Location: As of February 2022, NCCPA has transitioned to a hybrid work environment. This position will report into the NCCPA offices in Johns Creek, Georgia on a hybrid schedule. 

Reports To: Vice President of Finance and Corporate Services 

Who We Are

NCCPA is the only certifying organization for physician assistants in the United States. Established as a not-for-profit organization in 1974, we are dedicated to assuring the public that certified PAs meet established standards of clinical knowledge and cognitive skills upon entry into practice and throughout their careers. All U.S. states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories have decided to rely on NCCPA certification as one of the criteria for licensure or regulation of PAs.

Why Work at NCCPA

We get to do meaningful work every day and we enjoy working and having fun together! No wonder we’ve been voted one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare 4 years in a row!

Why Us, Why Now?

Under the direction of the VP, Finance & Corporate Services and the NCCPA President and CEO, the Director of Communications has overall strategic and operational responsibility for communications for NCCPA, nccPA Health Foundation and the Physician Assistant (PA) History Society. In this role, you will be responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of the NCCPA’s communication strategies, branding and marketing initiatives and public relations and communications activities; both external and internal. You will oversee development and implementation of support materials and services in public relations and communications; direct the efforts of the public relations and communications staff and coordinate at the strategic and tactical level with the other functions of the organization. 

How Will You Make a Difference? You will…

• Communicate and support implementation of NCCPA’s vision, mission, and strategic plan. Ensure communication strategy and message framing is consistent and reflects the organization’s strategic vision. 

• Develop a comprehensive public relations and communications program that enhances the organization’s image and position within the marketplace and among key stakeholder groups. Areas of oversight include public relations, branding, advertising, media outreach, presentations, events, collateral material, Web site, direct mail, social media, and Web-based marketing.

• Ensure articulation of the organization’s desired image and position, assure consistent communication of image and position to all constituencies, both internal and external.

• Serve as the organizations’ principal liaison with the news media, ensuring regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests. Work with media outlets to publish timely company information including press releases, brochures, and other materials. Advocate on behalf of the company brand with external stakeholders and the media across all communications channels and vehicles. 

• Implement and perform social media community management duties as well as build and sustain online communities. Publish videos and photography on company website and blogs. 

• Ensure that NCCPA regularly conducts relevant market research and coordinate and oversee this activity. Monitor and report trends. 

• Ensure effective management within the public relations and communications services areas, including regular evaluation of performance and development opportunities. 

• Maintain awareness of the external competitive landscape, constituents, and industry developments in the functional areas of non-profit strategic planning and communications. Track potential regulatory changes that may affect NCCPA’s strategic approach and direction.

• Direct and manage the work any PR outsourcing and engages such vendors in appropriate activities, collaborating on innovative approaches, and monitoring their performance and deliverables. 

• Develop a communications strategy that facilitates staff and department communication within NCCPA.

• Facilitate communication with partner and related organizations i.e., FSMB, AAPA, PAEA, ARC-PA, etc.

• Provide continuous process improvement by seeking regular input from NCCPA’s key constituencies regarding the quality of communications, products, and services and NCCPA’s relevance and image. 

Hard Skills You Will Have

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, or public relations.
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications, and public relations activities. 
• Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations, and negotiating with media.
• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications. 
• Leadership and supervisory experience with a proven ability to direct and manage communications operations, projects and staff. 
• Advanced knowledge of the principles of strategic communication

Soft Skills You Will Bring

• Your critical attention to detail with the ability to see the big picture and build productive, collaborative and respectful working relationships with NCCPA leadership, colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Your exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Your strong emotional intelligence, including appreciation and understanding of cultural differences.
• Your proven track record of handling multiple deadlines and demonstrated ability to effectively handle multiple activities and respond to changing priorities with good judgment.
• Your strategic thinking and analytical skills with ability to assess situations and counsel on best strategies to garner positive outcomes with measurable results.

Extra Skills You Can Bring Along

• Advanced degree, with at least 10 years of management experience in public relations and/or communications. 
• Membership in IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) and IABC accreditation are desirable.
• Membership in the Public Relations Society of America and an Accreditation in Public Relations are desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge of certification processes 

Benefits and Perks for You

• Work/Life Balance
  • 37.5-hour workweek, Monday - Friday
  • Flexible Work Hours and Hybrid Work Environment 
  • Eleven paid holidays (including Juneteenth in 2022) 
  • 19 PTO Days
  • Paid Volunteer Day to Make a Difference
• ​Great Compensation
• Monthly Technology Stipend 
• Medical, Dental and Vision with over 80% Employer Contribution
• 100% Employer Paid Group Life Insurance and Short- and Long-term Disability
• Health Reimbursement Account for Medical Expenses (100% Employer Funded)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Dependent Care Expenses
• 401(k) Plan with Employer Contributions and Matching
• Access to Voluntary Benefits such as Legal Aid, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Basic Life and AD&D for you, your spouse and dependents
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24/7 Telehealth
• Fully Stocked Breakroom with Healthy Snacks
• $1,000 Annual Reimbursement for Fitness Clubs & Program Dues
• Up to $240 in Annual Cash Incentives for Staying Active
• $5,250 in Tuition Reimbursements 
• 100% Employer Paid Training Opportunities

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.