Public and Media Relations Director

JOB SUMMARY

In this hands-on individual contributor position, AOPA’s Public Relations Director completes the day-to-day communications initiatives while nurturing existing and developing new relationships with trade press and national publications. This position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to prepare various communications that align with the needs of the organization. May prepare some executive communications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborate with various department stakeholders to develop strategic communications plans around various initiatives and announcements.
• Cultivate and maintain senior transportation contacts at national print, radio and social media outlets.
• Write press releases relating to AOPA initiatives.
• Send press releases via media monitoring software, monitor external media for mention of AOPA, and create a weekly summary of AOPA mentions and general aviation industry news.
• Successfully achieve earned media that showcases the work and achievements of AOPA and the AOPA Foundation.
• Monitor, analyze and communicate PR results regularly.
• Support the government affairs teams’ PR communications.
• Manage and perform the day-to-day drafting of PR materials, research, outreach projects, and the online AOPA Media Room.
• Working in conjunction with senior leadership develop and deploy crisis communications.
• Prepare some executive communication.
• Assist senior leaders of AOPA in writing, editing, and proofing communication that reflects the speaker and the audience to ensure appropriate tone and voice.

**Although this job description aims to capture the majority of the position duties, other duties may be assigned based on business and departmental needs.

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, journalism, or writing.
• Strong writing skills required with an ability to relay correct tone and voice.
• 5+ years of experience in communications/public relations. Experience with social media required.
• Must be able to develop and maintain professional relationships, problem solve and work independently in a changing environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in written and verbal format.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in aviation strongly preferred.
• Private Pilot License is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This position works in an office setting.
• Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with an hour lunch break. The nature and timing of the essential functions of this position may, on occasion, require the incumbent to work hours outside of the typical working hours.
• Generally, a climate-controlled environment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions when attending aviation related events, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft.
• This position requires some local travel to AOPA’s office in the District of Columbia and may require travel to aviation or industry-related events. Travel is by aircraft (general aviation and commercial) and by automobile, rail, or public transit.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This position requires the incumbent to be able to move about inside the office area to access filing cabinets, office machinery, attend meetings, etc.
• This position requires the ability to operate a computer, keyboard, mousepad, and other office productivity machinery such as copy/printing machines.
• Must be able to proficiently communicate verbally and in writing, in-person and via virtual technology in the English language.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Additional position details:

• This position works out of the Frederick, MD location and is not eligible for remote status.
• The salary range for this position is: $95,000 - $110,000 depending on experience.

Benefit information (include in all job postings)

• Flight Training & Flight Proficiency Program
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents the 1st of the month following their start date
• Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (only if choosing the HDHP medical plan)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match
• Company paid Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D insurance with the option to buy up
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year (accruals increase based on tenure)
• Paid Holidays: 12 holidays
• Personal days: 3 (prorated based on hire date)
• Volunteer day: 1 (prorated based on hire date)
• Paid Parental Leave
• AOPA Membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Gym Reimbursement Program
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Supplemental insurance options (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Business casual dress code
• Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa