Director, Issue Communications

Join Our Award-Winning Team: Director, Issue Communications

We are excited to invite you to join our dynamic and award-winning team of communicators at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) as Director, Issue Communications. Our team represents leading companies across the cleaning product supply chain, including P&G, Clorox, BASF, Dow, and many other innovative organizations.

We are looking for someone who can help us effectively communicate the policy story of our industry to diverse audiences. By showcasing the message that “Cleaning is Caring,” we aim to highlight the importance of providing innovative, sustainable products and chemistries that contribute to our health and overall quality of life. Join us in making a positive impact in the industry!

About the Role

The Director, Issue Communications is responsible for developing and building upon outreach and content in support of the American Cleaning Institute’s (ACI) purpose:
“Serving the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet.”

This position coordinates priority issue response efforts to effectively navigate potential risks, collaborating with multiple stakeholders to reach target audiences with industry messaging that influences the conversation.

The Director must be able to communicate legislative and regulatory policy information in a way that the lay audience understands. This position serves as a spokesperson for ACI and represents the Institute in public and media settings and with outside stakeholder groups. The Director must be a clear and articulate communicator and present a professional demeanor and appearance.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree in communication, journalism, marketing, public relations, writing, or a related field.
• Minimum of eight (8) years experience in writing, communicating, and project management.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills with the ability to create and maintain dialogues and relationships with various stakeholders, including journalists.
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic communications plans, including developing and expanding communications based on key industry issues addressed by the association’s government affairs, regulatory, and sustainability departments.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to assess situations and make decisions or suggestions for improvement.
• Impeccable attention to detail and follow-through.
• Knowledge of government, policy, science, technical, business, PR agency, and/or trade association communications is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products is required.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in using media monitoring and communications tools.
• Must be collaborative, creative, enthusiastic, proactive, and flexible in shaping ACI’s advocacy and regulatory communications.
• Proven track record in building relationships with journalists and communicating complex issues effectively.

Major Responsibilities

• Create, write, edit, and update communications materials in clear, engaging language to support ACI’s legislative and regulatory activities. This includes:
  • News releases
  • White papers
  • Policy briefs
  • Op-eds
  • Blog posts
  • Factsheets
  • Testimonies
  • Speeches
  • Press kits
• Lead coordinated response efforts on key issues by gathering input from multiple stakeholders and developing/disseminating messages.
• Monitor media stories and social media mentions, correcting inaccuracies and maintaining strong relationships with industry and sustainability media outlets.
• Optimize ACI’s Crisis Communications Plan, including developing workflows and organizing crisis team meetings. Conduct scenario planning to anticipate and prepare for potential communication challenges.
• Conduct media interviews as required to articulate key association policy messages. Media training will be provided as needed.
• Develop messaging documents and infographics to enhance ACI’s communications.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to establish key metrics measuring the effectiveness of news media outreach on government affairs and regulatory issues.
• Analyze engagement metrics, feedback, and outcomes to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Assist in managing programmatic budgets and identifying support needed to execute ACI’s outreach priorities.
• Represent ACI at professional meetings, stakeholder group events, and media interviews (including print, broadcast, and online).
• Develop, enhance, and regularly update internal and external messages on key policy, advocacy, and regulatory issues.
• Maintain and update ACI’s Members-Only Website Messaging Library, talking points for interviews and news releases, social media content, and more.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary Range

💰 $80,000 – $100,000

How to Apply

Interested applicants may submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].