Senior Director, Policy Communications & Media Relations

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and experienced Senior Director, Policy Communications and Media Relations (Senior Director) to join our Office of Public Affairs. The Senior Director is responsible for developing and communicating complex public policy issues to key stakeholders, including the news media, policymakers, ATA members, and the public. This role will create compelling content to advance ATA’s advocacy mission and strengthen our role as the leading voice of America’s trucking industry.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative thinker with exceptional communication skills, a deep understanding of transportation policy, and the ability to distill complex issues into clear, persuasive messages that resonate across diverse audiences. The Incumbent must be both a proactive, organized self-starter capable of managing individual responsibilities and a supportive team member, mentor, and resource to colleagues.

This position has no supervisory or budgetary responsibilities. Approximately 10% travel is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy Communication: Translate complex legislative and regulatory issues into clear, targeted messaging for policymakers, the public, ATA members, and other stakeholders.
• Content Creation: Draft a variety of advocacy and policy content, including blog posts, press releases, policy briefs, video scripts, talking points, and more.
• Earned Media Strategy: Develop and execute media strategies that promote ATA’s advocacy mission and policy priorities.
• Media Relations: Respond to media inquiries, cultivate relationships with journalists, media outlets, and industry influencers, and manage media interviews, press conferences, and events.
• Social Media & Digital Content: Support ATA’s “Nothing Without Trucking” campaign by creating compelling digital content that highlights the trucking industry’s value and impact.
• Message Development: Prepare ATA executives and spokespersons for media interactions, including media training, message development, and talking points.
• Brand Consistency: Ensure consistent messaging across all communication materials and maintain the integrity of ATA’s brand.
• Media Promotion: Promote ATA’s subject-matter experts and enhance their presence in media and public discussions.
• Crisis Communication: Demonstrate expertise in crisis communication and issues management, ensuring effective responses under pressure.
• Industry Representation: Represent ATA at industry events, conferences, and meetings to support ATA’s advocacy efforts and strengthen the association’s presence in the industry.
• Additional responsibilities, as assigned.

Expected Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree, preferably in Communications, Political Science, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, or public affairs, with leadership experience preferred.
• Proven experience in drafting policy content, especially in advocacy and communications for a trade association, or governmental agency.
• Capitol Hill experience is strongly preferred.
• Trade association experience is strongly preferred.

Skill Requirements:

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex ideas and present them concisely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and digital communication tools.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and work under pressure.
• Experience in crisis communications and issues management.
• Knowledge of the trucking industry is a plus.
• Graphic design and video editing skills are a plus.

Why ATA?

ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight. We are a 90-year-old federation with state trucking association affiliates in all 50 states. We represent every sector of the industry, from LTL to truckload, agriculture, and livestock to auto haulers, and from large motor carriers to small mom-and-pop operations.

ATA offers:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible hybrid work schedule
• Education assistance
• Various retirement plans with employer match
• Medical, dental & vision benefits at affordable cost
• HSA/HRA plans with employer contributions
• FSA plan

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Please no third-party, agency responses, re-postings, calls or walk-ins. Relocation assistance is not provided. American Trucking Associations is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other protected veteran status.