Director, Communications & Media

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the national professional association established in 1917 to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students, is seeking a Director, Communications & Media. Occupational therapy practitioners believe that everyone deserves to maximize their potential and participate in everyday living. AOTA advances occupational therapy practice, education, and research through standard setting and advocacy on behalf of its members, the profession, and the public.AOTA offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including a flexible hybrid work environment, a 401k contribution, health insurance, sick leave and paid vacation leave, a work transportation subsidy and much more.POSITION SUMMARY:The Director, Communication & Media, leads the Associations public, stakeholder, and member communications, promoting the value of AOTA and the occupational therapy profession. As a leader in the Strategic Communications & Marketing department, the Director provides communications counsel and collaborates on content editorial and strategy to develop and distribute information to key audiences. Responsible for the overall activities and efforts of the Communications & Media team, including proactively planning and developing the website, social media presence, e-newsletters, media relations, and multimedia.POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES: Develops, manages, and implements an integrated communications strategy and budget.Directs and supervises the overall activities of the AOTA Communications & Media department.Provides comprehensive assurance of content quality, accuracy, and message continuity and consistency across all digital communications vehicles.Oversees and select website sub properties. Drives the content plan and ensures content, design, and functionality optimizes online experiences, traffic, and engagement for members and non-members.Leads the media relations plan for placement of information about the Association and occupational therapy profession in mainstream and trade media outlets, using market trends and data to inform activities. Oversees media relations; trains and counsels members, staff, and partners who serve as media experts; cultivates relationships with journalists. Serves as AOTAs primary public information contact.Oversees the creation and management of AOTA content on social media platforms in alignment with AOTAs strategic and operational goals. Keeps current on new platforms and features to determine AOTAs utilization. Determines the strategic content mix and goals.Guides topic selection and focus of member e-newsletters in alignment with AOTAs strategic priorities and operational goals.Leads the creation of engaging communications through the use of a variety of tools and formats including video, audio, and digital.Oversees and manages agency partners and consultants as appropriate.Maintains appropriate metrics to measure the effectiveness of activities and regularly reports on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Uses analytics to identify opportunities and inform editorial planning (across social media, e-newsletters, podcasts, video, and more), to drive greater audience engagement.Models the AOTA culture values throughout the workplace and employs them in all interactions with peers, direct reports, managers, volunteers, members, and other stakeholders.Actively addresses components of workplace culture that impede organizational and individual effectiveness of direct reports in a manner consistent with the organization''s values.Proactively provides coaching, feedback, and guidance to direct reports, demonstrating AOTA''s commitment to investing in their human capital.Embraces diversity and works proactively with peers, direct reports, and senior leadership to foster an equitable and inclusive workplace.Other duties as assigned. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:Bachelor''s degree from an accredited institution in a related field.Master''s degree from an accredited institution in a related field is preferred.Professional certification and/or American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Certified Association Executive (CAE) credentials are a plus.Six to ten years of related work experience in public relations, communications, media relations, journalism, related field and/or Association Management.A different combination of formal education and experience will be considered.Excellent project management skills: developing projects, devising timelines and budgets, working with partner organizations to implement projects, and an understanding of facilitating a proactive media approach.Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.Ability to collaborate effectively by building relationships across all departments and levels.Must demonstrate good judgment and mature business skills, a high level of organizational and time management skills, and flexibility in competently juggling competing priorities and changing expectations.Skilled in critical thinking, analysis, and determining project direction.Excellent written and oral communication skills.Proficiency in website content management systems (CMS), including Sitecore, WebFlow, and GatherContent. Proficiency in Google Analytics, GatherContent, Meltwater, and HARO. Working knowledge of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and associated applications used for each. Working knowledge of podcast and video production processes and software.The position exercises significant influence upon the actions or operations of others and has a significant impact on the activities of AOTA.Requires significant problem solving, judgment and/or innovative thinking to accomplish very broadly defined and/or technically complex responsibilities of the position. The work may involve the development of recommendations for the division/department goals and projects. Receives broad work direction and objectives. Broad latitude is given to determine approaches, procedures, and methodologies for accomplishing the work of self and others. Receives administrative review.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Occasionally required to sit.Occasionally required to walk.Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.Occasionally required to talk or hear.Occasionally required to bend, lift or climb stairs.Occasionally required to lift light weights (less than 25 pounds).WORK ENVIRONMENT:The noise level in the office work environment usually is moderate.Full-time, Flexible Hybrid, Exempt PositionSalary: Commensurate with experienceSELECTION PROCESS: We only accept applications that follow the electronic process. No phone calls please. This position is subject to background screening. Please E-mail resume and cover letter with salary expectations to [Click Here to Email Your Resumé].At AOTA, our commitment to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action seeks to ensure a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. AOTA is committed to attaining a diverse workforce that is representative of the community. Individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+, women and minorities are encouraged to apply.PandoLogic. Communications Director, Location: Rockville, MD - 20852RequiredPreferredJob IndustriesCustomer Service

Created: 2025-11-15