Director, Media Engagement (Consumer Media & Programs)
About The Position
The Director, Media Engagement (Consumer Media & Programs) is a senior communications leader responsible for leading the Alzheimer’s Association’s national earned media strategy. The role advances awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, elevates the organization’s reputation, and supports enterprise priorities, campaigns, programs, and initiatives. It oversees strategic media engagement across consumer, health, lifestyle, and trade media, helping maintain the Association’s voice in national conversations about research advancements, brain health, risk reduction, and caregiving. Working closely with the VP, Global Communications, the Director provides strategic communications counsel to executive leadership and internal stakeholders; leads proactive and reactive media relations; oversees media preparedness and issues management; and drives integrated communications strategies that support measurable organizational goals. The Director collaborates across communications, marketing, medical-scientific, care and support, development, and other teams to expand awareness, generate impactful earned media coverage, and advance the Association’s mission. The role may be based at the Association’s Home Office in Chicago or performed remotely within the United States in a flexible hybrid/remote work environment. Remote employees maintain regular collaboration with colleagues, participate in virtual and in-person meetings, and travel periodically for key events, planning sessions, media opportunities, and organizational meetings. Travel may be up to 10–15%. The position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week, and reports to the VP, Global Communications.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public relations, communications, journalism, or related fields.
- Exceptional communications, writing, and message development skills.
- Proven success leading integrated media relations strategies and high-profile communications initiatives.
- Strong executive presence and ability to provide strategic counsel to senior leaders.
- Expertise in media relations, reputation management, issues response, and stakeholder engagement.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including team development, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills.
- Experience using metrics, analytics, and insights to evaluate performance and inform communications strategy.
- Experience managing agency partnerships, budgets, and external vendors.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Proficiency with communications technologies, media monitoring platforms, and AI tools that enhance communications effectiveness.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
- Ability to travel up to 10–15%.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Association’s national earned media strategy to advance organizational priorities, awareness campaigns, and mission objectives.
- Provide strategic communications counsel to executive leadership on media opportunities, messaging, reputation management, and issues response.
- Oversee earned media planning and execution for major national initiatives, including the annual Facts and Figures Report, campaigns, and announcements.
- Lead proactive and reactive media relations and cultivate relationships with key national, consumer, trade, health, and multicultural media.
- Direct spokesperson preparation, message development, and media training for executives and subject matter experts.
- Strengthen media engagement across the Association through team leadership, chapter support, communications best practices, and innovative technologies.
- Monitor media trends, emerging issues, and reputational risks, and lead response strategies as appropriate.
- Manage agency partnerships, budgets, performance measurement, and media analytics.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Generous paid time off
- 12 annual holidays
- Paid Family Leave
- Annual Cultural & Heritage Day of the employee’s choosing
- Volunteer Day of the employee’s choosing
- 401(k) retirement plan
- For full-time employees, an annual School Visitation Day and an Elder Care Facility Day of the employee’s choosing
- Bonus eligibility based on individual and organizational performance, up to 6%
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
