Director, Strategic Communications

Position:             Director, Strategic Communications

Supervisor:        Chief External Affairs Officer

Status:                Full Time

FLSA:                  Exempt

Location:            Washington, DC

We are seeking a Director of Strategic Communications to support our organization's communication efforts and advocacy initiatives, facilitating increased visibility and influence with key external stakeholders. The Director will play a critical role in developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies, enhancing executive visibility, strengthening partnerships, and overseeing brand consistency and external communications, including website management. Reporting to the Chief External Affairs Officer, the Director will support efforts to engage with management, membership, and governance committees.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Branding, External Communications, and Website:

• Oversee the organization's brand identity to maintain consistency and alignment across all communication channels.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure brand integrity and achievement of organizational objectives including support of key events.
• Manage the process of developing and updating external communications materials, including press releases, presentations, and marketing collateral, in collaboration with relevant internal teams.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to develop and deliver presentations that effectively communicate our organization's goals, values, and achievements.
• Coordinate an internal content calendar developed in coordination with research partners and policy department to create core messaging infrastructure, steady drumbeat, earned media opportunities.
• Oversee the organization's website, ensuring alignment with brand identity, content accuracy, and optimal user experience through regular updates and analytics tracking.

DC Beltway Presence:

• Develop and execute strategies to establish our organization as a leading advocate for the automotive industry in DC, emphasizing key policy priorities and industry insights.
• Create compelling content to highlight the importance of policy initiatives and advocate for measures that support industry growth and sustainability.
• Collaborate with External Affairs team to implement targeted paid media campaigns aimed at policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to promote our advocacy agenda.
• Coordinate with earned media counterparts to amplify our advocacy messages through press coverage and media partnerships, driving awareness and support for industry priorities.

Executive Visibility and Messaging:

• Develop and implement an executive visibility program to elevate our leadership team's profiles as leading voices in advocating for the automotive industry.
• Identify speaking opportunities and engagements for executives to advocate for policy initiatives and industry interests to relevant audiences.
• Produce engaging content featuring our executives advocating for key industry priorities, reinforcing our commitment to advancing the automotive agenda.
• Coordinate closely with earned media counterparts to secure media placements and coverage that highlight our executives' advocacy efforts and reinforce industry messaging.

Partnerships and Visibility in Key Geographies:

• Cultivate partnerships with external organizations to host events and initiatives that advance our advocacy agenda and foster collaboration within the automotive industry.
• Develop and execute initiatives to engage with stakeholders in key congressional districts and communities, advocating for policies that support industry growth and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify partnership opportunities and visibility initiatives aligned with our advocacy goals and amplifying the industry's voice.
• Work closely with earned media counterparts to develop integrated partnership opportunities leveraging both paid and earned media channels to advocate for policies benefiting the automotive industry.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in communications, advocacy, or related field, with a proven track record of success in politics, grassroots, advocacy, and paid media.
• Minimum 4 years of management experience with advanced subject matter expertise and budget management.
• Strong understanding of policy issues and the automotive industry landscape, with a deep understanding of the political electoral process at the state, federal, and local levels.
• Ability to manage and lead multiple projects from strategic planning to successful execution.
• Excellent relationship-building, problem-solving, and written/oral communication skills, including superior interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite products (Excel, Word, Outlook) or similar products in a Windows environment.
• Experience working on issue campaigns or ballot initiatives, with a background in political campaigns and/or political firms preferred.
• Must have the ability to work effectively with flexibility and personal diplomacy in a team environment, as well as a passion for Auto Innovators’ mission.
• Possess a high level of personal integrity and other essential leadership characteristics.
• Superior management skills, including the ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference and background investigation based on a position.