Director, Communications

American Beverage, the trade association representing America’s leading non-alcoholic beverage companies, is seeking a director to support the public affairs department across a range of communications functions. Primary responsibilities include developing written communications across a variety of formats, message development and execution, and working with members of the media to promote ABA messages and respond to inquiries, all in a fast-paced environment.

Professional Experience/Qualifications

• 5-8 years experience in communications or public affairs for a trade association, corporation, government, public relations/public affairs firm, or similar.
• Strong writer with experience writing and editing in multiple formats, including news releases, speeches, opinion pieces, strategic plans, letters to the editor, blogs, and short-form digital communications.
• Experience with message development and execution, with the ability to develop effective messages that underpin successful public relations and marketing campaigns and ensure consistent messaging within the organization.
• Media relations experience, including pitching and responding to news inquiries, with working relationships with reporters from outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Newsmax, Daily Caller, etc.
• Deep understanding of the evolving media landscape, including leveraging non-traditional media (podcasts, newsletters, etc.) to achieve communications goals.
• Experience managing and developing public relations and marketing campaigns to enhance industry positioning.
• Previous experience managing major projects.
• Expertise in digital communications tools, including websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, with an interest in emerging communication technologies.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and uniting them for a common purpose.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and disseminate compelling media materials, including pitches, messaging, press releases, advisories, letters to the editor, op-eds, and guest columns.
• Work with mainstream and new media, proactively educating reporters on ABA positions and handling inquiries.
• Prepare messaging and materials for ABA spokespeople for media opportunities.
• Oversee media monitoring efforts to identify actionable trends and ensure accurate representation of ABA messaging.
• Coordinate communication strategies and execution with member companies’ communications teams, acting as a liaison for daily association activities and messages.
• Serve as a communications and marketing specialist, utilizing traditional and new media.
• Support the development and execution of public relations and marketing campaigns to shape public perception of the industry.
• Provide communications counsel to other departments, staff, and state associations as needed.

Qualities

• Strong writing skills, capable of delivering messages effectively across various mediums.
• Team-oriented, with good judgment and the ability to work collaboratively across teams while ensuring the Communications Department’s priorities are met.
• Proficient in digital communications, leveraging social media and digital platforms for effective outreach.
• Ability to learn complex issues quickly, particularly in public policy, and communicate industry positions effectively.
• Decisive, making well-thought-out decisions aligned with the organization’s direction.
• Strategic thinker, anticipating opportunities and challenges while developing long-term solutions.
• Leadership and accountability, setting and executing an agenda within a team dynamic.
• Thrives under pressure, delivering high-quality work within deadlines.
• Results-oriented, driven to succeed in high-level corporate, government, and trade association environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to unite diverse stakeholders toward common goals.
• Dedicated, committed to the organization, colleagues, members, and industry success.

Salary Range

$100,000 – $125,000 per year

ABA is an Equal Opportunity Employer that offers excellent benefits, including competitive salary, 401(k), and health insurance. Send resume and cover letter to HRDept@americanbeverage.org.

Company Profile

The American Beverage Association (ABA) is the trade association that represents America’s non-alcoholic beverage industry. Founded in 1919 as the American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages and later renamed the National Soft Drink Association in 1966, ABA now represents hundreds of beverage producers, distributors, franchise companies, and support industries. The association’s members bring to market a variety of beverages, including regular, low- and no-calorie soft drinks, bottled water, 100% juice and juice drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and ready-to-drink teas.