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.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, association, advocacy, membership, or mission-driven organization preferred.
• 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.

Preferred

• 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.

Benefits

• Salary negotiable from $135k based on relevant experience. ALA offers an excellent benefits package that includes flexible work schedules, medical and dental coverage, generous paid vacation, retirement annuity, and a 35-hour work week. Employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).