Our work is important. And so are the people doing it. The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our singular mission: to end the pain and suffering of cancer. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled. We value our employees and nearly 2 million volunteers around the globe that have stood with us through the years, and we will not rest until the fight is won. And that day is drawing nearer.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Manage the strategy, planning, and execution of comprehensive advocacy communications activities, with a focus on proactive and reactive media relations, in support of the advocacy work of the American Cancer Society through its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Independently communicate with and advise ACS CAN executive management and team leaders, the Society’s Corporate Communications Department (Corp Comm), and Region advocacy and communications staff.
- Contribute substantially to all aspects of advocacy communications strategies that support the legislative, policy, and grassroots work of ACS CAN, with a particular focus on proactive and reactive media relations with reporters from national and Washington, DC-based outlets.
- Lead the execution of media advocacy strategies on key federal issues including tobacco control, breast cancer prevention and early detection, and colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. Research, draft, and distribute press releases, backgrounders, op-eds, letters to the editor, and related materials to the media, Society and ACS CAN staff and volunteers, coalition partners, Capitol Hill press secretaries, and others as assigned.Serve as the lead media advocacy contact to national policy and political reporters on priority portfolio issues; proactively engage the media and respond to media inquiries; work with ACS CAN spokespeople to prepare for media interviews and to supply reporters with accurate information; build relationships with reporters and lists of media contacts.
- Serve as the lead media advocacy contact on priority portfolio issues to the Society’s Corporate Communications Department and key Global Headquarters staff; serve on interdisciplinary workgroups led by Corp Comm for planning communications strategies on topics within the role’s portfolio.
- Serve as a source of expertise to ACS CAN and Society leadership on media advocacy and messaging; provide media coaching and training of ACS CAN and Society leadership, staff, and volunteers; serve as a key contact to Regional advocacy and communications staff
- Contribute to the planning and execution of media advocacy strategies by regional staff nationwide, on the ACS CAN website, and through its social media channels
- Serve as ACS CAN’s lead media advocacy representative on multi-group coalitions and partnerships.
Educational Background:
master’s degree and three to five years relevant professional experience.
Skills/Experience:
- Excellent written, oral, interpersonal and computer skills required; knowledge of politics and Congress essential; knowledge of cancer and/or other health care issues a plus
- Five to seven years of professional experience in media/public relations, journalism, or related field
- Specialized knowledge in one or more of the following areas desirable: chronic disease prevention, including tobacco control, palliative care, obesity prevention.
Demonstrates Corporate Communication Competencies:
- Manages complexity - Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems
- Strategic mindset - Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.
- Action oriented - Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Drives results - Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.
- Collaborates - Builds partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Communicates effectively - Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
- Instills trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Situational adaptability - Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations
- Occasional travel may be necessary.
Compensation/Benefits:
We are committed to providing staff with fulfilling opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact in their local communities. We offer staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental and retirement benefits, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Jan 23 2018
Active Until:
Feb 23 2018
Hiring Organization:
American Cancer Society
industry:
Nonprofit