Director of Communications

**Job Details**

**Description**

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking a full-time Director of Communications to lead the Association’s strategic communications, media relations, public awareness, branding, and digital engagement efforts. As the nation’s oldest and largest library association, ALA advances the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

ALA’s multi-year strategic plan focuses on strengthening libraries, growing the library workforce, advancing innovation, expanding advocacy, and increasing community impact. Developed through a data-driven and collaborative process with broad member engagement, the plan reflects the evolving needs of libraries and the communities they serve.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director and serving as a member of ALA’s senior leadership team, the Director of Communications provides strategic vision and leadership for all Association communications activities. This role oversees media relations, public awareness campaigns, brand management, crisis communications, social media strategy, and internal communications while ensuring consistent messaging that advances ALA’s mission, priorities, and public impact.

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### **Responsibilities**

#### **Strategic Communications and Leadership**

– **Develop communications strategy** — Develop and lead ALA’s communications strategy to advance the Association’s mission, strategic priorities, and public impact.
– **Advise senior leadership** — Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communications, messaging, media relations, and reputation management.
– **Lead crisis communications** — Lead crisis communications planning and response efforts.

#### **Brand Management and Public Awareness**

– **Oversee brand and marketing** — Oversee ALA’s brand, marketing, public awareness campaigns, and digital communications to ensure consistent and effective messaging.
– **Promote libraries** — Promote the value of libraries and librarianship through strategic communications initiatives and partnerships.

#### **Media Relations and External Engagement**

– **Serve as spokesperson** — Serve as a primary spokesperson and media strategist for the Association.
– **Build media relationships** — Build and maintain relationships with media, partners, and stakeholders to enhance ALA’s visibility and influence.

#### **Department Leadership and Collaboration**

– **Lead communications team** — Lead and develop a high-performing communications team while managing departmental operations, budgets, and strategic initiatives.
– **Collaborate across ALA** — Collaborate across ALA divisions, offices, and member groups to support organizational goals and strengthen internal and external communications.

This is a regular full-time position based in the Chicago office.

ALA staff currently work on a hybrid schedule. While ALA offers a generous telecommuting policy, fully remote positions are not available in states outside of ALA workplace sites.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Salary negotiable from **$135,000**, based on relevant experience. ALA offers an excellent benefits package including flexible work schedules, medical and dental coverage, generous paid vacation, retirement annuity, and a 35-hour work week. Employees may also qualify for the **Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).**

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### **Requirements**

#### **Education and Experience**

– **Bachelor’s degree required** — Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, or a related field.
– **Master’s degree preferred** — Master’s degree preferred.
– **10+ years leadership experience** — Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible communications leadership experience.
– **5+ years supervisory experience** — Minimum of 5 years of staff management and supervisory experience.
– **Demonstrated communications success** — Demonstrated success in strategic communications, media relations, branding, marketing, and public awareness campaigns.
– **Nonprofit/association experience** — Experience in a nonprofit, association, advocacy, membership, or mission-driven organization preferred.
– **Regular travel** — Regular travel is required.

#### **Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**

– **Comprehensive communications knowledge** — Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary communications, media relations, marketing, public relations, and digital engagement strategies.
– **Exceptional communication skills** — Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
– **Crisis communications expertise** — Demonstrated expertise in crisis communications and reputation management.
– **Strategic and project leadership** — Strong strategic planning, project management, budgeting, and leadership skills.
– **Digital and social media management** — Experience managing social media platforms, digital communications tools, and media monitoring systems.
– **Stakeholder collaboration** — Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, volunteer leaders, staff, members, and external partners.
– **Commitment to DEIA** — Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice principles.
– **Ability to manage multiple priorities** — Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

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### **For Consideration**

Apply online with a cover letter and resume **OR** send materials to:

**American Library Association**
Human Resources Department
Ref: Director of Communications
Email: [email protected]

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### **Equal Opportunity Statement**

The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer:
Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.