication products and media to increase awareness among policymakers, industry executives, member companies and other stakeholders.
Coordinate the cost effective management of external PR firms and related consultants.
Provide leadership and oversight for the communications staff and function as a whole; responsibilities include managing a budget, personnel administration and unit effectiveness. Mentor, train, and develop the team.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:
The ability to think strategically and deliver tactically, including a proven track record of leading the creation and effective execution of communications strategies with demonstrable results.
Demonstrated ability to advise and exhibit credibility with senior management on communications issues. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interface with all levels of management.
Must have experience effectively managing, coaching and developing people to deliver excellent results. Experience managing consultants necessary.
Exceptional judgment, the ability to work with multiple demands, and the ability to develop and in-depth understanding of complex policy positions and nuances and develop the messages, strategies and tactics to support them.
Super organizational, written/verbal communications skills. Outstanding writing/editing skills.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
College degree in related field with 10-15 years appropriate experience, including government, political or trade association work. Experience with paper or forestry issues preferred.
Contact Information:
Qualified individuals, please send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to: jmckenney@helioshr.com
For consideration, the subject line or cover letter must indicate interest in job code #70-01 (Executive Director, Strategic Communications)
EQual Employment Opportunity Employer
American Forest and Paper Association is an active Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. AF&PA welcomes men and women regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, veteran status or other category protected by law.
SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 03/15/10
