Director, Public Relations

Director, Public Relations

Basic Function

The Association of American Railroads (AAR), the world’s leading railroad policy, research, standard-setting, and technology organization, is focused on enhancing the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry.

The Director of Public Affairs will play a key leadership role in supporting the execution of integrated advocacy, media, and mobilization strategies. This role is ideal for a strategic communicator and coalition builder who can manage multiple workstreams across media relations, external, state affairs, digital advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. The Director will work closely with internal teams, member companies, and external allies to elevate the organization’s policy priorities and amplify its voice.

Specific responsibilities are described below.

Nature and Scope

This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Communications, and supports the Communications division.

Principal Accountabilities

1. External & State Relations

• Contribute to policy and regulatory commentary and help draft letters/filings in coordination with government affairs, legal and field teams, as well as consultants.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the state and federal levels and support stakeholder engagement activities.
• Assist in planning and executing the Annual State Relations Meeting and support select state-level engagements.

2. Coalition & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with allied organizations such as CABT and GoRail to drive coalition messaging and actions.
• Cultivate relationships with external partners (think tanks, advocacy groups, industry trade associations, etc.), associates/affiliates, and advocacy groups.
• Manage and update grassroots and partner engagement databases.

3. Advocacy Planning & Strategic Projects

• Support the development of advocacy plans and issue-specific campaigns.
• Track progress toward campaign goals, report results, and help refine tactics based on feedback and performance.
• Assist with executive testimony preparation, speeches, and issue-driven op-eds or statements.

4. Media Relations & Executive Communications

• Support the Media Relations team by contributing to story development, media monitoring insights, and brainstorming sessions that align with strategic communications goals.
• Draft and edit morning news and action memos, talking points, press materials, and support the SVP and CEO/executive messaging efforts.
• Collaborate on identifying media opportunities and support the development of regular story ideas that align with advocacy campaigns.

5. Strategic Content & Digital Support

• Collaborate with the digital team to develop advocacy one-pagers, fact sheets, and online assets for campaigns.
• Support the development and execution of ally campaigns using association digital platforms.
• Help translate complex issues into accessible content for a variety of audiences including policymakers, media, and grassroots.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, public policy, political science, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, or a related field.
• Proven success in developing and executing media and advocacy strategies.
• Strong writing, editing, and content development skills for multiple audiences.
• Experience working in or with coalitions, trade associations, and/or issue advocacy campaigns.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively across teams.
• Familiarity with digital advocacy tools and database systems is a plus.

Preferred Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a bias toward action and outcomes.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adept at project management.
• Team player who brings creativity, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit.
• Strong political and policy instincts, with a pulse on national and state-level developments.

About AAR

Founded in 1934 and located just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall, AAR is a top-tier trade association representing major freight and passenger railroads operating in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In addition to representing its members on legislative and regulatory policy matters, AAR sets standards for rail cars and rail car components, certifies manufacturing and repair facilities, and audits facilities for compliance.

Its research subsidiary, MxV Rail, headquartered in Pueblo, Colorado, is the world’s leading railroad research facility, undertaking cutting-edge research for railroads and their suppliers from around the world. AAR’s information technology subsidiary, Railinc, located in Cary, North Carolina, provides IT services to the railroad industry. For more information on AAR and its subsidiaries, see www.aar.org.

AAR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Learn more here