Manager, Communications

American Association of Neurosurgeons Inc•Washington, DC

6h•$105,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Communications serves as the strategic communications lead for the AANS/CNS Washington Committee. This individual is responsible for designing, executing, and continuously refining a comprehensive communications strategy that advances organized neurosurgery’s federal health policy and advocacy priorities. This role functions as both a communications strategist and media architect — shaping messaging, building relationships with national and health policy press, overseeing digital engagement, and ensuring disciplined, high-impact positioning across all platforms.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in communications, public affairs, or health policy advocacy.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies in a policy-driven environment.
Superior writing and editing skills, with disciplined attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, quality control, and personal ownership of deliverables.
Highly self-directed and organized, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, anticipate emerging needs, and proactively advance initiatives in a fast-paced policy environment.
Understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with professional associations or health care organizations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute communications strategies supporting federal legislative and regulatory priorities.
Create and oversee content across digital platforms, including websites, social media, and email communications.
Draft and disseminate press releases, statements, and advocacy materials in response to legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, utilizing media distribution platforms and digital tools to maximize external reach and visibility.
Develop and manage member communications on a structured timeline, including policy updates, advocacy alerts, and organizational messaging aligned with Washington Office priorities.
Translate testimony, comment letters, scientific publications, and policy developments into media-ready and member-facing materials.
Ensure consistency of messaging, branding, and coordination across all neurosurgery communications.
Build and sustain relationships with national, trade, and science media covering health policy and health care; maintain and update detailed media tracking lists by beat and issue area; monitor coverage patterns; and execute targeted outreach to support press releases, policy announcements, and advocacy campaigns.
Continuously track federal agency announcements, executive actions, congressional developments, media coverage, and policy trends across traditional and digital platforms; evaluate intersections with neurosurgery advocacy priorities; identify opportunities for timely engagement; and advise leadership on messaging strategy and reputational risk.
Coordinate communications with coalition partners and allied organizations to amplify advocacy priorities, including aligning messaging, cross-promoting press releases and statements, sharing and tagging partner content across digital platforms, and facilitating quote sharing and joint visibility efforts.
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Communications and Public Relations Subcommittee, leading preparation of agendas, briefing materials, and follow-up action plans, and collaborating with neurosurgeon leaders to define and execute communications strategies that amplify legislative and regulatory priorities and strengthen the organization’s brand presence in Washington and digital media.
Prepare comprehensive briefing materials, activity reports, and presentation content for senior physician leadership and governance meetings summarizing legislative, regulatory, and communications initiatives and progress.
Work in close collaboration with the Vice President, Health Policy and Advocacy, to evaluate communications initiatives, present strategic options, and refine execution plans consistent with organizational direction.
Other duties, as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield plan options are available.
Select plans are fully employer-covered.
Paid Time Off
20-28 days of paid time off (PTO) annually based on tenure
12 days paid holidays annually
2 floating holidays
Birthdays off
Summer hours June 1 through August 31 each year
Half-day Fridays offered during designated summer months
Remote work the entire week of Thanksgiving and the week between December 24 and January 1
Retirement & Financial Benefits
403(b) Retirement Plan up to 10% of employee base salary
100% employee contribution, subject to federal contribution limits
Money Purchase Pension Plan
Employer contributes 10% of base salary after the employee meets the eligibility requirement of one year of service
Fully employer-funded
Professional Development & Education
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Professional Development Reimbursement
Well-Being & Support
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Financial Education Programs and Advisory
Gym Membership Reimbursement