Director of Public Affairs and Communications

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE ANESTHETISTS•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Public Affairs & Communications is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the organization’s reputation, voice, and strategic positioning. This role drives public affairs strategy, supports enterprise-wide communications, and serves as a key partner to the Senior Director, acting as a lead strategist on messaging, narrative development, and integrated communications strategy. The Director ensures alignment across internal and external communications, drives proactive storytelling, and strengthens relationships with stakeholders, media, and policymakers. Being part of the PR team at AANA is exciting because no two days look the same. The work spans a wide range of opportunities—from shaping national messaging and supporting advocacy efforts to managing media relations, crafting executive communications, and elevating the voice of nurse anesthesiology across platforms. That variety keeps the role dynamic and constantly engaging. You’re often responding in real time to industry developments, policy changes, current events and member needs. There’s a sense of momentum and purpose in knowing your work directly impacts how the profession is seen and understood. We’re intentionally building a PR team that is both creative and solutions-focused—people who don’t just identify challenges, but bring fresh ideas and practical approaches to solving them. That mindset fuels innovation in how we show up, tell stories, engage audiences, and deliver results. Interested in joining a team that challenges each other, moves quickly, and genuinely cares about doing meaningful work while treating our people well? We’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

8+ years' experience in the Communications or Public Relations industry.
Minimum of 3 years' experience as a people manager executing strategic communication or public affairs or advocacy campaigns, and programs/strategies.
Strong public affairs, advocacy communications or media relations background.
Crisis communication or issues management experience.
Demonstrated experience developing budgets and executing strategic communications plans.
Successful track record in assessing complex, competitive issues and situations in developing related initiatives in partnership with other cross-team stakeholders to drive business results.
Proven ability to advise senior leadership and manage complex, high-visibility initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools for audience segmentation, message testing and coalition engagement.
Prior success in developing narratives, stories, persuasive content and communicating effectively (and differently) depending on the medium.
Strong experience understanding how media, policy and public intersect: identifying opportunities, designing solutions and aligning action to drive performance.
Proactive, initiative driven individual with consistent follow through.
Superior time management skills, with the capability of working with and meeting deadlines.
Ability to think critically, understand complex concepts, synthesize information, and create clarity to support sound decision-making.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing conditions as situations arise.
Service-oriented and collaborative spirit.
Strong presentation creation and delivery skills with the ability to inspire and influence others.
Excellent oral and written communications including writing, editing, and storytelling skills
Effective participation in working groups and internal functions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Nice To Haves

Public Relations agency or management of an agency a plus.
Experience working across large or matrixed organizations preferred.
Master’s degree is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Partner closely with the Senior Director to shape and execute the organization’s overarching communications and messaging strategy.
Serve as a trusted advisor on narrative development, positioning, and reputation management.
Translate organizational priorities into clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
Ensure consistency of voice and alignment across all communication channels and departments.
Lead public affairs strategy, including media relations, stakeholder engagement, and policy communications, serving as a key partner and advisor to the DC team.
Increases visibility of advocacy key messages for all relevant stakeholders by identifying innovative communication methods, building spokesperson readiness, consistently evaluating existing communications strategies, audience segments and measuring effectiveness of various communications efforts.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with key policy media, industry influencers, and external partners.
Create and oversee development of statements, op-eds, briefing materials, and rapid-response communications.
Monitor external environments and advise colleagues and leadership on emerging issues, risks, and opportunities.
Provide strategic communications counsel to departments across the organization.
Ensure integrated communications planning across initiatives, campaigns, and business units.
Create reports and support executive communications, including speeches, presentations, and leadership messaging.
Collaborate cross-functionally to elevate organizational priorities and ensure message cohesion.
Manage and mentor communications direct reports and/or cross-functional project teams.
Oversee workflows, editorial planning, and content development processes.
Ensure high-quality, timely execution of communications deliverables.
Contribute to budget planning and resource allocation
Build rapport, motivate team members and foster collaboration internally and externally.
Support crisis communications planning and execution.
Serve as a key member of the rapid-response team, helping guide messaging during sensitive or high-risk situations
Develop frameworks and protocols for issue management and escalation.