Public Relations Director

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Chapter Executive, the Public Relations Director leads marketing communications for the Greater Indiana Chapter, delivering against Concern & Awareness goals while supporting the full mission of the organization. This position is largely responsible for maintaining concern about the disease and increasing awareness of the Alzheimer’s Association by garnering local editorial news coverage throughout the Greater Indiana Chapter territory. Media relations is approximately 60% of this position.

In addition to media relations, this position is responsible for ensuring paid and organic social strategy and execution. The Director owns collateral, digital, paid and/or donated media for the Chapter.

The Public Relations Director works closely with the leaders throughout the Chapter to develop strategic marketing communications support for our Care & Support, Research, Public Policy, Development and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives. The Public Relations Director sits on the Greater Indiana leadership team.

Responsibilities

Essential functions and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with the Chapter Executive and peer leaders to develop, execute and evaluate community communications opportunities that complement the Alzheimer’s Association national strategic plan.
• Manage year-round, community-wide media relations strategy and implementation, including:
  • Leverage and/or develop full mission story ideas and key messaging that aligns with the mission and brand of the Alzheimer’s Association;
  • Cultivate close relationships with local media across media types and at diverse outlets so that they are responsive to story ideas and turn to the Association when they have dementia-related needs;
  • Ensure staff and volunteer spokespeople are prepared, equipped and empowered to represent the Association with a clear mission narrative when appropriate;
  • Pro-actively insert the Alzheimer’s Association into relevant trends and creating new opportunities;
  • Collaborate with the Home Office to manage issues communications;
• Oversee and manage social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) as appropriate, including:
  • Leveraging editorial calendar to plan full mission content;
  • Identifying paid social opportunities that complement traditional paid and/or donated efforts;
  • Analyzing insights to evaluate engagement and optimize posts.
• Promote strategic initiatives across marketing communications channels, including:
  • Maintain digital platforms to maximize brand awareness and ensure a positive user experience;
  • Write and edit content for weekly e-newsletter;
  • Negotiate media buys and/or donations with local media outlets, including resizing of existing creative on provided design platforms;
  • Leverage and/or develop print and digital collateral as necessary to reach target audiences.
• Assure compliance with all Alzheimer’s Association branding policies, procedures, standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in communications and public relations.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with social media and marketing communications.
• Experience working with local media outlets and securing editorial coverage in this market.
• Experience negotiating media buys and securing donated media.
• Experience with healthcare communications is ideal.
• Strong awareness of social media trends.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of the importance of consistent branding and messaging within a mission-based organization.
• Superior written and verbal skills.
• Creative thinking to ensure fresh approaches to annual and evergreen opportunities.
• Solution-oriented with strong decision-making skills, demonstrating effective cost/benefit analysis.
• Ability to motivate and encourage others to maximize potential and achieve challenging organization goals.
• Management skills, including the ability to set milestones against goals, organize projects, establish and manage budgets, develop work processes and supervise professionals.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability and willingness to participate in minimal travel, as necessary.

Title: Public Relations Director – Greater Indiana Chapter

Position Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Full-Time Exempt, based on 37.5 hours per week minimum

Position Grade: 208

Reports To: Executive Director