Strategic Communications Lead

Job Description

Job Description

THIS IS A HYBRID POSITION REQUIRING 2 DAYS PER WEEK (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY) EACH WEEK IN-PERSON AT OUR OFFICE LOCATED IN THE STREETERVILLE/MAG MILE AREA OF DOWNTOWN CHICAGO, IL.

JOB SUMMARY

The Strategic Communications Lead is a key member of the American Osteopathic Association's Corporate Communications Center of Excellence, responsible for the day-to-day execution of executive communications, thought leadership, stakeholder and affiliate communications, and issues and crisis communications.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Communications and Reputation, this role translates communications strategy into impactful content and programs that strengthen reputation, build stakeholder trust, and elevate the visibility of osteopathic medicine and AOA leadership.

As the primary resource for executive messaging and writing, thought leadership, stakeholder communications, and issues management support, this position develops compelling content, coordinates communications initiatives, and helps ensure effective communication during emerging issues and crisis situations.

The role requires strong corporate communications expertise, exceptional writing and storytelling skills, and a modern approach to audience engagement, channel integration, and reputation management. Beyond its core focus areas, the position supports broader corporate communications priorities, including media relations, executive visibility, and reputation-building initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Executive Communications and Thought Leadership

• Manage and execute a comprehensive executive communications strategy that advances AOA priorities and strengthens leadership visibility among physicians, healthcare stakeholders, policymakers, affiliates, and industry audiences.

• Serve as the lead writer and editor for executive communications, including speeches, remarks, presentations, op-eds, articles, correspondence, briefing materials, talking points, and strategic messaging.
• Partner closely with senior leadership to translate organizational priorities, complex healthcare issues, and policy positions into compelling narratives and audience-specific communications.
• Develop thought leadership content that elevates the voice, expertise, and influence of AOA leaders within healthcare, medical education, policy, and professional practice discussions.
• Support execution of the executive leadership communications roadmap, ensuring alignment across key initiatives, events, stakeholder engagements, and public-facing opportunities.

Affiliate and Stakeholder Communications

• Lead strategic communications efforts that strengthen relationships with affiliated organizations, physician leaders, healthcare partners, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.

• Develop messaging frameworks, communications plans, and content that support engagement with affiliates and advance shared organizational goals.
• Ensure alignment and consistency across stakeholder-facing communications while addressing the unique needs of diverse audiences.
• Support communications that elevate awareness of AOA priorities, policy positions, advocacy efforts, and the value of osteopathic medicine among external stakeholders.

Issues and Crisis Communications

• Maintain issues and crisis communications readiness plans, messaging frameworks, and response materials.

• Monitor emerging issues, reputational risks, healthcare trends, and policy developments; provide recommendations and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Develop holding statements, response messaging, executive guidance, FAQs, and stakeholder communications during active issues.
• Help coordinate rapid, disciplined, and cross-functional communications responses that protect organizational credibility and stakeholder trust.
• Support scenario planning, reputation risk assessment, and post-incident communications evaluation.

Corporate Communications Leadership and Execution

• Own the planning and execution of priority corporate communications initiatives that reinforce the institutional narrative and advance awareness of osteopathic medicine.
• Translate communications strategy into actionable plans, timelines, and deliverables, driving execution with limited oversight.
• Serve as a senior communications strategist, writer, and editor responsible for producing and finalizing high-visibility communications across channels and audiences.
• Ensure quality, consistency, and message alignment across communications programs and deliverables.
• Contribute to organizational reputation management by maintaining a clear and consistent voice across external communications.

Media Relations and Earned Media

• Support proactive and reactive media relations efforts, including media outreach, relationship management, pitching, and media list development.

• Draft and edit press releases, media pitches, statements, backgrounders, talking points, and Q&A documents.
• Coordinate media inquiries, clarifications, and follow-up communications in partnership with communications leadership.
• Monitor media coverage and identify opportunities to elevate AOA priorities, executive thought leadership, and the osteopathic profession.
• Assist in positioning AOA leaders and subject matter experts as credible sources for healthcare, policy, and professional practice discussions.

Cross-Channel Content Development and Collaboration

• Partner with integrated marketing, content, brand, digital, and social media teams to adapt executive, corporate, and stakeholder messaging for multiple channels and audiences.
• Ensure cohesive storytelling and audience engagement across earned, owned, shared, and digital communications channels.
• Coordinate with internal teams to align communications strategies with policy, advocacy, and organizational objectives.
• Contribute content development for digital, social, multimedia, web, and marketing channels as needed.

Communications Planning, Measurement, and Reporting

• Establish and monitor communications goals, KPIs, and performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform decision making.

• Track measures including reach, engagement, sentiment, share of voice, media outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and reputation indicators.
• Use media monitoring and analytics tools to identify trends, optimize communications strategies, and demonstrate impact.
• Prepare clear, actionable reporting and recommendations for communications leadership and senior executives.

Team Coordination and Project Management

• Coordinate workflows, priorities, approvals, and timelines across multiple communications initiatives.
• Review and strengthen the work of colleagues and external partners, modeling strong communications judgment and editorial excellence.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects using effective planning processes and project management tools.
• Maintain organized documentation and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery of communications products.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Experience

• 5 to 8 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or strategic communications
• Demonstrated experience leading communications and producing high-visibility content in complex or mission-driven organizations
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex subject matter into clear, compelling messaging for general audiences on topics such as healthcare, policy, and innovative programs

Special Skills

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives
• Strong command of media relations and reputation-focused messaging across earned, owned, and digital channels
• Sound judgment and the ability to provide counsel to colleagues and support senior stakeholders
• Working knowledge of issues and crisis communications
• Strong project management skills and fluency with Asana or similar platforms
• Ability to analyze communications data and report insights using platforms such as Sprout Social, Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar
• Working knowledge of GenAI tools and content quality controls
• Digital communications fluency across social, multimedia, and web content
• Collaborative, detail-oriented, and able to maintain confidentiality

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Physical

• Work is generally sedentary in nature but requires occasional standing, walking, and lifting or moving objects up to 25 pounds
• Requires manual dexterity to use a computer, telephone, and peripherals
• May occasionally work prolonged or irregular hours, including evenings and weekends

Mental

• Work is performed in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Requires the ability to adapt quickly to stressful situations, exercise good judgment, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and interact appropriately with internal and external stakeholders

Environment

• Standard office environment
• This is a hybrid position requiring in-office presence on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000

The AOA offers the following benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life and AD&D

Long and Short-term Disability

FSA/HSA including Commuter Benefits401(k) with match

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

American Osteopathic Association is unable to sponsor work visas at this time.