VP, Public Affairs

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide strategic oversight and leadership for the development, planning, and execution of comprehensive public affairs strategies for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) targeting AAP members, the news media, and the public. Lead and implement print and digital media relations plans and campaigns to advance the AAP mission and broaden visibility and awareness of AAP programs across varied audiences. Collaborate with AAP Strategic Communications staff to align overall AAP messaging across various platforms. Oversee public awareness/education programs in partnership with external sponsors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oversee all AAP public affairs efforts for web, print, radio, and email platforms, including media relations, videos, and website content.
2. Partner with the VP, Strategic Communications to manage strategic social media advocacy efforts (e.g., X, Facebook, YouTube), including directing campaigns, conducting training for AAP staff and members, and advising on social media advocacy.
3. Oversee the production of member communications, including, AAP News, AAP News OnCall, and breaking news alerts.
4. Oversee the management and implementation of AAP-wide digital strategy, including governance decisions.
5. Establish and maintain strong relationships with key media, including editors, reporters, bloggers, and producers of national media and serve as a spokesperson on media interactions.
6. Oversee support of AAP constituent groups and editorial boards. Attend and participate in meetings and present on relevant issues.
7. Oversee media training for AAP Board member and other member leaders.
8. Collaborate with the CEO and AAP Development staff on outreach and stewardship with current and potential funders to secure support for AAP initiatives. Assist with funding proposals and reports.
9. Collaborate with Chief Health Equity Officer to ensure communication initiatives are aligned with the AAP Equity Agenda. Serve as leader in advancing the AAP equity implementation plan. Ensure an equity lens is applied to all assigned initiatives.
10. Supervise and mentor assigned staff. Encourage a work environment that promotes inclusion and belonging of all staff. Support ongoing staff development, help set objectives, evaluation performance, and promote and enhance staff capacity in skills necessary to achieve goals. Ensure staff operate in a fiscally prudent manner, maintain confidentiality, operate with the highest ethical standards, and provide excellent service to members and volunteers.
11. Develop and oversee assigned budgets and report on variances.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field
• At least 10 years' related experience in developing and managing communications strategies related to advocacy/public policy of child health issues
• Strong understanding of child health issues and the ability to translate complex issues into compelling messaging for varied audiences
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Exceptional written/verbal communication, interpersonal, and diplomacy skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders and engage in successful negotiation, collaboration, consensus building, and conflict resolution
• Strategic and innovative thinker with the ability to solve problems, execute initiatives, and synthesize and translate data into actionable outcomes
• Skilled in leadership and developing staff, as well as promoting and maintaining a positive and cooperative team-oriented work environment, with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Able to effectively prioritize a heavy workload and work well under pressure
• Budget management and variance reporting experience
• Strong technical acumen with proficiency in MS Office, media platforms, and the ability to learn and integrate new and emerging technologies to simplify and improve business practices
• Positive outlook, high personal standard of excellence and ethics, and ability to build trust and interact with all organizational levels
• Weekend work and travel, and the ability to respond quickly to urgent issues outside core business hours
• Ability to work within a hybrid work environment with a 40% in-office presence

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in related field

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 .

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 regarding the job application process may call 630-626-6297. Please note, only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response.