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ASPCA · 1 month ago

Senior Director of Policy Communications & Engagement Strategy

Washington, DC

Full-time

Hybrid

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$124K/yr - $160K/yr

5+ years exp

The ASPCA is seeking a Senior Director of Policy Communications & Engagement Strategy to join our Communications team - a highly collaborative, mission-driven group that works across the organization to advance the ASPCA’s federal and state policy agenda. This role involves integrating communications strategies to support the organization's policy goals and requires strong leadership in managing cross-functional teams.

AssociationNon ProfitPetVeterinary

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, Communications, Development, and program staff on communications strategy and tactics related to policy and campaigns

Foster strong cross-functional relationships within the Communications department and within PRE to ensure effective collaboration to achieve shared goals

Maintain deep understanding of federal and state policy landscapes relevant to organizational mission and policy agenda

Monitor legislative and industry developments and help teams translate policy implications into communications strategies

Collaborate with policy & campaigns staff to anticipate communications needs around legislative cycles; brief communications teams on policy nuances to ensure accurate and effective messaging

Collaborate with Legislative Engagement and other marketing and communications functions to develop holistic advocacy campaigns that educate, motivate, and mobilize members toward higher levels of engagement and activism

Partner with Legislative Engagement and marketing to create and manage a ladder of engagement strategy, moving supporters from awareness to action through targeted messaging, education, content, and outreach

Work with teams to develop rapid response protocols for BAU/policy-related news

Support the implementation of integrated communications plans for the organization’s federal and state legislative priorities

Work with policy, development, marketing and communications teams to craft compelling messages and content that resonate with policymakers, media, partners, ASPCA donors, and the public

Collaborate closely with policy and campaigns colleagues to translate complex policy issues into clear, engaging communications

Build and maintain strong relationships with national, state, and local reporters covering policy, food and agricultural industry, housing, access to care and related beats

Pitch stories, draft press releases and statements to drive coverage that supports our policy goals, oversee op-ed development and placement, and facilitate editorial board meetings

Prepare subject matter experts for interviews, including drafting talking points and media backgrounders

Serve as a spokesperson when needed to represent the organization in media interviews

Manage incoming/reactive media inquiries via ASPCA press line as needed; serve as on-call media representative as needed

Serve as primary liaison between communications, development, advocacy, digital/social media, and marketing teams to determine best strategy & tactics as well as ensure unified messaging

Lead weekly coordination meetings with communications sub-teams and facilitate information sharing across departments and guide decision making

Work with cross-departmental team to develop integrated communications strategies that align advocacy goals with media relations and marketing objectives

Navigate competing priorities and deadlines across different teams

Leverage Marketing Communications shared content calendars and campaign timelines

Facilitate communications amongst program staff, policy team, and external communications functions

Manage competing requests from different departments while maintaining strategic focus

Create internal briefing materials to keep all teams informed of policy developments and communications priorities

Work with internal Comms Dept operations to establish clear workflows and approval processes for content that touches multiple departments

Partner with the Government Relations and other policy teams to support strategic campaigns that mobilize supporters around legislative actions with media relations programs

Where needed, develop rapid-response messaging and content for time-sensitive policy moments

Collaborate with Legislative Engagement to develop public engagement strategies to communicate and effect policy change

Work with the Social Media team to amplify policy priorities and news moments on digital channels

Develop engaging social media strategies to advance the ASPCA’s policy and campaigns goals

Stay aware of online conversations and trends related to our issues

Work with Development and Marketing Editorial on digital strategies (emails, SMS, website)

Qualification

Policy communicationsMedia relationsIntegrated marketing communicationsLegislative process knowledgeContent developmentCampaign managementLeadership skillsStrategic thinkingComputer savvySpanishPresentation skillsInterpersonal skills

Required

Experienced policy communicator with deep knowledge of the policy-making process, ideally as it relates to animal issues, and with skills to influence and move policies; deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory process and current policy landscape relevant to ASPCA's mission

Strong ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization, possessing strategic judgement, with the ability to anticipate needs and challenges, and ask appropriate questions to mitigate issues

Strong leadership and management skills with ability to lead and/or motivate teams and work effectively with stakeholders

Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex policy topics into clear, compelling content

Work experience in policy communications, ideally on the Hill and with strong network of media contacts, particularly at policy-focused media outlets within Washington, D.C

Strong understanding of how integrated marketing communications strategies and tactics—advocacy, campaigns, earned and social media--can be deployed to support nonprofit goals

Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate and work effectively on an intra- and inter-departmental level, both independently and as a team

Must have proven track record as a strong critical and strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, work ethic, creativity and a passion for animal welfare

Broad understanding of communications industry and issues, media relations, advocacy, campaigns, social media, and general research trends

Proficient in media relations, preferably with experience pitching stories, drafting press releases, preparing subject matter experts for interviews, serving as a spokesperson, and building and maintaining strong relationships with national, state, and local reporters

Proficient in translating complex policy issues into clear, engaging communications

Established knowledge of the agriculture or animal industries – familiarity with major national organizations, leading local groups and other influencers and innovators in the space

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressured, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple priorities; maintain a calm and decisive approach with the highest work standards and business ethics

Ability to create and give presentations to department, teams and/or senior management or large groups using Canva, PowerPoint or other tools

Must be well organized, have an ability to work rapidly and meet deadlines under pressure

Experience handling sensitive information with total discretion

Must be able to maintain good working relationships with colleagues, leadership and public

Must be computer and Internet/search engine savvy and have strong understanding of external communications within growing organizations

Must have knowledge of standard proofreaders' marks and AP Style, and ability to follow and keep abreast of animal welfare events and developments around the country

BA, BS or equivalent required; Political Science, Public Policy, English or Communications or related field

5+ years' team management experience

5+ years' experience developing measurable and integrated communications campaign

Experience interfacing and negotiating with external vendors required

Ability to work with Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Airtable and Canva

Preferred

Spanish a plus

Benefits

Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage.

Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays and paid personal time off that allows flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.

Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.

Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.

Company

ASPCA

Glassdoor3.2

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is the first animal welfare organization established in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals.

Founded in 1866

New York, New York, USA

501-1000 employees