The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the national nonprofit association established in 1863 that represents more than 100,000 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services, is seeking an Assistant Director, Strategic Communications to join our Marketing and Communications team, located at our Headquarters office in Schaumburg, Illinois – a northwest suburb of Chicago. The AVMA’s mission is to lead the profession by advocating for its members and advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, this newly created position will develop and manage communications campaigns that inform, educate, and influence key stakeholders, leading and creating content tailored for target audiences including AVMA members, policy influencers, professional key opinion leaders, the media and the general public. They will assess key opinion communications needs and develop and drive AVMA’s professional key opinion leader (KOL) communications strategy, and will serve as both a communications strategist and writer who will help correct the record and disseminate accurate information in key areas.

We’re looking for someone who has significant experience developing communications strategies around complex policy issues within a medical or scientific field. The ideal candidate has excellent writing skills, and is experienced working with public relations, public affairs, government relations, and media relations functions. Must also exercise good judgment and have experience developing clearly understandable content on complex issues and working cross-functionally to align efforts and messaging among internal stakeholders.

The AVMA provides excellent employee benefits, including generous health insurance, retirement plans, paid time-off (e.g., vacation, sick, paid parental leave), and a supportive work/life balance.

Deadline for application is 9/5/2023. Submit cover letter, resume, writing samples, and salary requirements to apply@avma.org.

About the AVMA:

Located in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an office in Washington, D.C., the AVMA is structured to work for its members, and acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession. The AVMA provides many benefits to its members, including information resources, state and federal advocacy, opportunities to address issues affecting policies that govern the profession and practice of veterinary medicine, continuing education opportunities, quality publications, and discounts on personal and professional products, programs and services. The work of the AVMA is carried out by a dedicated staff of over 170. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors and has a $50M+ annual operating budget. Visit www.avma.org/AVMAcareers!

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To be successful in this role, you must be supportive of AVMA’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, highly collaborative, and passionate about AVMA’s mission. Additional qualifications include:

• BS/BA in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or a related discipline, MS degree in Communications or a related field preferred.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications or related fields; or an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the duties of the position, experience with professional or trade associations a plus.
• Experience writing effective, digestible content that informs, educates and influences.
• Success with translating complex scientific, technical, and/or medical concepts and information into compelling communications for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others and build trust with internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects successfully under tight deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of social, digital, and traditional media platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

About American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Located in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an office in Washington, D.C., the AVMA is structured to work for its members and acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the veterinary profession. The AVMA provides many benefits to its members, including information resources; state and federal advocacy; opportunities to address issues affecting policies that govern the profession and practice of veterinary medicine; continuing education opportunities; quality publications; and discounts on personal and professional products, programs and services. The work of the AVMA is carried out by a dedicated staff of over 170. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors and has a $50M+ annual operating budget. Throughout the organization, we take pride in knowing that we make a difference. The AVMA provides excellent employee benefits, including generous health insurance, retirement and paid time-off plans. We enjoy a supportive, friendly and comfortable work environment where work/life balance is evident at every level. We work hard, grow and have fun! For more information, please visit www.avma.org.

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