Strategic Communications Spec

TITLE:

Strategic Communications Specialist (Grant Funded)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Director, Strategic Communications (Grant Funded)

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

Support Director, Strategic Communications in the development and implementation of rapid response strategies in support of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) vaccine communications work. Assist in the development of messages for diverse audiences in response to breaking news, crises, misinformation and other urgent communications.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support strategic communications efforts part of the vaccine communications rapid response hub. Assist in convening and coordinating external vendors to advance the AAP's voice on vaccine confidence and dispel misinformation and disinformation.

2. Assist in rapid response efforts, including drafting statements, talking points, website content and social media messages for diverse audiences and/or customizing turnkey materials from external partners, ensuring message content is evidence-based and aligns with vaccine confidence campaign goals and AAP communication strategy.

3. Track project deliverables for internal colleagues and external vendors to help ensure accountability. Develop and contribute to project management processes to organize grant deliverables and workflows.

4. Assist in the development of presentations and materials to promote effective vaccine communications strategies to external organizations and AAP members.

5. Support media spokespeople and subject matter experts by equipping them with materials and messages on vaccine rapid response issues to respond to media and other external requests.

6. Track key metrics to measure success and progress towards established AAP and external partner goals. Collaborate with supervisor and colleagues on the development of reports for AAP leadership and external partners. Specifically lead the writing and coordination of weekly reports for the funder and contribute significantly to monthly and quarterly funder reports.

7. Build relationships with internal staff across different work streams and collaborate on the development of innovative approaches that improve communication and the advancement of strategic priorities.

8. Collaborate with AAP staff and member leaders to ensure diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences are reflected in AAP strategic communications activities.

9. Perform all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related discipline or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience required.

EXPERIENCE:

At least three years' related experience in communications or public relations required, including writing for various audiences. Experience in the health or science sectors preferred.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

Must be a strong writer with the ability to develop content for diverse audiences, including digital platforms. Must demonstrate excellent organizational skills, be able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, work both independently and as part of a team, exercise good judgment, collaborate with various internal and external constituents, respond quickly to time-sensitive matters, take initiative, and promote and maintain a positive and cooperative team-oriented work environment promote work environment with a commitment to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Excellent verbal/written communication, interpersonal, diplomacy, project management, analytical, and critical thinking skills required. Strong technical acumen essential with proficiency in MS Office, knowledge of social media platforms, and the ability to learn and apply new technologies; experience with virtual meeting platforms (eg, WebEx, Teams) and document collaboration platforms (eg, SharePoint) preferred. Some travel and evening/work required.

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $82,182.66 - $86,748.48. Compensation decisions take into account a wide range of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, certifications, geographic location, business needs, and organizational policies. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare and retirement savings plans. Click to see all benefits offered: http://aap.org/BenefitsAtAAP. The AAP does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make employment decisions.

Hybrid work environment of 40% of work time in the office per month.

To learn more about the organization, see a full job description, and/or apply for the position, please visit https://www.aap.org/employment.

The AAP offers an excellent work environment, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package. As a reaffirmation to our employee-focused culture, since 2005 the AAP has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Chicagoland area. Additionally, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans that values the strength diversity brings to our workplace.

Reasonable Accommodation: Individuals with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation in connection with the job application process may contact us at 630-626-6297 or reasonableaccommodation@aap.org. Please note, only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response.