Director of Communications

Tallahassee, Florida | Full-Time | In-Office/Field Based Reports to: President About FADA The Florida Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) is a statewide trade association representing Florida’s franchised automobile dealers. FADA serves as the voice of its members, providing advocacy, information, education, and resources to support the automotive retail industry throughout Florida. About the Position FADA is looking for experienced and creative Director of Communications to lead the Association’s communications strategy and serve as a key voice of the organization. The Director of Communications will develop and execute communications that inform, engage, and connect our members, industry partners, stakeholders, and the public. This position works closely with the President, staff, volunteer leadership, and Board of Directors to ensure the Association’s messaging is clear, consistent, professional, and aligned with its mission and strategic priorities. This is an opportunity for a communications professional who enjoys working in a collaborative environment, can move comfortably between strategic planning and hands‑on execution, and understands how effective communications can strengthen an association and the industry it represents. What You’ll Do Communications Strategy Develop and implement an organization‑wide communications strategy that supports the Association’s mission, priorities, and member engagement goals. Serve as the primary communications resource for the Association and provide guidance to leadership and staff on messaging, positioning, and communications opportunities. Maintain consistent branding, voice, tone, and messaging across all Association communications. Identify opportunities to increase the Association’s visibility and strengthen its presence within the industry and throughout the state. Member Communications Develop timely, engaging communications for members, including newsletters, email communications, announcements, updates, and other member‑facing materials. Translate complex industry, legislative, regulatory, or organizational information into clear and accessible communications. Support member engagement by developing content that demonstrates the value of Association membership. Work with staff to promote programs, services, events, educational opportunities, and other member benefits. Digital & Social Media Oversee the Association’s website content and ensure information remains current, accurate, relevant, and engaging. Develop and manage a social media strategy and editorial calendar. Create and coordinate written, visual, and multimedia content for digital platforms. Monitor engagement and use available analytics to evaluate communications effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement. Media & Public Relations Develop relationships with relevant media outlets and serve as a point of contact for media inquiries when appropriate. Draft press releases, statements, talking points, media advisories, and other public‑facing communications. Assist leadership in preparing for interviews, public appearances, presentations, and other external communications. Monitor industry and media coverage relevant to the Association and its members. Leadership & Organizational Support Work closely with the President and senior staff on organizational messaging and communications initiatives. Support the Board of Directors and volunteer leadership with presentations, communications materials, reports, and other content as needed. Assist with communications surrounding legislative, regulatory, industry, and public policy issues. Provide communications support for Association conferences, meetings, special events, awards programs, and other initiatives. Maintain an organized communications calendar and ensure projects and deadlines are managed effectively. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a related field preferred. 5+ years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing communications, association communications, or a related field. Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Strong understanding of digital communications and social media platforms. Experience developing communications strategies and managing multiple projects and deadlines. Ability to take complex information and turn it into clear, compelling content for different audiences. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with executives, volunteer leaders, members, media, and external partners. Excellent judgment, discretion, organization, and attention to detail. Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a small team. Experience working in a trade association, professional association, nonprofit, legislative, governmental, or other member‑based organization is a plus. The Ideal Candidate The successful candidate will be a strong writer, strategic thinker, and relationship builder who understands that association communications are about more than simply producing content. You are someone who can sit down with an executive and turn a conversation into a polished statement, take a complicated industry issue and explain it in a way members can understand, develop an engaging newsletter, coordinate communications around a major event, and recognize an opportunity to tell the Association’s story before someone else does. You are comfortable wearing both the strategic and hands‑on hats. You can develop the plan—and then write the email, update the website, draft the press release, create the social post, and make sure everything goes out on time. #J-18808-Ljbffr