Director, AONL Advocacy and External Communications

## The American Hospital Association (AHA)

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is a national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks, and their patients and communities. The AHA has two main offices, located in Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The AHA offers a flexible hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two days working remotely.

Responsible for directing the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) advocacy communications plans and external engagement efforts to advance policy priorities impacting nurse leaders and the nursing workforce. Develop and deliver strategic messaging to policymakers, media, members, and stakeholders, while monitoring legislative and media landscapes. Serve as key communications liaison across AONL, the American Hospital Association (AHA), and national coalitions, including the Tri-Council for Nursing, to ensure alignment and maximize advocacy impact.

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## Essential Functions

### Leadership
Develop and implement communications plans to spotlight the work led by nurse leaders, AONL’s advocacy efforts, and policy strategies to elevate the AONL voice and increase the value of AONL membership.

### Policy Oversight
Develop and articulate AONL’s position on policy issues affecting the nursing workforce, education, and practice, leveraging professional expertise to influence policy development.

### Member Communications
Direct various communications efforts and provide communications counsel and editorial assistance on numerous projects. Work with the advocacy team to edit and review comment letters, regulatory advisories, and other special member communications.
Develop communication strategies to support various initiatives from AONL-related groups.

### Legislative Analysis
Monitor relevant legislative activity, regulatory developments, and media coverage; develop reports and briefings for AONL senior leadership.

### Advocacy Campaign Development
Identify and implement targeted public policy efforts to create impactful advocacy campaigns, utilizing independent judgment to navigate complex issues in the nursing field.

### Media Strategy
Develop and execute proactive and reactive media strategies, including press releases, statements, op-eds, and media outreach in coordination with AHA communications.

### Stakeholder Engagement
Strengthen relationships with external stakeholders to support AONL strategic goals, acting as a key liaison for affiliate organizations and fostering partnerships on critical issues.

### Resource Development
Identify and create resources to support nurse leaders in navigating the current healthcare landscape, utilizing digital platforms for effective communication.

Serve as the primary backup to the Senior Director of AONL Advocacy and External Communications.
Perform other duties as assigned.

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## Minimum Qualifications: Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, or Health Care — Required

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## Minimum Qualifications: Work Experience
– 7+ years of advocacy and external communications professional work experience — Required
– Experience working in issue advocacy, grassroots mobilization, or campaigns — Required
– Demonstrated expertise in creating, executing, and evaluating public policy initiatives, advocacy, crisis management, stakeholder management, and coalition building — Required

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## Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
– Extensive experience in writing and editing a variety of materials, with the ability to break down complex issues into easy-to-understand language — Required
– Experience managing and delivering high-quality communication materials — Required
– Advanced knowledge of media relations/external communications best practices and strategies — Required
– Intermediate computer and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) skills — Required
– Knowledge of advocacy and communication platforms — Required
– Advanced knowledge of social media and the Web — Preferred
– Ability to work with a diverse group of people at all levels of the organization and board, as well as external stakeholders — Preferred
– Ability to work both independently and as a team player — Required
– Proven ability to work in a fast-moving environment and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines — Required
– Ability to plan and manage complex problems — Required
– Ability to grasp complex issues and create understandable and relevant materials for AONL members and the nursing field — Required
– Ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues across AHA and AONL departments, AONL leadership, outside stakeholders, and vendors — Required
– Ability to work under tight deadlines — Required
– Proven ability to think creatively to solve problems — Required

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## Salary Information

Commensurate with related experience. The AHA is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and location.

**Salary Range – Minimum:** 126000
**Salary Range – Midpoint:** 158000
**Salary Range – Maximum:** 190000

We offer an excellent total compensation package, which includes medical/dental coverage (PPO/HMO), vision care, life insurance, short- and long-term disability plans, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, PTO/holidays/health days, wellness programs, and more.

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## Equal Opportunity Statement

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

We will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call (312) 422-3000 and ask for the Vice President, Human Resources, and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

The AHA participates in the E-Verify Program.
#LI-Hybrid

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