Summary: Reporting to the Vice President for Communications and Public Relations, the Communications Advisor will collaborate with various stakeholders, including ASTHO staff involved with Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) and the Implementation Centers (IC) related to PHIG, national partners, and CDC staff. The position is the operations lead in managing/assigning a team of IC staff, working with CDC Comms, NNPHI, and PHAB staff who are programmatic advisors overseeing activities within the PR/Comms team. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a passion for advancing public health initiatives through storytelling and engagement.

Location: Remote

Anticipated salary: $94,500 Extended experience: up to $111,000 if experience exceeds expectations

Principal Functions:

• Strategic Planning:
  • Assist in the development and implementation of comprehensive communication strategies to promote the impact and importance of the Data Modernization Public Health Infrastructure Grant
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders to align communication efforts with organizational goals and objectives
  • Asist with creating and managing execution of annual DMI and PHIG project communications plans
  • Support production of newscasts, newsletters and other content related to promoting the success of the DMI IC and PHIG initiatives
  • Oversee website strategy
  • Develop agendas and lead the Implementation Centers (IC) Comms meetings
  • Coordinate follow-up and manage the Monday.com board
• Management:
  • Assist with managing and guiding communications efforts and collaborating with other team members as needed
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Develop agendas and action items for communications work groups
  • Ensure project goals are achieved and serve as the point of contact for day-to-day project management
  • Work collaboratively with the vice president of communications and public relations, the vice president of data modernization and informatics, and the vice president of public health workforce and infrastructure to foster positive working relationships
  • Attend check in meetings regularly and sharing notes and key takeaways with leadership and on-site meetings as needed
• Media Relations:
  • Develop a media relations plan in collaboration with PHIG, DMI, and CDC partners
  • Draft press releases, and other collateral to increase visibility and awareness of PHIG and the DMI work
  • In coordination with ASTHO media relations team, work to execute outreach plan media pitches and interviews and highlight how various recipients are utilizing the funding
  • Monitor media coverage, ensure key initiatives are captured as part of success stories and work with ASTHO director of media relations to respond to inquiries in a timely and strategic manner
• Content Development:
  • Lead the development of high-quality content, including written materials, graphics, videos, and presentations, to effectively communicate the impact and success stories of PHIG
  • Ensure content is accurate, compelling, and aligned with organizational messaging
  • Work with ASTHO promotions department to develop a promotional strategy and plan
• Campaign Management:
  • Design and execute strategic communication campaigns to engage target audiences and drive action around PHIG DMI
  • Monitor campaign performance and make adjustments as needed to optimize results
  • Help to craft search engine optimization (SEO) strategy with Promotions and Web teams
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Build out the operational structure for IC Comms Team
  • Collaborate with ASTHO staff involved with Data Modernization, the Implementation Centers, and the PHIG communications director to integrate communication efforts with data modernization initiatives
  • Work across the agency to leverage resources and expertise in support of organizational priorities
• Budget Management:
  • Assist with managing the communications budget for PHIG, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and in accordance with organizational policies and guidelines
• Evaluation and Reporting:
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and tactics, using data and analytics to measure impact and inform future efforts
  • Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior leadership and other stakeholders

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic communications, with a focus on public health or related fields
• Capacity to assist colleagues with achieving common goals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear and compelling messages
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful communication strategies and tactics in campaigns
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the media
• Knowledge of public health issues, particularly related to infrastructure and grant funding, preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant software applications
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability and willingness to travel

Benefits:

• Vacation leave, Sick leave, Personals days
• 12 Holidays (with some floating options for personalization)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Retirement Plans – 403B and Roth 403B, eligible employees can receive a company contribution up to 11.75%
• Infertility benefits
• Electronic communication stipend
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Additional Benefits include: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Pet Insurance, Legal Resources, Health & Wellness reimbursement, Flexible Spending accounts, Tuition Reimbursement, and Professional Development assistance

About Us: ASTHO is the national nonprofit organization representing the public health agencies of the United States, the U.S. territories and Freely Associated States, and the District of Columbia, as well as the more than 100,000 public health professionals these agencies employ. ASTHO members, the chief health officials of these jurisdictions, are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy and to ensuring excellence in public health practice. ASTHO is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia with a regional office in Atlanta, GA. ASTHO was incorporated on March 23, 1942 with the goal of helping health officials navigate a rapidly changing public health landscape and remains a strong voice in governmental public health.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: ASTHO is an all-encompassing diverse and inclusive organization that respects and celebrates every person’s strengths, assets, and values, eliminating inequities and biases in all facets of activities and operations. ASTHO is committed to leading organizational change efforts that support racial healing, racial justice, and transformation within state and territorial public health agencies.