JOB DESCRIPTION

The Manager, Advocacy Communications is responsible for:

• Leading the development and dissemination of advocacy communications to internal audiences (CAP members and staff) and external audiences (national, local and online media, trade publications).
• Managing the Advocacy Update newsletter.
• Managing advocacy media relations.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities Of The Manager, Advocacy Communications

Media Relations

• Develop advocacy communication materials including talking points, press releases, and other materials for external audiences to present compelling messages and a consistent CAP image on public policy issues.
• Serve as the primary contact with the pathology trade publications and national health reporters on advocacy issues impacting pathology and laboratory medicine and the CAP.
• Create and manage media lists by working with industry-standard tools.
• Write op-eds, letters to the editor, guest blog posts; monitor media for laboratory and pathology issues and find opportunities for further engagement.
• Assist in pitching story ideas to media.
• Respond to incoming requests from working journalists and influential bloggers.
• Manage advocacy communications media interviews with the CAP president and other designated spokespersons and subject matter experts.
• Assist in adverse event and crisis communications.
• Utilize media monitoring platforms and return on investment metrics.

Internal Communications

• Promote the CAP’s overall advocacy strategy by providing story ideas, content and editorial support on pathology and laboratory advocacy issues for all communications vehicles targeted to Members, leadership and staff, including:
  • Advocacy Update, the CAP’s email newsletter (published weekly);
  • CAP Today , a monthly print publication for Members; and other CAP-owned communication channels.
• Serve as the primary reporter for Advocacy Update.
• Work with the Director of Advocacy Communications to communicate legislative and regulatory news affecting pathologists and also promote the value of CAP Policy and Advocacy through Advocacy Update by writing special alerts, develop infographics, and other work with Creative/Digital services on new or innovative communication pieces.
• Assist in the development of webinars and leadership presentations.
• Deliver advocacy communications support for CGPA members at CAP enterprise events, including annual meeting, and Pathologists Leadership Summit.
• Promote the advocacy communications function internally to staff and member leaders.

Knowledge / Skills Required / Preferred

Personal

• Strong interpersonal communication skills, ability to effectively network within the organization to get the job done.
• Creativity, curiosity.
• Ability to recognize and act on opportunities.
• Strong attention to detail with the enterprise view in mind.
• Ability to understand audiences’ needs for information and at what level to present it.
• Willingness to research multiple sources to inform decision making.
• Well informed about current events (especially health care issues, politics, and government affairs) through frequent consumption of all forms of media, including online, broadcast, and print.

Professional

• Ability to manage multiple assignments independently and simultaneously.
• High level of organization and detail.
• Excellent editing, writing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex health care legislative and regulatory issues.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely under a tight deadline and edit material for publication.
• Comfortable working with association members and staff at all levels throughout the organization.

Technical

• Proficiency in multimedia communications platforms and tools, including email, website, social media, advertising, and video.
• Proficiency using a range of operating systems, digital platforms, and apps.
• Proficiency in the use and application of the AP Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Comfortable with the use of medical and scientific terminology.
• Expert in writing for digital platforms and creating all types of graphics.
• Strong knowledge of content management systems that build and maintain websites.
• Expert in SEO best practices.
• Willingness to learn new systems, as needed, whether in support of the enterprise as a whole or communications specifically (e.g. media tools).

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or marketing.

Experience

• At least three years of work experience in general communications and/or journalism with proven writing ability.
• Experience in effectively delivering strategic communications support within a transformation context.
• Experience in working in varied organizational communication service models.
• Background in health care policy and membership associations, preferred.
• Requires strong project management and meeting multiple deadlines on multiple projects.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Who we are? As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. In 2020, the CAP was recognized as one of the Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces for the fifth year. The CAP was also recognized as a socially responsible employer by Center for Companies That Care for the sixth year.

Our Culture

• CAP employees make a meaningful difference by partnering with colleagues customers and members on challenging and rewarding work
• CAP provides its employees with an energetic and collaborative work environment and encourage opportunities to further develop their skills—offering reimbursement for educational programs and participation in events that enhance your skills
• We offer a generous compensation and benefits package, 401K, and more
• You don’t need to come into the office everyday – we offer a hybrid work model to support life-work integration

“The College of American Pathologists requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment. As required by applicable law, The College of American Pathologists will consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.”