As the Senior Director of Communications & Marketing for North Texas you will make an extraordinary impact by working with development and health strategies colleagues to craft and deliver strategic communications to external and internal audiences.
Responsibilities involve working with the Director of Marketing, AHA staff and volunteers in the Dallas and Tarrant County, TX, offices to create and execute strategic media relations campaigns in support of AHA fundraising efforts, educational programs, awareness campaigns, advocacy platforms and branding.
- Manage Dallas and Tarrant County staff and volunteer communications by serving as the strategic media relations expert in the market.
- Supervise 2-3 Directors of Communication.
- Primary media contact supporting media relations efforts for North Texas, including Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties , to build awareness for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
- Develop, lead and drive comprehensive and integrated traditional media PR/Communications plans for the North Texas market.
- Synthesize national AHA research, statements and program materials to develop local story angles and pitches for media.
- Create written media materials including press releases, advisories, fact sheets, bios, messaging/talking points, pitches, PSA scripts, radio rip-and-reads, etc.
- Develop speakers’ bureau, including media spokespeople from our base of volunteers and conduct annual spokesperson media training.
- Develop and build on strong media partnerships in the market, including growing our online media presence with bloggers and non-traditional media outlets.
- Engage sponsors in effective and appropriate media activation activities and provide results for end of campaign reports.
- Secure local media sponsorships for AHA events and programs.
- Primarily located in our Irving office with weekly visits to our Tarrant County (Fort Worth) office.
- Ability to travel weekly up to 25% (not overnight but within the NTX market) .
- 4+ years of experience directly managing 3+ staff members.
- 3+ years of experience in public relations/media relations communications, public/media relations, marketing or journalism. This experience may also count toward satisfying the educational requirement.
- Skill in writing and editing for a variety of audiences via numerous platforms, including writing for online and mobile. Experience with AP Style preferred.
- Existing media relationships in the DFW market mandatory.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus.
- PR agency experience strongly preferred.
- Intermediate knowledge and skill with Microsoft Office used for word processing, email, presentations, and spreadsheets. Advanced knowledge and skill with these programs is preferred.
- Proven ability to develop and implement communications plans and to create and place stories and promotional ideas with journalists and promotions directors in print, broadcast and social media platforms.
- Previous experience securing media sponsorships to provide maximum coverage.
- Experience producing short format video, including script writing, shooting video and editing and/or directing external agencies on such projects and the ability to create radio and TV PSAs.
- Able to lift at least 20 lbs. from the ground to waist level with or without reasonable accommodation.
- 18 years old or older.
Attracting talented, committed employees means offering a competitive benefits package, ongoing professional development and training, and a diverse and inclusive environment in which to work and grow. And we do.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity applies to both our workforce and the communities we serve as it relates to heart health and stroke prevention.