The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a VP, Media Advocacyposition in our Marketing and Communications department based out of our National Center office located in Dallas, TX or Washington, D.C. This individual will be responsible for the development, implementation and integration of enterprise-wide Media Advocacy strategy as well as the enterprise-wide supervision of all enterprise communications tactics and staff resources in support of efforts integrating state public policy and advocacy efforts across the Association. In addition to developing and implementing Federal and enterprise media advocacy strategy, responsible for leading the consultation and support services for local community media advocacy. Accountable for supporting the Advocacy function in achieving the AHA’s public policy goals through the strategic planning, prioritization and execution of priority issue campaigns. As an adjunct member of the Advocacy senior leadership team, responsible for participating in the prioritization and effective deployment of enterprise media advocacy assets and communications resources to targeted campaigns, including surge resources to support priority community level media advocacy efforts.
- Develops and implements overarching, integrated strategic enterprise strategy, along with plan to align media advocacy and general communications support for Federal, state and local government public policy campaigns and national advocacy priorities. Focuses on integrating staff and consulting resources, including external agencies and volunteer influencers
- Develops and directs specific Federal media advocacy staff and strategic efforts in support of Federal AHA policy priorities
- Develops and directs AHA specific Field-focused media advocacy consultancy along with enterprise efforts to support of state and local AHA policy priorities
- Evaluates opportunities and engages external agencies and consultancies as needed to develop appropriate advertising and public relations efforts in support of AHA advocacy priorities
- Evaluates, trains, consults and supports as necessary Affiliate and community-based media advocacy and/or communications staff who conduct media advocacy work on behalf of the AHA
- Oversees all advocacy related media relations and news media surveillance of advocacy issues on an enterprise level. Develops enterprise positioning with respect to key advocacy issues
- Supervises integrated team of Federal and Field Media advocacy Directors and consultants, and oversees development of operating budget for function and team
- Ensures integration and alignment with the general consumer positioning of the American Heart Association and its master brand, through appropriate integration with the National Center leadership under direct oversight from Corporate & Marketing Communications
- At least eight (8) years of relevant experience
- Experience formulating, communicating and advocating for public policy or legislative action at the state level
- Management experience with teams at multiple locations including developing and maintaining consistent processes, communication, and practices
- Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal legislative procedures and advocacy efforts
- Comprehensive understanding of community affairs and grassroots campaign building
- Advanced communication skills and demonstrated success in building relationships with volunteers, government representatives and team members
- Ability to travel 25% local and overnight stay
Preferred Experience:
- Master of Public Administration, Political Science or JD Law
- Advanced agency experience and/or campaign mobilization