Director, Communications

The ALS Association is the largest ALS organization in the world. The ALS Association funds global research collaborations, assists people with ALS and their families through its nationwide network of care and certified clinical care centers, and advocates for better public policies for people with ALS. The mission of the ALS Association is to make ALS livable and cure it.

This is a remote position, with preference given to candidates located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Director, Communications leads the organization's external communications, public relations, and media strategy to advance the Association's mission and strengthen its position with key audiences. This role drives earned media, cultivates high-level press relationships, leads crisis communications, and serves as a senior communications advisor to organizational leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead organization’s external communications strategy in alignment with other communications channels and editorial calendar.

Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to develop proactive communication and media strategies to increase the visibility of the organization’s programs across key stakeholder audiences and media channels.

Maintain strong knowledge of the organization’s mission areas, translating complex research, care, and policy priorities into clear, compelling communications for external audiences.

Develop and execute a comprehensive public relations strategy that cultivates and enhances relationships with high-level external audiences, including media and key influencers.

Identify significant media issues that can be leveraged to support the organization’s work and create and implement plans to communicate response.

Serve as spokesperson and team lead on media interactions, including prioritization of media opportunities, preparation of talking points and other supporting materials.

Oversee organizational response to inquiries about the ALS Association.

Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships and partnerships to ensure coverage surrounding the Association’s programs, events, public announcements, and special projects.

Work with executive team on public speaking engagements.

Develop and oversee a comprehensive media training program for organizational spokespeople at all levels.

Lead crisis management communications.

Track and analyze earned media coverage, reporting on reach, sentiment, and impact to inform ongoing PR strategy.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly and indirectly supervise employees within the marketing and communications department.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree (BA) from four-year college or university.

Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or communications, with demonstrated success in a senior or leadership role.

Experience in or alongside advocacy, policy or public affairs communications functions with a strong understanding of how to create accessible messaging around legislative priorities, policy campaigns, or grassroots mobilization efforts.

Demonstrated experience building and leading a comprehensive media relations and public relations program, including crisis communications.

Proven track record of securing high-impact media coverage and managing complex, fast-moving media situations.

Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

PAY TRANSPARENCY
The ALS Association’s pay range for this position is $81,689 - $102,644 annually.

The ALS Association has compensation ranges for various work locations throughout the United States, allowing us to compensate employees competitively and consistently in diverse geographic markets. Various factors, including the complexity and significance of the role, job duties/requirements, relevant experience and abilities, and primary work location, determine individual compensation. Compensation ranges are evaluated and typically adjusted on a regular basis. Offers are made within the compensation range that is in effect at the time of the job offer.

Benefits include healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with employer match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, well-being benefits, paid time off and several paid holidays.

EEO STATEMENT
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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