The American Heart Association (AHA) has a great opportunity for a Communications Manager-Healthy Living in our National Center office located in Dallas, TX! As an emerging media thought leader with strategic planning experience, the communications manager is a self-starter responsible for developing, implementing and executing strategies and tactics for the American Heart Association’s Healthy Living program initiatives and sponsors’ year-round activations. As a project manager, individual leads the development of communications plans to maximize resources by collaborating with Integrated Programs and Asset Development and communication leads, developing traditional media materials, executing national pitch efforts, securing media placements, managing agency resources, identifying internal distribution channels, and developing and executing communications strategies to engage field affiliates. Is responsible for executing social media tactics, including the development of influencer tactics. Has team leader experience and is comfortable presenting strategic planning and ideas to executives.
- Works collaboratively with marketing and business leads on the Integrated Programs and Asset Development team to create measurable success strategies that align with organizational, market impact, and sponsor goals. Develops communications plans and materials to promote AHA announcements, Healthy Living initiatives, preventive health programs and sponsor objectives by tailoring and developing materials to maximize content, events, volunteers, and information. Has a comprehensive understanding of the national media landscape and the emerging role of social media to strategize effectively for effective, relevant coverage and implementation. Assists AHA’s affiliate communications directors by providing necessary information to drive year-round coverage. Is responsible for hands-on tactical execution with input and collaboration from the Healthy Living portfolio team and agency of record when appropriate.
- Manages reactive media inquiries by determining whether and how to respond, identifying and coordintaing appropriate volunteers, aligning with communications and businss leads, drafting and running approvals for reactive media materials, including but not limited to key messages, CEO statements, and Op-Eds. Liaises with Public & Media Relations Science News team to integrate AHA science news with consumer messages/proposals related to Healthy Living topics when appropriate.
- Collaborates with public & media relations social media team to successfully integrate social media with traditional media and influencer efforts.
- Executes monitoring, reporting, invoicing, and contracting duties to track, forecast, and measure against objectives.
- Experienced team leader and comfortable presenting strategic planning and ideas for executives
- Minimum of three (3) years with extensive knowledge of consumer-focused public relations/media relations, marketing and advertising
- At least two (2) years’ experience in public relations and media relations track record of successful placements
- At least two (2) years of effective media contacts and relationship building
- Ability to travel up to 20% - 25% of the time, including overnight stays