Communications/Editorial, Health, Public Relations
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
THE ORGANIZATION
The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) is a national surgical specialty society located in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois. The association is housed in the Orthopaedic Headquarters Building along with other national medical/surgical specialty societies. Established in 1991, AAHKS provides leadership in advocacy, education and research aimed at achieving excellence in hip and knee patient care. The organization has over 4,500 members, an annual budget of approximately $8 million, and a staff of 10. Governed by a 12-member Board of Directors, AAHKS provides its members with legislative and public health advocacy, newsletters, the Journal of Arthroplasty, and an Annual Meeting among other CME opportunities. The Annual Meeting, held in the fall, addresses a broad array of scientific topics, such as implant design, results, surgical techniques and complications of primary and revision TJA, as well as the latest information available on socioeconomic issues affecting the specialty.
Position Summary
The Communications Manager (CM) will set and guide the strategy for all print and digital communications: website, video, social media, email marketing, podcast and public relations and media relations in support of the AAHKS mission. The CM will ensure that AAHKS is viewed as the primary source authority and conduit of information in the field of hip and knee arthroplasty.
The position will work closely with all staff members with the organization as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives. The CM will work directly with the Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations.
Position Responsibilities
Develop, implement and evaluate the annual communications plan across the organization in collaboration with AAHKS staff, committee members and the Board of Directors.
Lead the generation of online content that engages audience segments and leads to measurable action. Decide who, where, and when to disseminate.
Put communications vehicles in place to create momentum and awareness as well as to test the effectiveness of communications activities.
Manage and administrate the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and digital collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, websites, videos, podcasts and social media.
Perform website maintenance—ensure that new and consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly.
Supervise third-party photographers and maintain online image library.
Track and measure the level of engagement with all communications using analytics tools.
Coordinate and organize communications for all AAHKS meetings to engage AAHKS members and other audiences.
Position Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in communications or related area. Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 5 years communications experience in a complex, customer-service, and business-focused organization. Preference for association communications experience working with volunteer governance structures.
Deep knowledge and understanding of communications and marketing practices including social media.
Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated experience managing, developing and overseeing the development and distribution of print and digital collateral including newsletters, brochures, websites, videos, podcasts and social media.
A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently.
Strong project management skills including demonstrated ability to organize diverse types of work, shift gears quickly, and adapt to changing priorities and competing deadlines.
Uses clear, concise, consistent, and tactful language, both oral and written, to communicate effectively with multiple audiences on a wide variety of issues.
Exercises sound judgment with proven ability to resolve complex issues quickly and calmly through critical-thinking, analytical problem-solving, collaboration, and conflict management.
Proven ability to function independently, knowing when to take an issue to the Deputy Executive Director or other staff for consideration.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, using discretion and judgment in dealing with sensitive and controversial issues.
Demonstrated ability to earn trust, respect and confidence of senior level executives, staff, and volunteer leaders.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with management, co-workers, representatives of external organizations, and the general public.
Displays a demeanor that projects the premier image of AAHKS; demonstrates tact and diplomacy in dealing with people at all levels.
Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies.
Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to "manage by influence".
High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.
Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants and other supporters.
Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, website content management systems, email marketing software, social media apps, image editing, AP Style and HTML
Experience with association management software.
Search Process:
AAHKS offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits that include PTO, medical, dental, long-term disability, and employer-matched retirement plan contributions. This search is being conducted by Tuft & Associates. To apply, please forward your resume electronically with cover letter in confidence to: Mary McMahon, Associate, Tuft & Associates, c/o cbabjak@tuftassoc.com; phone 312-642-8889.
About American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
This search is being conducted by Tuft & Associates: a specialized executive search firm serving clients in health care, universities, foundations, societies, and trade and professional associations.