Senior Director, Public Affairs

Overview 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. Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Campaign Leadership: 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. Content, Social, and Multimedia Integration: 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. Leadership & Team Management: 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. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. 9+ years of progressive experience in public affairs, strategic communications, advocacy, or reputation management, including press engagement and people management at the senior level; experience at a PR firm developing multi-channel campaigns valuable. 5+ years of experience managing people. Demonstrated success leading high-visibility communications campaigns and managing complex issues. Deep experience in narrative development, messaging strategy, and advocacy/issue campaigns. Strong initiative, leadership presence, judgment, and ability to operate effectively in high stakes, fast moving environments autonomously. Proven ability to cultivate and manage strategic reporter relationships, leveraging earned media to proactively shape and influence public narratives. Demonstrated leadership experience, with a track record of successfully driving organizational change. Experience managing and mentoring individuals and teams. Intuitively able to identify and solution ways to improve team and department health/engagement. Comfortable managing and working with colleagues in a variety of geographic locations. Must be data-driven. Must be an outcome-driven leader. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. Flexibility to handle multiple priorities. If you are highly motivated and are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to apply today! America’s Credit Unions is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates the unique perspectives of its employees, while cultivating a culture that generates curiosity and understanding of each other and promotes an equitable outcome for everyone. We strive to create an environment where we celebrate our differences by treating each other with respect, listening to different perspectives and creating a workplace where your authentic self belongs and thrives while supporting our communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr America’s Credit Unions