Director, Communications

At AOTA, we believe excellence occurs when:Trust and respect are incorporated into decisions at all levels;AOTA invests in its employees; andResponsibility and accountability for work are fairly assigned.We believe that:Autonomy and empowerment are essential to satisfaction and productivity;Creativity and innovation only improve projects and outcomes; andDiversity and inclusivity are essential to success.POSITION SUMMARY:The Director, Communications, leads all aspects of the Association's internal and external communications including staff, board, member, partner and public-facing communications, with the express purpose of driving engagement with, and awareness of AOTA and the occupational therapy profession.The Director is accountable for leading the Communications team spanning multiple disciplines including internal/external communications, web, social media, digital content, PR and media relations. As a key leader in the Marketing & Communications department, the Director provides communications counsel across the organization, manages the enterprise-wide editorial/content calendars and serves as a strategic partner to internal clients to identify effective strategies and tactics necessary to meet/exceed organizational objectives. Assures content and message quality, accuracy, continuity and consistency across all communications channels. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and technical expertise, enabling them to develop and execute impactful omnichannel communications strategies and tactics spanning multiple, diverse audiences.WORK ENVIRONMENT (Remote):This position is fully remote with hybrid options in the Bethesda, MD Headquarters.POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES:Omnichannel Communications Strategy & TacticsDesigns and implements impactful omnichannel communications strategies - in close partnership with the Association's Marketing team - serving clients across the organization including its Knowledge (Practice/Professional Development/Publications), Membership/ Sales, Governance, DEIJAB, Meetings & Events and People & Culture teams.Develops actionable tactical communications plans - in close partnership with the Association's Marketing team - to consistently meet/exceed AOTA's mission and revenue objectives in alignment with its strategic/operational plans.Message Development: Crafts resonant, channel-specific messages that inspire target audiences to ACTtranslates and copyedits complex information into easily digestible language targeting multiple audiences.Web: Oversees AOTA's flagship web property (), and additional properties ( and ); develops/executes a robust enterprise-wide web strategy to maximize organizational awareness and engagement;ensures web content, design, and functionality provide a fully optimized U/X while also maximizing traffic and engagement across all audiences; aligns web content to the larger editorial/content plan; leads periodic usability testing to drive continuous improvement and to ensure an easily navigable and seamless U/X.Social Media: Directs all enterprise social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube); develops/executes a robust enterprise-wide social media strategy to maximize organizational awareness and engagement; ensures social content aligns to the larger editorial/content plan; integrates a variety of engaging social campaigns and formats to generate interest and grow social following across all platforms.Content Management: Develops, institutionalizes, directs and optimizes an enterprise-wide content management strategy - focused on digital content, and anchored by centralized editorial/content calendars to align assets and messaging to drive maximum engagement.PR/Media Relations: Develops/executes a robust enterprise-wide PR strategy to maximize organizational awareness, engagement and thought leadership in the OT space and beyond; cultivates close relationships with select journalists across mainstream and trade outlets to help generate earned media opportunities for AOTA staff and volunteer leadership; trains, counsels and staffs AOTA volunteer/staff leadership and media experts as needed; serves as the organization's primary public information/media contact.Communications Analytics & Measurement: Identifies and tracks omnichannel KPIs to inform/optimize communications planning and execution across the enterprise to drive maximum awareness and engagement.People Management: Directs, counsels and inspires Communications team members; fosters a strong team culture to help drive high morale, engagement and efficacy; coaches and mentors staff to help facilitate their professional development and individual growth; serves as the team's primary advocate and champion across the organization.Project ManagementLeads cross-functional teams with ultimate accountability for projects being delivered on time, within budget and with a high level of quality; provides a seamless internal client experience from project inception through post-launch.Vendor Management: Manages agency partners and consultants as necessary; ensures vendor deliverables are executed on time, within budget and with a high level of quality.Models AOTA cultural values and employs them in all interactions with peers, managers, volunteers, members and other interested parties.Embraces diversity and works proactively with peers, managers and senior leadership to foster an equitable and inclusive workplace.Performs other duties as assigned.REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in communications or a related field (e.g., public/media relations, journalism, digital marketing); master's degree from an accredited institution is preferred.8+ years of related work experience in communications or a related field (e.g., public/media relations, journalism, digital marketing); association or non-profit experience strongly preferred; healthcare association experience a plus.5+ years of direct people management experience, with a demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and elevate team members, fostering their professional growth and success.Superb written/verbal communications skills, with demonstrated expertise crafting effective, resonant messages across multiple platforms and audiences to inspire target audiences to ACT; fluency in digital content and experience developing and managing editorial/content calendars strongly desired.Expertise developing and leading multi-sector PR/media relations initiatives, with experience cultivating relationships with journalists; proven track record of driving earned media.Expert-level skills and experience developing, launching and measuring effective social media campaigns (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube).Strong working knowledge of content management systems (CMS) - Sitecore and GatherContent strongly preferred; open-source CMS experience strongly preferred (e.g., WordPress or equivalent).Strong familiarity with marketing analytics platforms; Google Analytics and/or HubSpot backend analytics experience strongly preferred; Meltwater Engage experience a plus.Familiarity with podcast and video production processes and software; Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (PremierPro and/or AfterEffects) experience a plus.People management experience, with demonstrated aptitude managing a diverse team spanning multiple communications specialties, and a strong interest in mentoring and coaching.Exceptional relationship management skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate successfully across all functional areas; a strong client-centric focus, with a high degree of personal accountability, professional maturity and a positive attitude.Superior problem-solving skills, and an ability to exercise sound judgment and innovative thinking necessary to accomplish very broadly defined and/or technically complex projects.Superb project management skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, creative environment; proven track record of consistently leading projects that are delivered on time, within budget and with a high level of quality; Project Management Institute's PMP or CAPM credential desired, but not required.A strong balance of creative and strategic thinking coupled with unparalleled detail orientationThe ability to thrive in resource constrained environments and a desire to work autonomously with a minimal amount of supervision; ability to excel in an entrepreneurial, self-starting and fast paced environment.Why Join AOTA?AOTA offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of occupational therapy. You will be part of a passionate team dedicated to empowering our members and enhancing the profession through innovative marketing and communication strategies. If you are a forward-thinking marketing professional with a passion for driving change and delivering exceptional member experiences, we invite you to join us in this exciting role.

Created: 2025-01-14