The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

Do you want to join a mission-driven member organization that makes a difference in the U.S. healthcare landscape? Our employees work at the premier radiation oncology membership association. Our Society supports the radiation therapy teams who treat more than one million cancer patients each year.

ASTRO, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Communications to oversee the development, planning, leadership and oversight of communications and related integration to marketing strategy for national membership association.

Reporting to and working alongside the VP of Business Development and Marketing, this position will be responsible for developing the vision and strategy for the organization’s communications presence to amplify the brand, ensure growth, retention, mission delivery and consistent messaging and positioning as well as to maintain positive brand reputation. The Director of Communications provides senior-level leadership and team oversight that ensures cohesion and the highest quality of communications support to all aspects of the organization. The individual will be well-versed in developing data-driven strategies, leading crisis communications response and will have extensive experience interacting with C-suite leaders on a national level. Finally, the individual may represent and serve as a spokesperson for the ASTRO while also providing support, development and/or leadership guidance to all volunteers.

NOTE: ASTRO offers a hybrid work environment. The position is based in Arlington, VA at ASTRO’s headquarters and eligible for telework up to 3x/week after an initial training period.

Major responsibilities and duties:

1. Communications Strategy & Execution
   1. Collaborate with the VP of Business Development & Marketing to develop, implement, and evaluate an annual communications plan across ASTRO's target audiences in collaboration with the communications team and senior leadership.
   2. Ensure organization’s communications reflect overall priorities.
   3. Oversee media strategies and tactics to proactively position and promote ASTRO as an industry leader in the radiation therapy and cancer field.
   4. Leverage research initiatives to advance awareness of ASTRO and Speed of Light – The ASTRO Foundation.
2. Brand & Messaging
   1. Ensure consistent use of ASTRO's brand and messaging across all communications – act as ambassador/liaison to all departments.
   2. Provide insight final review, and editorial oversight for all public-facing communications.
   3. Oversee the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, reports, and video production.
3. Program Management
   1. Manage budgets for communications and corporate activation campaigns and ensure efficient use of resources to further ASTRO's goals.
   2. Work collaboratively with all ASTRO staff and program areas to identify and meet communication and marketing needs.
   3. Manage ASTRO's websites and social platforms to ensure messaging and brand are aligned with ASTRO’s guidelines.
      1. Ensure SEO and ADA/WCAG compliance for ASTRO’s digital assets.
      2. Create and maintain audience personas to use as a gauge to create user journeys to ensure optimal user experience.
   4. Direct and manage communications team (pr/media relations, social media, content creation, editorial oversight, graphic design, marketing and online tools).
   5. Oversee email marketing platform and integration with ASTRO’s AMS (ensure GDPR compliance).
   6. Manage outside vendors/consultants as needed for communications projects and strategy.
   7. Serves as staff liaison for the Communications Committee.
4. Audience Engagement & Activation
   1. Oversee the generation of content that engages audience segments and leads to measurable reach and impact. Decide who, where, and when to disseminate this information.
   2. Track and measure the level of engagement over time and improve ASTRO and The Foundation communications channels consistent with best practices, recommendations, and findings from metrics.
   3. Collaborate with the business development/fundraising staff to develop and implement campaigns associated with corporate partner activation elements and individual giving, ensuring alignment with brand and messaging.
   4. Lead efforts to broaden the reach of ASTRO and The Foundation’s patient education materials – producing updated patient materials for video, podcasts, print and web, ensuring they are written for ease of understanding for a broad range of audiences.
   5. Manages ASTRO’s Survivor Circle Program.
5. Performs other duties as assigned.

Successful candidates will have:

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 15 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience and 10 years of management experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with contacts inside and outside the association, particularly with volunteers and physicians.
2. Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills (strong knowledge of AP style required).
3. A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently.
4. Self- starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
5. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Word Press, Kentico 13, and marketing automation/email marketing platforms.
6. Strong understanding of SEO, WCAG, and UX/UI
7. Understanding of Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager.
8. Must be results-oriented with proven ability to organize, plan and implement programs/projects and procedures.
9. Knowledge of the inner workings of the association environment.
10. Ability to manage staff towards the successful achievement of established goals.
11. Decision-making and problem solving – ability to act in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

General office. Some travel required approximately 15% of the time.

ASTRO offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package which includes:

• Flexible work arrangements (schedule will be based on business needs)
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, majority company paid
• 401K with immediate company contribution
• 23 days of Paid Time Off annually
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits + monthly employer subsidy
• Employer paid short- and long-term disability insurance and more

Please see our website www.astro.org for more information about ASTRO.

To apply, submit cover letter, salary requirements and resume by clicking:  

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=f5688abd-7893-4349-9948-f60b3bdf7a5d&ccId=1201151451_8078&type=MP&lang=en_US

We are an equal opportunity employer.

About American Society for Radiation Oncology

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is an organization of approximately 10,000 member physicians and scientists served by a staff of 80 in Arlington, VA (National Landing). The association is designed to disseminate the results of scientific research, promote excellence in patient care and provide members with opportunities for educational and professional development. ASTRO offers an attractive array of benefits, including medical and dental/vision coverage, short- and long-term disability and life insurance, as well as paid time off, a 401(k) program, flexible spending accounts, flexible work arrangements, and more.

Connections working at American Society for Radiation Oncology