Director, Public Affairs

Position Purpose:

The Public Affairs Director (Media Relations Director) is responsible for developing and managing a comprehensive, multi-faceted public affairs strategy - integrating earned, owned, paid, and shared media campaigns and tactics - to increase awareness and engagement with NICB’s key external stakeholders, the media and general public.

The Public Affairs Director (Media Relations Director) will also serve as an executive speechwriter and strategic communicator, supporting the Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership team.

Work Arrangement and Description:

This is a hybrid position and the Reporting Location is NICB Headquarters (Oak Brook, IL). The individual will be provided with the privilege and flexibility to work away from NICB Headquarters, but will be required to report periodically in-person based upon business needs, subject to the discretion of their supervisor, and in compliance with NICB's rules and procedures.

Competencies/Duties:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and lead a comprehensive public affairs strategy, which includes developing robust, integrated public affairs campaigns, that align with and advances NICB’s strategic goals and objectives. 
• Media Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with national and major media outlets, pitch proactive story ideas with NICB leadership and subject matter experts, respond to daily media inquiries, coordinate live and recorded media interviews and media tours, and serve as a spokesperson as needed. 
• Strategic Communications: Research and develop expert-written strategic communications, including executive speeches, presentations, Board communications, briefings, op-eds, talking points, and internal employee communications. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and maintain professional relationships with national and major market media outlets, member insurance companies, law enforcement partners, industry associations, and partner organizations, and coordinate public affairs initiatives with stakeholder groups. 
• Digital Campaign Development: In partnership with Marketing, develop robust digital and social media campaigns and annual calendars to ensure consistent branding and relevant, timely messaging across all NICB’s digital sites and social media channels. 
• Measurement and Reporting: Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of public affairs and executive communications and provide regular reports to leadership, identifying areas of improvement and making data-driven decisions. 
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the Public Affairs team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements/Abilities:

• Solid strategic thinking and analytical abilities. 
• Excellent speechwriting and communications skills. 
• Strong background in creating proactive, integrated media campaigns. 
• Experience as a spokesperson and public speaker is a plus. 
• Solid understanding of digital and social media platforms and uses. 
• Experience working with senior executives and providing strategic counsel. 
• Ability to analyze data, trends, and internal and external reports. 
• Ability to travel for conferences, media opportunities, and department meetings. 
• Ability to work remotely and independently under pressure and tight deadlines. 
• Willingness to work as a team member in a team environment. 
• Knowledge of the insurance industry is a plus. 

Education, Work Experience, Licensure: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field required. 
• Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in public affairs, public relations or media relations roles, preferably in leadership roles. 
• Executive speechwriting and management experience required.

Salary Range: $107,000.00 To $146,000.00 Annually