Director of Communications and Publications

Title: Director of Communications and Publications

Reports to: CEO

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $125,000 - $140,000

Classification: Full-time

The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) is experiencing an exciting period of growth, with expanding membership and a staffing structure evolving to meet the needs of our dynamic organization. With the upcoming retirement of our current Director of Communications and Publications, we are seeking a new leader to fill this critical role. To ensure a seamless transition, our outgoing director will be available for a period of time to support their successor.

About SAEM: The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) is the premier organization for developing academic leaders in emergency medicine education and research and for creating and disseminating content with the greatest impact on emergency care. We are dedicated to the improvement of care of the acutely ill and injured patient by leading the advancement of academic emergency medicine through education and research, and professional development. SAEM staff supports these healthcare professionals by promoting membership, resources, and events to maximize their access to continuing education and career opportunities.

Position Purpose:

Reporting to the CEO and serving as an integral member of the senior staff leadership team, the Director, Communications and Publications will be responsible for the development of SAEM’s communications strategy and will contribute to SAEM’s organizational strategic planning process. The Director, Communications and Publications provides overall strategic and operational leadership for SAEM’s marketing, publishing, and communications efforts targeted to various audiences. In this capacity, the Director, Communications and Publications has overall responsibility for marketing activities that support membership, products, events, and programs; oversees the development and distribution of all electronic collateral, including the SAEM website, e-newsletter, and social media presence; and directs the periodical and non-periodical publishing activities of the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• Lead, direct, and supervise a communications team, which includes a Senior Manager, Publications and Communications, a Manager, Digital Marketing and Communications, a Specialist, Web and Digital Content, and summer interns.
• Develop and implement communications strategies to advance SAEM's brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
• Identify communications opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Provide fiscal management for the communications department to ensure proper utilization of financial resources.
• Lead and oversee new techniques, best practices, and approaches to increase the effectiveness of the Society’s communication and elevate the brand.
• Ensure that the brand, voice, and vision of the Society is infused into everything the organization produces (social media, email marketing, videos, podcast, website, etc.).
• Review, evaluate, and work to improve internal systems/mechanisms, processes, and procedures necessary to enhance workflow, increase efficiency, and ensure the seamless operation of the organization’s communications function.

Team Development/Management

• Manage/supervise a communications team; ensure the department is fully staffed and cross-trained and has needed resources.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a cross-trained communications team to support the execution of communication department plans and initiatives.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning, and a commitment to quality.
• Monitor staff performance, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.
• Develop departmental and staff goals, and direct and lead the activities of the department and department staff in the achievement of those goals.

Communication Operations

SAEM Journals

• Serve as the principal point of contact for SAEM journals and the staff liaison to the journal editors-in-chief and editorial boards.
• Guide and manage the day-to-day administrative activity and marketing for the journals.
• Oversee development of all SAEM communications regarding SAEM journals, including marketing content, SAEM website, and electronic communications.

Marketing

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing campaigns and strategies for key SAEM initiatives, such as annual meeting, membership, and fundraising, across all communications channels.
• Provide leadership, creative direction, and guidance to the communications team concerning the Society’s marketing efforts.
• Develop and supervise strategies to elevate SAEM’s social media.
• Coordinate the writing and distribution of news releases and e-blasts.

Non-Journal Publications

• Ensure the timely development, production, and distribution of other, non-journal, SAEM publications: SAEM Pulse, SAEM Weekly, SAEM toolkits and guidebooks, etc.

Website

• Develop high quality, up-to-date content that meets the needs of SAEM members; optimize the website to improve user experience and content discoverability.
• Provide oversight, support, and direction for website maintenance — ensure that new and updated information (article links, events) is posted regularly.

Other

• Write, edit, and proofread articles, social media and website content, press releases, statements, and other content as needed.
• Manage relationships with external vendors to produce high quality marketing and communications materials.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or a related major.
• 8-10 years’ of relevant, professional work experience, preferably in an association or professional society.
• Strong writing, editing, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Expertise with emerging communications trends, current techniques, and best practices related to communications (marketing, publishing, website, etc.).
• Experience implementing effective communications principles and strategies.
• Demonstrated successful fiscal management directing projects and departmental operations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of communications, marketing, planning, and implementation.
• Experience working with a variety of communications-related software and media platforms, (e.g., email marketing software, website content management systems, social media scheduling and management tools, etc.).
• Ability to lead, motivate, supervise, and develop professional staff.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments with excellent organization, delivery, creativity, planning, and attention to detail, in collaboration with others.
• A collaborative, ready-to-roll-up-their-sleeves, team-focused attitude combined with a high level of integrity.
• Strategic and tactical skills and knowledge of visual, written, and formal communication; evidence of effective project management experience; the ability to coordinate and produce quality work on deadline; and experience effectively managing staff and projects.
• A desire to make a positive contribution to the organization and the academic emergency medicine specialty.

The above declarations are not intended to be an “all inclusive” list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job, and area reasonable representation of its activities.

Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

At SAEM, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are excited about this role or about SAEM’s mission and vision, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience does not perfectly meet the requirements. You just may be the right candidate for this or other future positions.

We Offer a Comprehensive Benefits Package!

At SAEM we take care of our most valuable resource: our employees! To that end, SAEM offers a full and comprehensive benefits package that has you in mind.

Time Off Benefits

• 37.5 hour work week
• Generous vacation, personal, and sick time
• 18 days of paid holiday time off (including full Winter Break between Christmas and New Year’s Day)
• Work from Home Fridays, plus a bank of additional days

Health and Wellness

• Platinum health insurance, with 100% premiums covered for the employee
• Dental insurance
• Optional vision insurance
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, with 100% premiums covered
• Short- and long-term disability insurance, with 100% premiums covered
• Flexible spending account, including commuter plan
• Employee assistance program
• Access to on-site fitness center
• In-office massage and meditation room
• Sit/stand desks for everyone

Saving for Your Future

• 403b retirement plan (fees paid by employer)
• Annual employer contribution (7% contribution)

Professional Development

• Educational Assistance Program
• Senior Promotion Plan
• Paid memberships in professional organizations
• Employer-paid continuing education courses

Other

• Diverse and inclusive culture
• Office is accessible by public transportation (Pace 223, 221, 250 and CTA Blue Line)
• Neat-casual dress code
• Your own private office in a beautiful new office space
• On-site cafeteria and in-office kitchen and dining area
• Fun all-staff social events, outings, catered lunches, and other activities throughout the year

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Des Plaines, IL 60018: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $125,000 - $140,000