Director of External Communications

## Director of External Communications – American Coatings Association (ACA)

The American Coatings Association (ACA) is seeking a Director of External Communications to elevate the association’s public profile, drive advocacy campaigns, and amplify the unified voice of the industry to policymakers, the media, and the general public.

The Director of External Communications will help shape and broadcast the association’s public narrative, manage media relations, and drive brand reputation. This individual will craft messaging, handle crisis communications, and direct campaigns to ensure clear, consistent, and compelling outreach that builds positive industry sentiment with all stakeholders. The role reports to ACA’s Senior Vice President.

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## Key Responsibilities

### Communications Strategy & Messaging

– Craft strategic design and execution of all public‑facing messaging, including industry narrative, in alignment with the association’s strategic plan.
– Develop comprehensive external communications plans that elevate brand visibility and support overall organizational goals.
– Ensure consistent framing of core messages across all public‑facing platforms, including websites and social media channels.

### Media & Public Relations

– Develop and execute proactive media and PR plans to advance the association’s communication goals.
– Act as the primary spokesperson and media liaison; field incoming press inquiries and coordinate interviews for association executives.
– Draft press releases, op‑eds, talking points, and media briefing materials.
– Cultivate and maintain relationships with key journalists across trade, business, and mainstream media outlets.
– Develop and execute reactive crisis communication plans to mitigate reputational risks and address public relations challenges.

### Advocacy Outreach

– Collaborate with the association’s Government Affairs team to translate complex legislative bills and regulatory issues into accessible, persuasive content (e.g., fact sheets, policy briefs, one‑pagers).
– Monitor the news cycle and legislative developments to identify rapid‑response opportunities and mitigate potential reputational risks.
– Manage the production and distribution of industry position and impact statements.

### Content Strategy & Digital Outreach

– Oversee the association’s external‑facing digital presence, including the main website and social media channels.
– Ensure all external messaging aligns with the association’s brand guidelines and strategic vision.
– Track media coverage, public sentiment, and campaign effectiveness using data‑driven KPIs.

### Stakeholder & Member Engagement

– Collaborate closely with the association’s Events & Engagement teams to ensure external communications reflect member value and address industry challenges.
– Engage regularly with the association’s Communications Committee and subcommittees comprised of industry members and leaders overseeing strategic communications messaging.
– Support the communication needs of member coalitions and strategic industry partnerships.

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## Preferred Skills & Qualifications

– Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a keen ability to demonstrate impact and urgency.
– Strong presentation and oral communication skills; must be a confident public speaker.
– Strong existing network of media contacts and deep understanding of evolving digital, print, and broadcast media landscapes.
– Strong political judgment, crisis management, and rapid‑response abilities.
– Demonstrated success in managing external PR agencies, consultants, or small internal teams.
– Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field.
– Progressive experience of 8+ years, including trade association and/or government work involving public relations, media relations, or public affairs.

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## Location and Travel

This position is located at ACA headquarters in Washington, DC and operates within a hybrid work environment (onsite and remote). Some travel will be required.

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## Employment, Salary and Benefits

This is a full‑time, regular position. Salary is dependent on experience and ranges from $120,000 to $150,000. ACA provides generous benefits including 401(k) match, PTO, medical, dental, and life insurance, commuter benefits and wellness reimbursement, and professional development/training opportunities.

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## Apply

To apply for this position, please visit:
[https://american-coatings-association.breezy.hr/]

Please submit a resume and cover letter stating your motivations for applying and your salary requirement. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

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## About American Coatings Association (ACA)

ACA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization working to advance the needs of the paint and coatings industry and the professionals who work in it. Through advocacy of the industry and its positions on legislative, regulatory, and judicial issues at the federal, state, and local levels, it acts as an effective ally ensuring that the industry is represented and fairly considered.

The association focuses on advancements in science and technology through its technical conferences and journals, and offers essential business information to members through its publications, surveys, and business programs.