Executive Communications Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Executive Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: Association of American Medical Colleges

🔹 Location: Washington, DC (Remote OK)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Higher Education

🔹 Date Posted: April 21, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing internal and external communications for the President and CEO
• Managing the CEO's social media profiles and nominations to key positions
• Employment of strong writing and desk research skills, social media and communications best practices, and knowledge of current issues affecting academic medicine
• Adapting to a rapidly changing environment and learning the CEO’s voice

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of adaptability and quick thinking to keep up with the CEO's evolving needs and a dynamic environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Developing monthly and ad-hoc social media strategy for the CEO

✅ Monitoring relevant online platforms and flagging any relevant posts for discussion

✅ Developing responses to the CEO’s direct messages on social platforms

✅ Traveling to the AAMC Annual Meeting to live-tweet during the event, with photos

✅ Drafting outlines and full drafts of select CEO talking points/scripted speeches and written commentary for external audiences

✅ Conducting ad-hoc research to support the Lead Writer, Executive Communications

✅ Drafting staff messages for the AAMC’s internal newsletter

✅ Managing the process of nominating key individuals on the CEO’s behalf to prestigious membership organizations

✅ Drafting work-back timelines and briefing documents for the CEO with basic event details for speaking engagements

✅ Creating a weekly memo and weekly email updating the CEO on the status of activities, and a monthly grid tracking recent media themes and identifying emerging trends

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of multitasking and prioritization, as the Executive Communications Specialist must manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: 3-5 years of related work experience, including 3-5 years of experience managing a specialized program, managing social media accounts for a prominent individual, and writing in an executive’s voice

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing skills and the ability to adapt to the CEO's voice
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to change course quickly
• Ability to engage actively in organizational meetings, events, and initiatives
• Knowledge of communications best practices and ability to contribute to strategy development for CEO communications

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a higher education or non-profit environment
• Familiarity with the issues affecting academic medicine

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience in communications, social media management, and writing in an executive's voice are highly preferred for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $63,920.00 - $75,200.00 per year

Benefits:

• Remote Work – Fully remote work available for most positions
• Retirement Savings – Generous 403(b) employer contributions and financial wellness resources
• Health & Wellness Perks – Fitness and bicycle subsidies, on-site and virtual wellness programs
• Support & Family Care – Employer paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and back-up care options

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the higher education sector. The actual salary offered may vary based on the selected candidate's work experience, education, and other factors.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education, specifically focused on medical education, research, and patient care

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 1876, with a rich history and established reputation in the academic medicine community

Company Description:

• Serves as the nation’s voice for America’s medical schools and teaching hospitals
• Trains the next generation of doctors, discovers new medical knowledge, and provides superior clinical care
• Fosters an environment that supports the career and personal goals of its staff, with development opportunities, employee support, and activity groups

Company Specialties:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Care
• Medical Research

Company Website: www.aamc.org

ASSUMPTION: The Association of American Medical Colleges is a well-established organization with a strong reputation in the academic medicine community, providing a stable and supportive work environment for its employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the communications department and the organization as a whole

Reporting Structure: This role does not supervise any other positions but works closely with the Lead Writer, Executive Communications, and other departments across the organization

Work Arrangement: Remote OK, with the option to work from home or in the office, depending on the employee's preference and the needs of the role

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement within the communications department, such as a promotion to Lead Writer, Executive Communications
• Expansion into other areas of the organization, such as public affairs, marketing, or public relations
• Professional development opportunities, such as training sessions, workshops, and conferences

ASSUMPTION: This role offers ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization, as well as the chance to work closely with senior leadership and gain valuable experience in executive communications.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with the option to work remotely or in the office

Office Location(s): Washington, DC

Geographic Context:

• Washington, DC is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural scene and numerous historical landmarks
• The Association of American Medical Colleges is located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and other amenities
• The DC area is home to many other higher education institutions, medical centers, and research facilities, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible work arrangement that allows for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and central location of the office provide employees with the flexibility to balance work and personal responsibilities, while also offering easy access to the resources and amenities of the city.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and communication skills
• Adaptability and quick thinking
• Organizational skills and time management
• Cultural fit and alignment with the organization's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the organization's mission and values in your application materials
• Prepare examples of your writing and social media management work to showcase during the interview

ATS Keywords: Executive Communications, Social Media Management, Writing, CEO Communications, Higher Education, Non-Profit, Remote OK

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, as the Association of American Medical Colleges is a well-established and highly regarded organization in the academic medicine community. Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills and prepare thoroughly for the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
• Content management systems (CMS) and project management tools

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with social media platforms and content management systems. Applicants should be comfortable using these tools and technologies in a professional setting.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence in all endeavors
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Integrity and accountability
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Stewardship and sustainability

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on quick decision-making and adaptability
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on communication and coordination
• Results-driven, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes and meeting deadlines

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, with a focus on quick decision-making and adaptability?
• Are you comfortable working collaboratively and communicating effectively with a diverse team of stakeholders?
• Do you have a proven track record of achieving measurable outcomes and meeting deadlines in a professional setting?

ASSUMPTION: The Association of American Medical Colleges values excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as stewardship and sustainability. Applicants should assess their alignment with these values and their comfort with the organization's work style before applying for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the role may be challenging for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
• The need to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously may be challenging for candidates who struggle with time management or prioritization
• The requirement to adapt to the CEO's evolving needs and a rapidly changing environment may be challenging for candidates who prefer a more stable or consistent work environment
• The need to work closely with a diverse team of stakeholders may be challenging for candidates who prefer to work independently or in a more isolated setting

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many exciting opportunities and benefits, it also presents several challenges that candidates should carefully consider before applying.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Communications Manager or Social Media Manager position, but with a focus on executive communications and a higher level of responsibility
• In the higher education sector, this role is similar to a Communications Manager or Social Media Manager position at a university or college, but with a focus on academic medicine and a broader scope of responsibilities
• Career-wise, this role is a stepping stone to more senior communications positions, such as Director of Communications or Chief Communications Officer

ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other communications and social media management positions, but with a unique focus on executive communications and a broader scope of responsibilities. Applicants should carefully consider their career goals and the opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization before applying.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive social media strategy for the CEO, including monthly and ad-hoc content, engagement, and analytics
• Managing the CEO's nominations to prestigious membership organizations, including drafting nomination materials and coordinating with co-nominators
• Drafting a major speech or presentation for the CEO, including research, outlining, and final draft preparation

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a sense of the types of tasks and responsibilities that the Executive Communications Specialist may be expected to perform in this role. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and skills in relation to these projects during the interview process.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for the organization?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing the CEO and the organization, and how can this role help to address them?
• How does the organization support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the communications department?
• What is the work environment like, and how does the organization foster a positive and inclusive culture?
• What are the next steps for growth and advancement within the communications department and the organization as a whole?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions provide a starting point for applicants to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the organization, and the opportunities for growth and advancement. Applicants should tailor their questions to the specific needs and goals of the role and the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your writing and social media management work to showcase during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.