Director of Public Affairs

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is seeking a proactive and collaborative leader who is passionate about U.S. manufacturing and the opportunity to actively engage in some of the most important policy debates and challenges facing the equipment manufacturing industry. The Director of Public Affairs is charged with leading the association’s policy-focused messaging and media relations efforts, shaping public awareness, raising the profile of the industry, and actively engaging in policy debates. They will operate in a constantly changing environment, tackling complex issues, developing creative solutions to difficult problems, and crafting compelling messages that cut through and win. The Director of Public Affairs reports to the Senior Vice President, Government and Industry Relations and works closely with the federal, state, and grassroots advocacy leads on the AEM Advocacy Team.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs strategy in support of state, federal, and grassroots advocacy efforts.
• Translate complex regulatory and legislative issues into understandable messages and arguments that resonate with key audiences and stakeholders
• Drive content strategy, message development, and spokesperson preparation.
• Provide regular, proactive communications and guidance to internal and external stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Draft policy positions, talking points, handouts, speeches, press releases, and opinion editorials.
• Oversee advocacy-focused social media channels and websites.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the media landscape, as well as solid working relationships with reporters, editors, producers, bookers, bloggers.
• Direct experience in media relations at the highest level and utilizing other modern communications tools, including messaging, social media, broadcast communication, content development, and events.
• Proven track record of managing fast-moving public policy issues and developing effective messaging strategies to advance advocacy objectives.
• Strong understanding of the public policy-making process.
• Campaign mentality with a proclivity for action.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively respond to the 24/7 news cycle outside of core office hours.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously.

• Flexible Work Environment: Core hours are 10:00AM- 4:00PM for in-office days (Tuesday-Thursday) with optional telework on Mondays and Fridays. General working hours are 9:00AM-5:00PM with the need to perform work outside of regular office hours.
• Professional Growth: We are committed to the growth and development of our team members and offer many learning opportunities, including an onboarding program, leadership programming, tuition reimbursement, industry on-site and off-site training, and other management and professional development programs.