DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

Reporting to the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, the Director of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing the Academy’s communication strategy to advance the visibility and understanding of the profession, managing the public reputation of the Academy, optimizing awareness of Academy programs among key audiences, tailoring communications to achieve public policy objectives, and ensuring adherence to high quality, effective organization-wide communications. The Director of Communications is responsible for or collaborates with department colleagues to deploy the Academy’s multi-varied and integrated communications products and services, including print, web and online communications, media and public relations. This individual works closely with external communications consultants; supervises a team of two communications professionals; and manages the Academy’s network of volunteer expert media spokespeople.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy

Maintain current plans and lead the development of new communications strategies, plans and protocols to advance the Academy’s brand identity; enhance the profile and reputation of the nutrition and dietetics profession; and increase the visibility of Academy priorities across key audiences.
Provide leadership, expertise and reporting in all areas of communications (internal and external) for, and in collaboration with, leaders, management and all Academy units.
Cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers, and the Academy’s Spokespeople.
Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization. Work with the leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
Develops and refines the Academy’s core messages to ensure organizational consistency across such public communications resources as press releases, fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, speeches, talking points, and others.
Ensure leaders and spokespersons are equipped with relevant messaging and media training.

Operations

Oversee the development of team print and digital communications including the media guide, and electronic communications including collaborating on website content and new media; manage relationships with associated vendors.
Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed.
Actively engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding Academy priorities, special events and other projects.
Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development.
Develop communications products and services that facilitate member engagement, retention and recruitment.
Ensure quality visibility and communications for the Academy’s Honors & Awards elements.
Introduce best practices and refine existing processes and procedures that expand the capacity of the department to proactively meet the communications-related demands of Academy programs and initiatives.
Maintain current and establish new measurement metrics and benchmarks for communications and external relations to improve visibility on progress and return of value to members.
Assist in budget preparation; develop budget recommendations; review expenses against budget; control budget expenditures.

Team Development/Management

Manage a communications team.
Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality, trustworthiness and collaboration.
Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis.
Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct annual performance appraisals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field is required.
Minimum 7 years of experience in a management role either in-house, with an agency or in an association.
Healthcare or scientific subject area experience preferred, not required.

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
KEY ATTRIBUTES

Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, top tier reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter experts with the media to achieve high impact placements
Extensive successful writing and editing experience with a variety of print and online communications media
Established experience and leadership in managing comprehensive strategic communications and media relations in order to advance the Academy’s mission and goals
Creative and thoughtful applications on new media technologies
Extensive experience in planning, writing, editing, production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, and other print publications and directories
Innovative thinker with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and results
Experience in mentoring and coaching a team of communications specialists
Energetic, self-reliant, good problem solver, results-oriented
Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to effectively interface with senior management
Articulate and persuasive communicator, written and oral

About Us:
The Academy offers a salary commensurate with experience as well as an excellent benefit package, including medical, dental, LTD, tuition reimbursement and 401k match with IMMEDIATE VESTING!

The Academy promotes a friendly, professional, and challenging team-based work environment with the ability to work remotely. Also, the Academy’s office is conveniently located near public transportation: two major Metra train stations (Union and Ogilvie), CTA lines and major bus routes are all within a few blocks.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

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Director of Communications