Public Relations & Policy Director

AAHOA, a leading trade association representing U.S. hotel owners, seeks a strategic and driven Public Relations & Policy Director to join our team. We value humble, collaborative, and ambitious individuals who are eager to make an impact in a fast-paced environment. This role offers the chance to work closely with industry leaders, influence policy, and enhance AAHOA’s reputation.

Founded in 1989, AAHOA is one of the fastest-growing organizations in the industry, with nearly 20,000 members owning 60% of the hotels in the United States. With billions of dollars in property assets and more than 1.1M employees, AAHOA Members are core economic contributors in virtually every community. AAHOA is dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of its members by inspiring excellence through programs and initiatives in advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, and community involvement.

The right candidate will have ample experience on Capitol Hill. The job requires strong knowledge of the Congressional process and committees, the legislative process, excellent oral and written communication skills, strong analytical skills, and is pivotal in advancing AAHOA’s mission and enhancing its influence within the hospitality industry.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Public Relations & Communications
• Develop and execute comprehensive PR strategies to enhance AAHOA’s public image.
• Manage member communications related to Federal advocacy and AAHOA’s work in Washington, D.C.
• Craft messaging and language for use in media relations, press releases, media inquiries, interviews, backgrounders, and more.
• Monitor news sources for relevant updates affecting AAHOA Members.
• Plan and prepare materials associated with AAHOA Advocacy Events, including National Advocacy Conferences.
• Develop campaigns that progress AAHOA’s policy initiatives and spur grassroots engagement from AAHOA Members.
• Promote, market, and communicate the importance of giving to the AAHOA Political Action Committee.
• Prepare newsletters and information for AAHOA Members and the industry to stay abreast of advocacy topics and issues.
• Maintain the advocacy sections of the AAHOA Website to ensure accuracy, relevance, and consistent messaging.
• Synthesize complex information and ideas from various sources and transform it into a straightforward, clear, concise, and compelling narrative. 
• Policy Advocacy
• Monitor federal legislative and regulatory developments impacting the hospitality industry.
• Assist the AAHOA Government Affairs Team and consultants with membership requests, hearing summaries, and monitoring committee developments, including markups and floor proceedings.
• Develop policy positions and advocacy strategies to advance AAHOA’s interests.
• Attend Hill meetings.
• Prepare and deliver testimony, position papers, and other advocacy materials.
• Become familiar with the ongoing work that AAHOA does in the industry to further its strategic plan and vision to be the foremost resource and advocate for America’s hotel owners.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and AAHOA Members.
• Serve as a liaison between AAHOA and external organizations to foster collaboration and support.
• Organize and participate in advocacy events.
• Engage with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and coalitions to influence public policy.

Additional Qualifications 

• Passionate about AAHOA’s work and our mission.
• A proven willingness and ability to work quickly in a fast-moving, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work with a high level of independence as well as collaboratively as part of a team and the ability to engage with senior leaders.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective PR and advocacy strategies.
• Experience in the hospitality industry is a plus.

Minimum Requirements

• Cultural awareness and respect for the industry and the company’s historical successes, the impact of change on its present, and the ability to build support and passion for an evolving vision for the future.
• Attention to detail and excellent proofreading skills.

·        Strong understanding of the legislative process and regulatory environment.

• A can-do attitude and willingness to jump in and help whenever needed.
• Excellent communication, writing, editing, and project management skills.
• Sound judgment under pressure and demonstrated ability to creatively solve issues.
• A collaborative, results-oriented leadership style and the desire to roll up one’s sleeves and get things done.
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and/or the Google suite of products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms). 

Application Process:

Interested candidates should email resumes and any additional qualifications to  jobs@aahoa.com.