Communications Director

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.