Responsibilities - Develop and lead ALA's communications strategy to advance the Association's mission, strategic priorities, and public impact. - Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communications, messaging, media relations, and reputation management. - Lead crisis communications planning and response efforts. - Oversee ALA's brand, marketing, public awareness campaigns, and digital communications to ensure consistent and effective messaging. - Promote the value of libraries and librarianship through strategic communications initiatives and partnerships. - Serve as a primary spokesperson and media strategist for the Association. - Build and maintain relationships with media, partners, and stakeholders to enhance ALA's visibility and influence. - Lead and develop a high-performing communications team while managing departmental operations, budgets, and strategic initiatives. - Collaborate across ALA divisions, offices, and member groups to support organizational goals and strengthen internal and external communications. Requirements - Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, or a related field required - Master's degree preferred - Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible communications leadership experience - Minimum of 5 years of staff management and supervisory experience - Demonstrated success in strategic communications, media relations, branding, marketing, and public awareness campaigns - Regular travel is required - Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary communications, media relations, marketing, public relations, and digital engagement strategies - Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills - Demonstrated expertise in crisis communications and reputation management - Strong strategic planning, project management, budgeting, and leadership skills - Experience managing social media platforms, digital communications tools, and media monitoring systems - Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, volunteer leaders, staff, members, and external partners - Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice principles - Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously Preferred - Master's degree preferred - Experience working in a nonprofit, association, advocacy, membership, or mission-driven organization preferred Benefits - flexible work schedules - medical and dental coverage - generous paid vacation - retirement annuity - a 35-hour work week - Employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)