Senior Director, Public Affairs

America’s Credit Unions•Washington, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

America’s Credit Unions is a leading company in the Financial Services Trade Association sector, known for our advocacy on behalf of all credit unions. We fuel our employees’ professional growth at every level, stand committed to the financial well-being of every member, and champion the credit union story at every turn. We are seeking a highly organized and experienced Senior Director, Public Affairs to protect, enhance, and advance the organization’s reputation through strategic communications campaigns, integrated content strategy, and earned and paid media relations. Reporting to the Vice President, Strategic Communications, this role serves as a senior communications leader and trusted advisor to communications leadership, shaping narrative and messaging strategy, building campaign frameworks, managing risk, and ensuring consistent, credible engagement with the media and other external audiences. This position is a Hybrid role based in Washington, DC.

Requirements

Highly organized and experienced Senior Director, Public Affairs

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of integrated public affairs and advocacy communications campaigns across earned, paid, owned, and shared media to build reputation with core audiences in support of advocacy priorities and organizational values
Ensure alignment across creative concepts, media relations, editorial content, social channels, and multimedia storytelling
Translate advocacy priorities and complex issues into compelling narratives tailored for external audiences to humanize policies
Partner with cross-functional leaders to ensure message discipline, strategic alignment, specifically on advocacy priorities, and effective execution
Monitor the external environment to identify emerging issues, risks, and opportunities that may impact reputation
Provide strategic oversight for editorial, social, earned media, and multimedia content strategies to ensure consistency of voice, tone, and narrative
Set clear expectations for how content supports reputation goals, advocacy priorities, and campaign outcomes
Ensure alignment with brand and creative services standards and work collaboratively with other Senior Directors and Directors within the division to align strategies
Ensure data-informed decision making and continuous optimization of external content performance
Oversee the use of external agencies and vendors to extend capacity and impact, ensuring alignment in messaging, advocacy priorities, and organizational goals
Provide support, guidance, coaching, and mentorship to staff by conducting regular assessments and annual performance evaluations in alignment with cadence and standards set by the organization's HR department
Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and accountability across public affairs team
Offer professional development opportunities and training programs to enhance staff expertise
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, and collaboration, strategic thinking, and high editorial standards
In alignment with the Vice President, champion an inclusive environment focused on developing, guiding, and advancing strategic initiatives to support the betterment and development of all members of the Strategic Communications department and their overall well-being