ASPCA

Compensation

Full Description

The ASPCA is seeking a Senior Director of Policy Communications & Engagement Strategy to join our Communications team – highly collaborative, mission-driven group that works across the organization to advance the ASPCA’s federal and state policy agenda. The Communications team does this through integrated communications, strategic engagement, and cross-functional planning. Our work spans diverse policy areas and supports multiple departments engaged in shaping animal welfare legislation and public narratives. Education and Work Experience • BA, BS or equivalent required; Political Science, Public Policy, English or Communications or related field • Proficient in translating complex policy issues into clear, engaging communications • 5+ years’ team management experience • 5+ years’ experience developing measurable and integrated communications campaign • Proficient in translating complex policy issues into clear, engaging communications • Experience interfacing and negotiating with external vendors required • Ability to work with Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Airtable and Canva Qualifications • Experienced policy communicator with deep knowledge of the policy-making process, ideally as it relates to animal issues, and with skills to influence and move policies; deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory process and current policy landscape relevant to ASPCA’s mission. • Strong ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization, possessing strategic judgement, with the ability to anticipate needs and challenges, and ask appropriate questions to mitigate issues • Strong leadership and management skills with ability to lead and/or motivate teams and work effectively with stakeholders • Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex policy topics into clear, compelling content. • Work experience in policy communications, ideally on the Hill and with strong network of media contacts, particularly at policy-focused media outlets within Washington, D.C. • Strong understanding of how integrated marketing communications strategies and tactics—advocacy, campaigns, earned and social media–can be deployed to support nonprofit goals • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate and work effectively on an intra- and inter-departmental level, both independently and as a team. • Must have proven track record as a strong critical and strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, work ethic, creativity and a passion for animal welfare • Broad understanding of communications industry and issues, media relations, advocacy, campaigns, social media, and general research trends • Proficient in media relations, preferably with experience pitching stories, drafting press releases, preparing subject matter experts for interviews, serving as a spokesperson, and building and maintaining strong relationships with national, state, and local reporters • Proficient in translating complex policy issues into clear, engaging communications • Established knowledge of the agriculture or animal industries – familiarity with major national organizations, leading local groups and other influencers and innovators in the space • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressured, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple priorities; maintain a calm and decisive approach with the highest work standards and business ethics • Ability to create and give presentations to department, teams and/or senior management or large groups using Canva, PowerPoint or other tools • Must be well organized, have an ability to work rapidly and meet deadlines under pressure • Experience handling sensitive information with total discretion • Must be computer and Internet/search engine savvy and have strong understanding of external communications within growing organizations. • Must have knowledge of standard proofreaders’ marks and AP Style, and ability to follow and keep abreast of animal welfare events and developments around the country. Where and When You’ll Work This position is based in the DC Metro area and requires at least one day a week in the DC office and some travel to New York City, various state capitols, and elsewhere. This is a hybrid position and will require occasional commuting to the Washington DC ASPCA office. Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% annually as needed. Tagged as: Communications/Social Media/ Development, Government Affairs/Legislative/Policy