What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Public Affairs position at ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN RAILROADS?
Director, Public Relations
Basic Function
The Association of American Railroads (AAR), the world’s leading railroad policy, research, standard-setting, and technology organization, is focused on enhancing the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry.
The Director of Public Affairs will play a key leadership role in supporting the execution of integrated advocacy, media, and mobilization strategies. This role is ideal for a strategic communicator and coalition builder who can manage multiple workstreams across media relations, external, state affairs, digital advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. The Director will work closely with internal teams, member companies, and external allies to elevate the organization’s policy priorities and amplify its voice.
Specific responsibilities are described below.
Nature and Scope:
This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Communications, and supports the Communications division.
Principal Accountabilities:
1. External & State Relations
- Contribute to policy and regulatory commentary and help draft letters/filings in coordination with government affairs, legal and field teams, as well as consultants.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the state and federal levels and support stakeholder engagement activities.
- Assist in planning and executing the Annual State Relations Meeting and support select state-level engagements.
2. Coalition & Stakeholder Engagement
- Coordinate with allied organizations such as CABT and GoRail to drive coalition messaging and actions.
- Cultivate relationships with external partners (think tanks, advocacy groups, industry trade associations, etc.), associates/affiliates, and advocacy groups.
- Manage and update grassroots and partner engagement databases.
3. Advocacy Planning & Strategic Projects
- Support the development of advocacy plans and issue-specific campaigns.
- Track progress toward campaign goals, report results, and help refine tactics based on feedback and performance.
- Assist with executive testimony preparation, speeches, and issue-driven op-eds or statements.
- 4. Media Relations & Executive Communications
- Support the Media Relations team by contributing to story development, media monitoring insights, and brainstorming sessions that align with strategic communications goals.
- Draft and edit morning news and action memos, talking points, press materials, and support the SVP and CEO/executive messaging efforts.
- Collaborate on identifying media opportunities and support the development of regular story ideas that align with advocacy campaigns.
5. Strategic Content & Digital Support
- Collaborate with the digital team to develop advocacy one-pagers, fact sheets, and online assets for campaigns.
- Support the development and execution of ally campaigns using association digital platforms.
- Help translate complex issues into accessible content for a variety of audiences including policymakers, media, and grassroots.