We have an opening for a Director, Executive Communications in the AHA’s SouthWest Affiliate, a six-state region that includes Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. You will be working with the Senior Director, EVP Operations and the Executive Vice President (EVP) of the SouthWest Affiliate – along with staff and volunteers from across six states – to develop and execute internal and external communications strategy for the Executive Vice President. This includes developing and driving a comprehensive communication plan for the EVP that aligns with affiliate priorities. Tasks include speechwriting and developing high-quality materials for presentations, creating volunteer newsletters and correspondence, driving content for internal platforms including live broadcasts for staff and volunteers, creating a compelling social media presence for the EVP, and cultivating an archive of materials to support these communications efforts. The Director, Executive Communications must be an excellent writer and communicator, a collaborator, a source of creative ideas, an expert in multi-tasking, and a proactive, planful, deadline-driven, detailed oriented and very organized individual.
- Develop content and manage production of regular blog posts and monthly, live broadcasts from the Executive Vice President for affiliate staff. Track and archive internal “news” items used in broadcasts
- Maintain thorough archive of affiliate news items and photos for use in presentations throughout the year
- Establish credibility and trust with staff across the affiliate to facilitate access to accurate information
- Draft correspondence for the Executive Vice President to steward and cultivate internal and external audiences, including volunteers, donors and staff members
- Cultivate and maintain a compelling social media presence for the EVP
- Maintain calendar of EVP speaking engagements and appearances and provide all preparation needed in a timely manner for each
- Develop strategy, research content and draft speaking points for EVP presentations, appearances and meetings, as well as creating custom supporting documents (e.g., handouts, PowerPoint slides)
- Contribute to planning, content development, and execution of SouthWest Affiliate board of directors meetings. Attend board meetings and actively engage in board member stewardship throughout the year.
- Manage volunteer engagement strategy for local boards of directors in various markets across the SouthWest Affiliate
- Collaborate with other team members and staff across the affiliate in the planning, development and execution of large projects, initiatives and events. Examples include a large awards program for affiliate staff, nomination of affiliate staff for national awards and recognition, management retreats and conferences, etc.
- Minimum of 6-8 years’ experience with significant communications and/or writing responsibilities
- Speech and script writing experience
- Exceptional written communication skills
- Experience working with senior-level executives
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high volume work environment
- High level of attention to detail
- Strong presentation skills
- Proficiency in MS PowerPoint
- Proficiency with social media and online/web communications
- Experience with basic video editing (Windows MovieMaker/iMovie) preferred
- Multi-tasking ability and the proven ability to meet deadlines on a consistent basis
- Ability to function independently with minimal supervision
- Project management skills
- Ability to work in a team environment and interact with all levels of American Heart Association staff, volunteers and the public
- Willingness and proven ability to work in an atmosphere requiring flexibility and change