Communications Director - Regional Airline Association

The Regional Airline Association (RAA) seeks an experienced and motivated Communications Director to develop and implement a comprehensive policy and external communications strategy for the organization. The Communications Director will be a vital member of the RAA executive team, advancing our mission through strategic communications. The position reports to the CEO with secondary reporting to the Vice President, External Affairs & Policy. 

Responsibilities:  

The Communication Director will oversee the Association's dynamic communication efforts, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities. These include devising and implementing effective strategies, crafting persuasive content for influential stakeholders, driving advocacy through compelling writing, shaping captivating social media and website content, creating informative materials, managing media relations, fostering membership engagement, develop informative events, and providing exceptional guidance to the communications committee. This pivotal role is a vital part of our organization's impact and success and will:

• Create, implement, evaluate, and maintain an innovative strategic communications plan for the Association
• Produce compelling speeches, letters, presentations, and other communications for RAA CEO and senior leadership
• Design and execute communications campaigns that combine grassroots and coalition elements to support traditional advocacy efforts and elevate RAA's reputation among policymakers and influencers
• Compose and revise statements, op-eds, talking points, issue briefs, infographics, Congressional testimony, white papers, newsletters, fundraising emails, social media posts, video and event scripts, online advertising, presentation materials, and promotional collateral
• Ensure timely and positive messaging across various platforms, including traditional and new media such as social media, e-newsletters, and the website
• Devise strategies to expand the reach of RAA's data updates, issue briefings, and publications
• Create plans to promote fundraising and programmatic events such as the RAA Scholarship Foundation and the RAA Leaders Conference
• Develop and manage RAA publications, including writing and updating content for the website, as well as overseeing freelancers and contractors for events and publications
• Oversee the production of the RAA Annual Report, maintain and update RAA's member-submitted photo library, and supervise consultants
• Monitor and anticipate industry news, reacting quickly and strategically to frame complex issues accurately and positively   
• Manage public relations by establishing and maintaining press relationships, generating earned media, addressing interview requests, and maintaining a media list; foster relationships with Hill press offices and industry counterparts
• Create effective communication tools to provide Association members, associate members, and prospective members with insights into RAA initiatives that support our members and the industry
• Support the RAA public relations committee  

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of communications experience, including at least two years on Capitol Hill or at a government agency
• Proven track record in developing communications and outreach strategies in a policy environment
• Exceptional written communication skills, including experience in speechwriting, stakeholder communications, and grassroots advocacy
• Ability to write compellingly in different voices and styles, adapting to the principles' preferences
• Skilled in collaborating with senior leaders to establish and accomplish advocacy communications goals
• Experience in crafting persuasive messages aimed at influencing decision-makers and effectively communicating policy impacts
• Experience with a diverse range of advocacy tools and techniques, including both traditional methods and innovative approaches, such as grassroots initiatives, digital advocacy, and leveraging social media platforms.
• Adept at multitasking and meeting deadlines while managing competing priorities
• Strong interest or experience in aviation issues, with the ability to quickly acquire knowledge in the field
• Bachelor's degree in communications, political science, or related studies, or equivalent work experience
• RAA follows an office-first hybrid work model; team members may work remotely with approval and are expected to be on-site frequently. The position is located in Washington, DC and the Communications Director will be expected to reside in or relocate to the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Critical Attributes of the Ideal Candidate: 

• Enthusiastically collaborates with team members, driven by the organization's mission rather than individual recognition
• Embraces speechwriting as an essential and valuable creative partnership
• Exceedingly meticulous writer and editor – capable of delivering high-quality work quickly, while accurately capturing the voice of principals
• Possesses strong persuasion skills; adept at respectfully challenging prevailing perceptions, highlighting industry positives, and promoting positive coverage of issues
• Outstanding researcher with exceptional listening skills, able to quickly and comprehensively grasp subject matter, while paying keen attention to detail and maintaining accuracy
• Well-versed in the latest social media trends and technology, using them adeptly
• Maintains a professional, principled, organized, and respectful approach, showing responsiveness and taking strong initiative

Benefits

As a member of the RAA team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to and enjoy a supportive work environment, and make a difference in an organization where your role is mission-critical and valued. RAA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

Salary range: USD $115,000 - $140,000 annually with discretionary bonus opportunity. Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skillset, experience, qualifications and other job-related factors.  

Benefits: RAA is highly focused on employee quality of life and offers a choice of employer-sponsored medical, dental and vision plans; and provides employees with life & AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurances at no cost. RAA offers a 401K plan with employer match and a discretionary profit sharing program. RAA offers 12 weeks paid parental leave to qualified employees and Paid Time Off begins at 22 days per calendar year and increases with longevity. RAA additionally offers 14 paid holidays and paid leave for community service and voting.