Director of Communications

Summary

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) is seeking a Director of Integrated Communications. This role leads the development and execution of strategic, multichannel communications that elevate our mission, visibility, and brand. This position oversees editorial strategy for the Bulletin content hub, weekly OTO News, podcasts, video production, and ENThealth.org, ensuring high-quality, engaging content across platforms. The Director also manages media relations, crisis communications, and the Academy’s online member forum, while supervising a team of content and multimedia professionals.

The Director of Integrated Communications reports to the Senior Director of Communications.

This is a hybrid role, in-person in Alexandria, VA, three days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that AAO-HNS/F content and communications strategies incorporate the AAO-HNS/F Strategic Plan and strengthen brand identity, mission, and reputation through high-quality editorial content and strategic messaging.
• Oversee the Bulletin content hub, serving as executive editor responsible for overall content strategy, editorial calendar and guidelines, content quality, and ensuring the hub is the primary destination for member engagement.
• Direct the weekly production of OTO News, ensuring timely delivery, cross-departmental collaboration, and incorporation of relevant news, updates, and member stories.
• Oversee the production of multimedia, including weekly podcasts for Voices of Otolaryngology and monthly podcasts for the AAO-HNSF journals, as well as video creation and strategy.
• Lead all media relations and public affairs activities, including press releases, media pitches, spokesperson preparation, crisis communications, and relationship building with healthcare and mainstream media outlets.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the Bulletin content hub and ENThealth.org, partnering with the Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy and Director of Creative Services to ensure content quality, accuracy, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage and moderate the AAO-HNS/F online discussion forum, fostering member engagement, facilitating productive discussions, enforcing community guidelines, and leveraging forum insights to inform content and communications strategies.
• Supervise staff that include the following current direct reports: Senior Content Manager, Content Program Manager, and Multimedia Program Manager.
• Champion the integration of existing and new content formats and channels (articles, video, podcasts, interactive tools) that support member engagement and position AAO-HNS/F as a thought leader in the specialty.
• Maintain a working understanding of national and global issues in healthcare, legislative and regulatory developments, and emerging trends in otolaryngology that impact members, their practices, and their patients to guide relevant content development and communications strategies

Specific Duties

• Support the Senior Director, Communications, in developing integrated content and communications strategies that provide value to members, elevate the profession, and advance organizational goals.
• Work collaboratively within the Communications Business Unit, all other Business Units, leadership, and members in developing and maintaining effective content channels and communications programs, including but not limited to the Bulletin content hub, OTO News, media relations, and digital platforms.
• Lead content hub and ENThealth.org editorial production, including strategic direction, content planning, editorial calendar management, including for podcasts, collaboration with staff and member contributors to build relevant and engaging content, editorial review and approval, and oversight of content delivery and performance metrics.
• Develop and execute comprehensive media relations strategy to position AAO-HNS/F and its members as authoritative voices on issues related to ear, nose, and throat health, advancing the visibility and reputation of the specialty.
• Develop and conduct content audits and readership surveys for AAO-HNS/F content platforms at regular intervals as the market requires and manage appropriate changes in response to member needs, engagement data, and market trends.
• Coordinate with the Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy on content distribution strategies, ensuring content reaches target audiences through appropriate channels and formats.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Director of Creative Services to ensure visual storytelling and production values align with editorial content and enhance member engagement.
• Serve as Moderator of the AAO-HNS online discussion forum, ENT Connect, ensuring all rules and etiquette are followed.
• Manage the production of the Annual Report in collaboration with the Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy and the Director of Creative Services.
• Ensure a current editorial style guide is available and regularly communicated to staff, contributors, and stakeholders for consistency across all content and communications materials.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Chicago Style, current style trends, media relations best practices, crisis communications principles, as well as other editorial and communications standards and policies.
• Monitor media coverage, track communications metrics, and provide regular reporting on content performance, media placements, and communications effectiveness to inform strategy and demonstrate ROI.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including members, volunteer leaders, media contacts, and industry partners to support communications objectives.
• Serve on AAO-HNS/F committees and task forces as assigned.
• Champion the AAO-HNS/F mission, vision, values, and strategic direction.
• Travel as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field with a minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role. Relevant experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Must excel in written and verbal communication and possess a strong track record of innovation, strategic thinking, and execution.
• Experience in digital content strategy, editorial management, media relations, and multichannel communications.
• Prior experience with content management systems, online publishing platforms, and digital analytics.
• Must have excellent organizational, staff management, leadership, interpersonal, and strategic planning skills
• Health-related communications and publishing experience is preferred.

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid role, in-office Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and remote on Thursday and Friday.

Benefits

We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 9% contribution from the organization to your 403b plan after your first year of service

• 5 weeks of paid time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays

• Paid parental leave

• Parking/public transportation allowance

• Organization-paid life, long- and short-term disability insurance

• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• Pre-paid legal services

• Pet insurance

• Workplace flexibility, including a hybrid work environment

• Professional development opportunities and tuition/certification reimbursement

To apply, submit your cover letter and resume to employment@entnet.org.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.