Director, AONL Advocacy and External Communications

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is a national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks, and their patients and communities. The AHA has two main offices, located in Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The AHA offers a flexible hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two days working remotely.

Responsible for directing the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) advocacy communications plans and external engagement efforts to advance policy priorities impacting nurse leaders and the nursing workforce. Develop and deliver strategic messaging to policymakers, media, members and stakeholders, while monitoring legislative and media landscapes. Serve as key communications liaison across AONL, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and national coalitions, including the Tri-Council for Nursing, to ensure alignment and maximize advocacy impact.Essential Functions

• Leadership: Develop and implement communications plans to spotlight the good work led by nurse leaders,, AONL’s advocacy efforts and policy strategies to elevate the AONL voice and increase the value of AONL membership.
• Policy Oversight: Develop and articulate AONL’s position on policy issues affecting the nursing workforce, education and practice, leveraging professional expertise to influence policy development.
• Member Communications: Direct various communications efforts and provide communications counsel and editorial assistance on numerous projects. Work with advocacy team to edit and review comment letters, regulatory advisories and other special member communications.
• Develop communication strategies to support various initiatives from AONL-related groups.
• Legislative Analysis: Monitor relevant legislative activity, regulatory developments and media coverage; develop reports and briefings for AONL senior leadership.
• Advocacy Campaign Development: Identify and implement targeted public policy efforts to create impactful advocacy campaigns, utilizing independent judgment to navigate complex issues in the nursing field.
• Media Strategy: Develop and execute proactive and reactive media strategies, including press releases, statements, op-eds and media outreach in coordination with AHA communications.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthen relationships with external stakeholders to support AONL strategic goals, acting as a key liaison for affiliate organizations and fostering partnerships on critical issues.
• Resource Development: Identify and create resources to support nurse leaders in navigating the current healthcare landscape, utilizing digital platforms for effective communication.
• Serve as the primary backup to Senior Director of AONL Advocacy and External Communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Education

• Bachelor's Degree Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, Health Care Required

Minimum Qualifications: Work Experience

• 7+ years Advocacy and external communications professional work experience Required
• Experience working in issue advocacy, grassroots mobilization or campaigns Required
• Demonstrated expertise in creating, executing and evaluating public policy initiatives, advocacy, crisis management, stakeholder management and coalition building Required

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive experience in writing and editing a variety of materials, as well as the ability to break down complex issues in easy-to-understand language - Required
• Experience managing and delivering top-notch communication materials - Required
• Advanced knowledge of media relations/external communications best practices and strategies - Required
• Intermediate computer and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) skills - Required
• Knowledge of advocacy and communication platforms - Required
• Advanced knowledge of social media and the Web - Preferred
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people, at all level of the organization and board, as well as external stakeholders - Preferred
• Ability to work both independently and as a team player - Required
• Proven ability to work in a fast-moving environment and can adapt to changing priorities and deadlines - Required
• Ability to plan and manage complex problems - Required
• Ability to grasp complex issues and create understandable and relevant materials for AONL members and the nursing field - Required
• Ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues across departments of the AHA and AONL, with AONL leadership, outside stakeholders and vendors - Required
• Ability to work under tight deadlines is necessary - Required
• Proven ability to think creatively to solve problems - Required

Salary Information:

Commensurate with related experience. The AHA is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and location.

Salary Range- Minimum:

126000

Salary Range- Midpoint:

158000

Salary Range- Maximum:

190000

We offer an excellent total compensation package, which includes medical/dental coverage (PPO/HMO), vision care, life insurance, short- and long-term disability plans, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, PTO/holidays/health days, wellness programs, and more!

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call (312) 422-3000 and ask for the Vice President, Human Resources, and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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